How To Setup a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk for Flat-Towing

Updated 05/08/2024 | Published 01/26/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(3699)

$575.00

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(590)

$1474.63

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3625)

$183.40

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1489)

$44.78

Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs

(864)

$1545.00

Question:

after I set up the jeep for towing, should the ignition be in the off, accfoot or start position??? Want to make sure the front wheels turn/track with the motorhome.

asked by: Wayne I

Expert Reply:

I have attached for you below the recommended procedure to flat-tow a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk per the owner's manual. The last step states to place the ignition in the off position so that is what I must recommend.

1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground, and shift the transmission to park.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Turn the ignition to the on/run mode, but do not start the engine.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Shift the transmission into neutral.
6. Using a ballpoint pen or similar object, push and hold the recessed neutral (N) button (located by the selector switch) for four seconds. The light behind the N symbol will blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to neutral (N) is complete.
7. After the shift is completed and the neutral (N) light stays on, release the neutral (N) button.
8. Start the engine.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Shift the transmission into reverse.
11. Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
12. Shift the transmission to neutral.
13. Apply the parking brake
14. Shift the transmission into park, turn the engine off, and remove the key fob.
15. Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
16. Turn the ignition to the on/run mode, but do not start the engine.
17. Press and hold the brake pedal.
18. Release the parking brake.
19. Turn the ignition off, remove the key fob, and release the brake pedal.

If you do not already have the parts needed to flat-tow the vehicle then you can take a look below at some of my recommendations below.

Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit part # RM-521451-5
Roadmaster Nighthawk All Terrain Tow Bar part # RM-676
Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267
Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System part # BLU37TR
Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles part # RM-156-25

expert reply by: Conner L

Stacey

4/6/2024

Will towing in this way deplete the car battery? Do I have to buy some kind of kit to keep the battery topped off? I keep reading different thoughts on this. Some say if the car is in the AUX position when towing it will drain battery (but the Cherokee should be in the OFF position so it won't drain?). I'm confused and don't want to arrive anywhere with a dead car battery. Thanks for you help. Stacey

Bryce D.

5/8/2024

@Stacey Yes towing your Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk will drain your battery so you're going to nee the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 as well so you don't end up with a dead battery.

Stacey

4/6/2024

Side note: we are using the air force one braking system. Stacey