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Complete Flat Towing Setup for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe  

Updated 08/15/2026 | Published 08/08/2026

Question:

2021 jeep wrangler 4 door 4xe We’ve never flat towed and would like for you to suggest everything we need to make it happen. I want it to all arrive in a box, I take it to someone to install and then we are ready to roll. Thank you.

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Expert Reply:

For your 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, I’d start with the Roadmaster Direct Connect Base Plate Kit, part # RM-521453-5. This fits if you have the standard factory plastic or steel bumper, and I like the removable arms because when you’re not towing, you can pull them out and keep the front of the Jeep looking pretty clean. If you have an aftermarket bumper with D rings, let me know because that changes what we’ll use.

I’d pair that with the etrailer XHD Non Binding Tow Bar, part # e84ZR. It connects directly to the Roadmaster base plates, has plenty of capacity for the Wrangler, and the non binding releases make life a whole lot easier when you’re trying to unhook on an uneven campsite. It also includes the safety cables, so those are already taken care of.

For your lights, use the Roadmaster Diode Wiring Kit, part # RM-15267, if your Jeep does not have ParkSense. If you do have ParkSense, you’ll need the Smart Diode version, part # RM47ZR, instead. Either way, this lets the Jeep’s factory lights work with the motorhome while you’re towing.

For braking, you need the Curt RVibrake Shadow 2, part # RVI94FR because this vehicle has the equivalent of full-time, "active" brakes. Most of the other braking options are not compatible. It stays installed in the Jeep, gives you proportional braking, and includes battery charging, so you don’t have to worry about a charge line. I like the touchscreen monitor "bullseye" that gives audible and visual alerts in the cab.

The last thing we’ll want to check is tow bar height. The XHD has some adjustment built in, but measure from the ground to the center of your motorhome receiver and from the ground to the center of the Jeep’s base plate attachment point while they’re both on level ground. If we need any additional rise or drop, I can help you pick the right adapter.

You’ll also want to follow the recreational towing procedure in your Jeep owner’s manual each time you hook up. Before we button everything up, does your Wrangler have the standard factory bumper, and does it have ParkSense? If you provide your zip code, I can find an installer for you.

expert reply by:
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Heather A
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Sandra S. profile picture

Sandra S.

8/12/2026

Wow. Thank you very much!!!!!

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

8/13/2026

@SandraS You are welcome Sandra! I forgot to mention, when you take it to the installer you can leave the tow bar at home, they will just need the wiring, braking system and base plate. Let me know if you need help finding an installer!
Ken H. profile picture

Ken H.

8/13/2026

Heather and Sandra: if you purchase the road guard screening and have someone else installing you may need to have the towbar with for bracket installation and initial adjustment positioning--
Nick N. profile picture

Nick N.

8/13/2026

Easy installation. Works just fine with wrangler jk but for the jl you need to make sure the turning radius is adequate. We needed to add a 9” extension to avoid a rv to vehicle bumper collision in tight turns. Happy camping.

Eric K. profile picture

Eric K.

8/13/2026

Hi Sandra we used this same baseplate to flat tow our 2024 Wrangler 4xe and it works great. I would definitely also recommend getting the Roadmaster Easy-Pull Tow Bar Base Pins, they let you use your whole hand strength to pull the pins when you need to disconnect the jeep vs the provided pins that have a small ring you can generally only hook one finger into to pull the pin free. If you're ever on a slight incline or something when you disconnect it makes it a lot easier!

Dick F. profile picture

Dick F.

8/13/2026

Base plate installation - depending on the trim line, the JL Wrangler will require modification of the rock guard and possibly the bumper. Unless you are handy with a die grinder, I would recommend professional installation of the base plate. The Curt braking system is one of the few that have a charge line built in - a necessity because the Jeep's electrical system "wakes up" every time brakes are applied. Without the charge line, you could possible have a dead battery at the end of a full day towing. Ask me how I know.

Ken H. profile picture

Ken H.

8/13/2026

Sandra: My wife and I purchased the Roadmaster system for her 2022 Jeep Wrangler to be able to flat tow behind our Thor Windsport 34R. We have made 3 trips to Florida since 2025 and several others to Chicago and Kansas city with no real issues. I installed everything myself over a long weekend( i am a mechanic by trade as well ) after reviewing the E-Trailer installation videos which are all excellent. If you are handy that may save you high installation costs from 1500 to 2000 bucks or more. we installed the Demco brake assist and the Roadmaster curtain to help reduce the rock chips and am glad i did. All in all I highly recommend viewing the videos several times as there are a few even if you have someone else install it to appreciate how its all put together. I have become an Et-railer advocate as their support and videos were great and help me prepare. My wife and I hook and unhook the Jeep together in just a few minutes after first few times together and either of us can do it alone as well ---together practice and developing a consistent procedure is easy to do. may I also recommend finding a storage bin or small sachel to store the tow spigots in when not in use so that theyre handy and can be protected from rattling around. Highly recommend E-Trailer .products and associates support.Xafe travels--- P,S, be sure to place your transmission in "Flat tow mode" which can be found how to do in your Jeep manual.

Heather A. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Heather A.

8/14/2026

@KenH Thanks for sharing all of this, Ken! It’s great to hear how well the setup has worked for you and your wife, especially after that many trips. I really like the tip about keeping the tow bar parts together in a storage bin too. Of all the trips you’ve taken with the Jeep in tow, has Florida been your favorite destination?
Ken H. profile picture

Ken H.

8/15/2026

@HeatherA-- "Smiles by the miles always!!"--- Last Florida trip made it all the way to Sugarloaf Key --first key north of Key West with RV and drove Jeep to Key West only a few minutes away! Towing the Jeep with the Roadmaster system was best investment made. Additionally a Curt 2 inch drop extension was purchased to allow tow Bar and Jeep connection to be closer in line-- i believe the measurement of 16 inches comes to mine from ground to tow bar level (+/- 3 inches level recommended } and our coach height was just out of range on plus side so I elected to install the Curt adapter ( p/n CZ27KR) ( dont forget the extra locking pin) between coach hitch and tow bar to lower it closer to level. All in all it works great!!

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