Can 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport With Manual Transmission Be Flat Towed?  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport FWD has a manual transmission it is able to be flat towed as long as you put the transmission in neutral and turn the key to the ACC position.

To flat tow your Patriot you will need a base plate kit, tow bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system.

Starting with the base plate kit I recommend the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1130 which have removeable arms and really blend in to the front of your Jeep as you can see in the included picture. For a tow bar compatible with this base plate kit I recommend the Blue Ox Alpha 2 Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 6,500 lbs # BX7380 which has a 6500lb weight capacity which is plenty for your Patriot, and includes safety cables so you will not need to purchase them separately.

For tow bar wiring I recommend the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 which will add a 6-way connector to the front of your vehicle, and the included 6-way to 7-way cord will plug into the 7-way connector on your motorhome. The included diodes are used to protect your factory wiring from any back feed or damage.

Moving on to a supplemental braking system I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR due to it being very easy to install, and since it is completely removed when you are done flat towing it can be used in multiple vehicles if needed.

Lastly you may need a high-low adapter to level your tow bar to your tow vehicle so I have included a link to a helpful article that goes over how to measure for the correct adapter, and a link to all of our high-low adapters for you to look through.

It is always a good idea to review the recreational towing section of your vehicles owners manual for any restrictions regarding flat towing, and for any special steps required to make your vehicle ready to be flat towed.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

1

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1130 Installed On Jeep Patriot
(click to enlarge)