Does 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Require Wiring Harness to Prevent Steering Issue when Flat Towed

Updated 01/20/2020 | Published 01/19/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3325)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(397)

$1577.69

Roadmaster Accessory Kit for Falcon Tow Bars - Tail Light Wiring - Safety Cables - Lock Set

(73)

$317.68

Question:

On a 2020 jeep cherokee trailhawk do I still need a toggle switch to flat tow like my 2014?

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

I believe you are referring to the Jeep/Mopar wiring harness that was needed on the Cherokees to prevent steering system issues when flat towing. The great news is that your 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk does not need that harness as Jeep was able to solve that issue.

The base plate kit part # RM-521451-5 that you referenced is the correct fit for your 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and would be a really great, easy-to-use base plate.

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.