Does 2019 Jeep Cherokee Require Special Harness When Flat Towing for Steering Wobble  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Mopar did make an update for the newer Jeep Cherokees like your 2019 model so now the harness for the steering wobble issue isn't required thankfully. For full instructions on how to flat tow your vehicle you should always consult the owners manual or with a Jeep dealer but from what I found online it looks like it's a pretty extensive procedure that involves turning the ignition to run to complete a few processes and then eventually back to OFF when you are finally ready to tow. I'd recommend going over it on page 388 of your owners manual.

The Roadmaster base plate kit part # RM-521451-5 that you referenced is the correct base plate kit to use and would be what I recommend based on how easy it is to connect/disconnect. I attached an install video for this as well.

In addition to the base plates, you will also need a compatible tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking to flat tow your vehicle. The most popular compatible tow bar is the Falcon All Terrain, # RM-522. This has non-binding arms which makes the setup very easy to connect/disconnect.

For lighting/safety cables, locks, and covers for the tow bar we have the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain kit part # RM-9243-1 which comes with all of that as one part number. The diode kit that comes with this allows you to splice into the taillight wiring so that your RV controls the vehicle taillights and does not require drilling into the taillight housings. This comes with a round 6-way connector that you will install on the front of your towed vehicle and enough coiled wire to go from there to the RV.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking in the vehicle being flat towed. The easiest system to set up and use is the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR, that applies the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Most likely you will also need a high low adapter so that the tow bar will be level when you are flat towing. I attached a link to a page that has all of the ones we carry.

I have included a couple of helpful links to our articles on flat towing for you. Be sure to consult the vehicle owners manual for more specific information on flat towing your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Noah N.

1/14/2020

Thanks for the quick response to my question. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee manual step 20 does say turn off the ignition. However, the video you have for the installation of the Even Brake part number RM-9400 specifically says put the fuze tap in a fuze location that is only on when the key is in the on Assume run vice aux. position. The video for the Roadmaster Stoplight switch kit part RM-751471 says install fuze tap in a fuze that has power when the jeep is in tow mode. So I am confused. Also, it seems to me when the cars ignition is in the off position the steering wheel will be locked forward and not turn to follow the RV.

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Jason S.

1/17/2020

On your 2019 Jeep Cherokee, you will need to follow the owners manual so you don't cause harm to your vehicle. The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee video at about the 18 minute mark says to run the power wires to a source that has power all the time. You will want direct power for the Even Brake # RM-9400 and Roadmaster Stop Light Switch # RM-751471 so you can ensure you can have power to both components when towing. When the installer says "tow mode" (near the 1 minute mark on the other attached video) regarding the fuse he is stating you need to have power even when the vehicle is in manufacturer tow mode so the fuse tap needs to be installed where there is power even when the ignition is in the off position. You want to follow the instructions for flat towing or recreational towing in your owners manual. The process that they have you go through ensures the vehicle will steer and operate properly without damaging any components.

Helpful Links

tv-install-roadmaster-even-brake-portable-braking-system-2019-jeep-grand-cherokee-rm-9400.aspx

tv-install-roadmaster-stop-light-switch-kit-2018-jeep-cherokee-rm-751471.aspx

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