Recommended Components To Flat Tow 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk W/ 2019 Forest River Forester

Updated 06/11/2021 | Published 06/09/2021

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.78

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 5/16" Ring ID

(70)

$1.03

Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(4697)

$523.58

Blue Ox Ascent Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 7,500 lbs

(191)

$1115.34

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

(3249)

$182.44

Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(767)

$1175.00

Question:

I want to flat tow my 2019 Jeep Cherokee behind my 2019 Forest River Forester. I have a Blue Ox tow bar BX7435 and safety cables so my thought is that I should use the Blue Ox BX1143 base plate. Does that seem correct or is there a better option? I also plan to use the SM99251 brake system. One question I have is do I need to have a charge wire from my RV to the Jeep to keep the battery charged or does the brake system not use a lot of power? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Lyle H

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to go over everything you need to flat tow your 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with your 2019 Forest River Forester.

Unfortunately the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit # BX1143 you mentioned is not compatible with your Blue Ox Alexxa Tow Bar BX7435 due to it requiring base plates with a different bracket spacing, so you will need a new tow bar as there is not a base plate kit available that will work with your tow bar..

I still recommend going with the # BX1143 but instead recommend using the Blue Ox Ascent Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 7,500 lbs # BX4375 as it is compatible with the base plate kit.

Since this tow bar includes new safety cables you will not need to purchase them separately.

Next you will need tow bar wiring of which 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 Cherokee and the 7-way to 6-way cord will plug in-between the new connector and the 7-way connector on your Forester to power your vehicles lights while being towed. The included diodes do a great job of protecting your factory wiring from any back feed or damage.

The Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional # SM99251 will work perfectly as a supplemental braking system and is a great choice as once it is a one-time install so you will not need to worry about doing anything each time your flat tow like some of the removable systems.

While the Demco SBS does draw power from your vehicles battery, it will not completely drain it. If you left the vehicle run for a few minutes when you stop for fuel or when stopping to eat you will allow the battery to recharge and stay topped off.

You could also wire a charge line from the 7-way connector of your Forester using some # 10-1-1 to run from the 6-way connector on your Jeep to the positive terminal of the battery using ring terminal # 44-5356A.

Lastly you may need a high-low adapter to level your tow bar to your Forester so I have included a link to a helpful article on 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 check the recreational towing section of your vehicle's owners manual for any flat towing restrictions, or 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.