What Do I Need To Flat Tow My 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Do I Need Something For My Power Steering

Updated 11/13/2021 | Published 11/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs

(774)

$854.52

Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2

(409)

$98.75

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(686)

$487.39

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

(635)

$51.07

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

(768)

$1175.00

Question:

Do I need the power steering activated for flat towing ? And how do I accomplish that?

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

There is a trim level of your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee that can be flat towed. You are able to flat tow a Grand Cherokee model with the Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II with 4-Lo Range. With regard to the special kit for the power steering, there was a Mopar tech bulletin (08-022-16) that states that if your vehicle was built after February 16, 2016, that kit is not necessary. I recommend that you contact your Jeep dealer for clarification. The necessary kit, if you need it, is available through your Jeep dealer.

If you are able to flat tow your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will need a few items to get started. You will need a base plates, a tow bar, safety cables, and a supplemental braking system. Here are the items I recommend for your system. They are the following:

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms, part # e98950
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs, part # BX7420
Blue Ox 7' Safety Cables - 10,000 lbs - Qty 2, part # BX88197
Demco SBS Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System - Proportional, part # SM99251

The brake system is proportional, so the same braking force you apply to your RV brakes, will be applied to your flat towed vehicle's brakes. Going with the etrailer and Blue Ox combination of base plate and tow bar eliminates the need for an adapter. For peace of mind, I also recommend adding the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit, part # RM-751471. The addition of this switch kit will alert you whenever the brakes are being applied in your tow vehicle, helping to avoid damage to your towed vehicle.

I have included product description links, video installation links, a demo video, and a how-to article for setting up your Jeep Grand Cherokee for flat towing below.