Can a Front Mount Trailer Hitch be Used to Flat Tow a 1991 Jeep Cherokee

Updated 04/19/2013 | Published 04/18/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

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Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

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$525.00

Roadmaster Universal Magnetic Tow Lights with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector

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$80.73

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

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$775.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

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Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

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Question:

Ive always called the front a spotting hitch.Can I both tow and be towed on this hitch? In other words is there a coupler atachment avilable?

asked by: J. T

Expert Reply:

A front mount trailer hitch like # 31084 can be used for a winch or for pushing around a trailer to get it in the right position but you can not use it to tow your 1991 Jeep Cherokee. You would not be able to turn properly with a single attachment point at the center of a 4 wheeled vehicle.

To flat tow a vehicle you will need a special attachment called base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and supplemental braking. Base plates and a front mount hitch cannot both be installed at the same time. They will interfere with each other.

If you want to flat tow your Cherokee you can use XL base plates # 1418-1. These provide the secure attachment point for the tow bar. For a compatible tow bar the most popular option is the Falcon 2 # RM-520. For safety cables use # RM-643.

For lighting I recommend the Roadmaster # RM-2120 tow light kit.. it is inexpensive and easy to install.

And finally, most states require a supplemental braking system in the vehicle being flat towed. I recommend the proportional Even Brake system, # RM-9400, because it is easy to install and use compared to other braking systems. It applies the brakes in proportion to how much the towing vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

Be sure to consult the owners manual to determine if your Cherokee can be flat towed and if there are any special recommendations or requirements from the manufacturer. I have included some helpful links on flat towing for you.