Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2017 Jeep Wrangler For The Least Intrusive Look

Published 03/30/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox Alpha 2 Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,500 lbs

(452)

$712.21

Blue Ox Patriot Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional

(397)

$1499.89

etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(305)

$819.77

etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(660)

$452.82

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

(3187)

$175.28

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

(1201)

$42.86

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes

(140)

$67.45

12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps

(331)

$40.45

Question:

I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with a standard bumper. Im looking at the Blue Ox Alpha 2. This is new to me, so I dont know all the supplemental parts needed for the Jeep beyond just the tow bar i,e., base plate, braking system, wiring, etc.. I think I saw an option where some of the parts come off the Jeep when not in use so its not as intrusive to the look. I would prefer that option if possible. Thank you,

asked by: Matthew W

Helpful Expert Reply:

No problem, I have the following recommendations for you to consider for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited:

Baseplate: Out of the options available the etrailer Invisible Base Plate Kit # e98949 is going to be the least visible since the crossbar is hidden behind the front skid plate instead of sitting out in front of it like the Blue Ox and Roadmaster baseplates.

Tow Bar: To avoid spending extra money on an adapter I recommend using the etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e34ZR instead of the Blue Ox Alpha 2 # BX7380. This tow bar has the safety cables bracketed to the arms so you don't have to ever worry about them dragging on the ground. The head and shank are also adjustable to help keep the tow bar level between the motorhome and Wrangler to also help prevent you from having to purchase a high/low adapter. One could still be needed depending on the height difference between the baseplate and motorhome hitch so I've attached our help article on determining the correct adapter.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This kit will splice into your Jeep's tail light wiring for a completely hidden one-time installation to properly display your motorhome's traffic signals through your Wrangler. The excess cable can also be held in place on the bar with the clip on the # e34ZR to keep it up off the ground.

Braking System: For the least invasive system you'll want the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR. This system sits in front of the seat and clamps onto the brake pedal. It has an inertia sensor that detects when your motorhome's momentum starts to slow and starts to activate the brakes in your Wrangler. It will require you to install a 12 Volt Outlet # RM-9332 in order to power the unit since the outlets in your vehicle will be dead while the vehicle is off. When not towing the # BLU37TR can be easily removed and stored.

I recommend also installing a charge line # RM-156-25 to keep your Wrangler's battery charged as you tow, otherwise you'll have to stop every few hours to run the engine and charge it back up. If your motorhome doesn't have a charge line already ran then you'll also want the # RM-156-75.