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Flat towing, often referred to as dinghy towing, involves keeping all four wheels of your vehicle on the ground during transportation. This method is frequently used by individuals owning RVs or motor homes when they desire a more compact car, called a "toad," for shopping excursions or short journeys while out camping. Many Jeep models are suitable for this type of towing, and these vehicles themselves have towing capabilities too. Here’s some additional information: Each Jeep model available in the U.S. ranked according to their towing capability .

While every Jeep Wrangler Both the "Gladiator" model along with Cherokee and Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with Active Drive II or Quadra-Trak II systems can be safely flat towed, but this must not be done with a Jeep Renegade or Compass. In essence, if there’s no method to disconnect the drivetrain and enable the wheels to rotate freely, you'll inflict significant harm on the vehicle during flat towing.

To ensure safety when freeing your vehicle’s wheels, remove the driveshafts and secure them using bailing wire or strong zip ties attached to the frame. Alternatively, switch the transfer case into neutral and set the transmission of an automatic to park; for manual transmissions, leave it engaged in first gear before towing begins. Our household bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport explicitly for towing purposes alongside our Class A motorhome. This necessitated adding multiple components including a baseplate, tow bar, light kit, as well as integrating a braking mechanism to comply with regulations and enhance security during transport.

Read more: The 29 Most dependable SUVs of all time, ranked

Attaching the Jeep to the Tow Vehicle

The initial step in flat towing a Jeep involves attaching a base plate, typically made from high-strength steel and secured to the vehicle’s frame with bolts. For my setup, I chose to use this method. Blue Ox Custom Tow Bar Mount Plate This option suits JL series Wranglers. While there are less expensive choices available, I opted for the Blue Ox product due to its high number of reviews and an average star rating of 4.6 out of 5.

After obtaining the baseplate, you have the option of having it fitted by a nearby store or doing it yourself. My spouse and I decided to install it ourselves when we were given a quote of approximately $900 for professional installation, and we discovered this was a feasible route. U-Haul mounting bracket setup instructions The video was quite beneficial.

Next, you will require a tow bar, essentially a hinge-supported brace formed in the shape of the letter “Y.” One end features a typical trailer hitch receiver, whereas the dual limbs attach to the baseplate on your Jeep using metal pins. Personally, I decided to use the Blue Ox BX4330 Class 3 towing hitch Thanks to its excellent reviews and user-friendly design. Similar to base plates, cheaper alternatives do exist; however, the adjustable arms on the Blue Ox system made aligning the Jeep behind the motorhome much easier. Occasionally, the appropriate accessories can significantly enhance usability.

Headlights and a functional parking brake are essential.

Headlights are crucial when towing, as they ensure compliance with legal standards and enhance visibility for safety reasons. I bought the Blue Ox EZ Light wiring harness kit BX88368 since it works well with numerous vehicles and seamlessly connects with current lighting setups. My spouse and I used zip ties to secure the wires from the taillights to the mounting plate by maneuvering beneath the Wrangler, staying clear of regions prone to heat buildup. The wiring harness culminates in a connector at the baseplate designed for a simple attachment to the towing vehicle’s four-pin system. A significant advantage of dedicating considerable effort to work on the Wrangler was discovering the secret Easter egg on our Jeep .

Another mandatory item for flat towing across most of the U.S. is typically a trailer brake, though this requirement can vary based on weight thresholds set by each state. We opted for the Blue Ox BRK2022 trailer brake kit for flat towing Since it was the sole well-known item accessible on Amazon, this gadget attaches to your Jeep’s brake pedal. When the lead vehicle decelerates, the mechanism senses it and pushes against the front seat to exert variable force on the Jeep's brake pedal. Additionally, it connects to the 12-volt power outlet and comes with a remote stopping control along with an urgent link to the primary vehicle. In case of separation between both cars, this setup guarantees that the brakes will immediately bring the Jeep to a halt.

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Read the original article on solusikaki.com .

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