How To Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler behind an RV

In this video I go over how I flat tow a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited behind my RV. Please consult your Jeep, RV and tow system manuals for your setup before you flat tow your Jeep. Watch other videos, read forum posts, etc to figure out what will work for you. This video is for entertainment purposes and I am not responsible for any accident or injury as a result of improper towing.
I failed to mention, that I tow without the keys in the ignition. Somewhere around the 2008 or 2009 model Jeep removed the ignition lock. Please consult your manual and test your Jeep to confirm this for yourself.
Below are the items I installed in order to flat tow the Jeep.
Rock Hard 4x4 Bumper: www.rockhard4x4...
Rock Hard 4x4 Towbar Brackets:
www.rockhard4x4...
Hopkins Taillight Harness:
www.etrailer.c...
Blue Ox Towbars:
www.blueox.com/...
Blue Ox Patriot brake system (I have the older version):
www.blueox.com/...

[@caseymaroney5028]

Rough Country makes a bumper as well....

[@glennsmith2182]

Well done, detailed yet concise.

[@mrp410]

Well done - wish all instructional videos were this clear and concise.

[@curtisanderson2238]

Very informative & well put together video. Thank you from Alaska.

[@ForgottenWinter]

This is very helpful.

[@RichGiordano-q8h]

Shouldn’t safety chains go to the frame, not the bumper?

[@gregmacklem]

I checked the tire bar by Blue Ox and neither the chains or tow bar connections are on the frame. Obviously the bar itself connects to the frame. With my setup, the tow bar connection points are directly bolted to the frame horns. I have full confidence the jeep isn’t going anywhere it isn’t towed. :)

[@gregmacklem]

Also, those connection points are used for winching and are quite sturdy.

[@RichGiordano-q8h]

I tow directly off the D rings on my wrangler. I bought a bumper that was rated by manufacturer to tow from D rings. Now tow bar. Safety cables go from frame of Rv to frame of jeep

[@alexanderdavila4087]

I love it that’s cool for camping 🏕 and traveling 🧭

[@tonygallo3257]

why did you have the Ebrake on while testing to see if it moves?

[@gregmacklem]

You have to have it on before you get it fully hooked up so it doesn't roll away. Fortunately I have never forgot and left it on while towing.

[@robertallen231]

..also am going to haul a lifted Wrangler (two-door) soon..thx for the info on the Patriot system...wished you'd had a shot of your rv and jeep...

[@jasonlessard2373]

The “manual “ lever on the remote is good to test the braking system and Set the gain.

[@Jason-Richards]

Pretty good review, but you tested the transfer case was in neutral with the parking brake on. You probably want that off when you put the transmission in reverse or drive to confirm the transfer case is disengaged.

[@gregmacklem]

Thanks. I do it that way now.

[@Jason-Richards]

Greg Macklem I’m curious, why do you do it with the parking brake on? I’m new to flat towing.

[@gregmacklem]

@@Jason-Richards Personally I don't think it matters. If you have the parking brake on when in drive or reverse the car will still try to move and you will feel it. Now I do take the brake off after I get it hooked up and when I test it.

[@spadog63]

Thanks, that was very helpful. I wasn't sure how to get it in neutral and turn the key off. I was told by someone else that a fuse had to be removed from the fuse box. Do you know anything about that?

[@gregmacklem]

No fuse needs pulled because you tow it without the key in the ignition.

[@spadog63]

@@gregmacklem Thanks! I was assuming that but you know what assumptions led too. 😉

[@tonygallo3257]

What position do you leave your Key in?

[@gregmacklem]

Check your specific Jeep, but my Jeep does not have a steering wheel lock so you don’t leave the key in it. Jeep removed the steering wheel lock around 2008 I think.

[@tonygallo3257]

@@gregmacklem just checked it, thank you for the response

[@__WJK__]

Anyone by chance know if the BlueOx hitches require drilling new holes to mount the (BO) bumper brackets to the OEM ('99) Wrangler bumpers, or do the (BO) hitch mounting brackets mount up to pre-existing Wrangler OEM bumper holes(?)

[@gregmacklem]

AFAIK, the bumper brackets, by law, are supposed to bolt through the frame so I would think brackets made for a '99 are made to bolt to factory holes. The question becomes, does the factory bumper have bolts through the front. On my JKU, the factory bumper is plastic with a thin strip of metal behind it. So I bought a bumper that exposes the bolts so I could run the brackets on the bumper.

[@brianlane9534]

I know this is old... This seems to work from inertia. #5 senses the slowing down and applies the brakes. I'm sure it is well designed as to not over or under brake. What happens if the tow vehicle inadvertently slows? For instance your foot slips off the gas? Or perhaps a bump? Will the power unit support 10 to 12 hours of continuous driving?

[@gregmacklem]

It does work from inertia, it has a sensor similar to what cell phones have. There are 2 settings on it to control how sensitive it is to braking and how hard it breaks. When I towed my Honda CRV, a lighter vehicle, I set both of those back 1 level. When I towed my Jeep I set how hard it brakes up 1 level since it is a heavier car. In 6 years of using it, I only had 1 hard braking event and it did skid the tires of the Honda just a bit but that was before I dialed back the settings. It uses a super capacitor and not a battery so it require the car battery to stay charged. I stopped halfway through my longer trips and idled the car for 20 mins while I ate lunch and never killed the car battery. There is a unit you can install that will take power from the 7 pin hitch on the RV and charge the car battery but I didn't have that. Based on my experience, I would own another one. They have had at least 2 revisions of this unit since I had mine. Also, if you are towing a Wrangler, you can get a hitch that pulls a cable that pulls the brake pedal and not need any power or expensive brake controller. My brother used that and it is what I would do for towing a Jeep..

[@brianlane9534]

@@gregmacklem thanks

[@ronbowman4145]

What about the steering wheel lock? Do you have to turn the key on the release the lock so the front tires will turn and follow the RV?

[@gregmacklem]

As I stated in the video, I can only say what works for me and you should check all owner manuals and research the topic for yourself. That said, somewhere around 2008/2009, Jeep removed the steering wheel lock, but please test yours. I towed my 2017 Jeep locally first to be sure. I have towed it several times including trips of more than 300 miles and I do not leave the key in the ignition. I get everything set and then pull the key out, lock the doors and put them in my pocket. Now my Honda CR-V is a different story. I have to leave the key in it to keep the wheels unlocked.

[@weisser30]

You have to keep your wheels unlocked wouldn't the steering wheel possibly turn to far past and cause the wheels to lock to one side

[@MrHardrock]

Same procedure for gearing for a 2021 jeep wrangler JL?

[@gregmacklem]

I would bet so but I don't know for sure. The gear should be the same. The first thing you would need to confirm is if you have to leave the keys in to unlock the steering wheel. I don't very much that you do. Second thing is if you put the auto teams in park, which I bet you do. The owners manual should have this info for flat towing. Good luck.

[@MrHardrock]

@@gregmacklem okay. Thank you I'm going over it right now. As if I remember correctly the steering wheel does not lock this is a push start keyless ignition

[@jasonnourry9612]

What about the steering on the Jeep. Does it lock somehow with the wheels straight?

[@gregmacklem]

No, the Jeep doesn’t have a steering lock and you don’t want it too. Most cars require you put a key in the ignition and turn it one stop to unlock the wheel. But Jeep removed the ignition lock some years ago.

[@condor4679123]

@@gregmacklem Not correct my stock 95 YJ has a steering lock

[@natejakeflores1886]

What type of rv do you have? And is your jeep 2dr? Or 4dr? I have a 2018 Thor 30D. And wondering if I can pull a 4dr wrangler.

[@gregmacklem]

I have a Sunseeker 2860DS which is made on the Ford E450 chassis with the V10 engine. It is technically rated to tow 7,500 lbs though it only has a 5,000 lb hitch on it. My Jeep is the 4 door. It tows it fine though I do know it’s back there.

[@static75]

When do you use the levers on the tow bar?

[@gregmacklem]

The bars are telescoping and will lock into full extension for towing. You use the two levers to unlock them and take the tension off the bars. This allows you to hook up the Jeep from a range of distance rather than getting the Jeep perfectly into place if the bars were a fixed length.

[@static75]

So, after you get everything hooked up, do the telescoping bars "automatically" lock into full extension, or do you have to drive the RV forward (or push the toad back) in order to get them fully extended, and then manually lock them?

[@gregmacklem]

Brian Munari you have to drive forward our push the cat backward. Not a big deal, just pull forward slowly and it will lock.

[@static75]

Still doesn't quite answer my question. Do they "automatically" lock once they get fully extended, or do you have to move the vehicles away from each other and then move the levers yourself in order to lock them?

[@gregmacklem]

Brian Munari yes, when you pull forward they will lock automatically.

[@BenjaminKeith]

$1600 for Johnny?!?!?! No, thanks. I'll go manual inertia braking instead. Nice video.

[@gregmacklem]

Had I known about it at the time so would I.

[@yobabybubba]

Great video, thank you very much. I have a 2021 Forest river Sunseeker 2850SLE. Also E450 engine but i have the 8 cylinder. I just bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sport S. Do you think it will tow my Unlimited 4 door Jeep Wrangler with no problem? It has a hitch rating of 7500 pounds as well. The RV shop that will be installing my towing system. They ordered everything I need with everything Blue Ox. My cigarrette lighter shuts off when the jeep is off. I guess they have to run a separate wife for that. 🤷‍♂️

[@gregmacklem]

I'm guessing it has the new 7.3l V8? If so, it will tow the Jeep for sure. That engine is much more powerful than the V10. Surprised to hear that the 12v outlet shuts off but it is easy to run a dedicated one. I did for a Dometic fridge I carry in the back. Good luck.

[@yobabybubba]

@@gregmacklem thank you Greg.

[@jasonunderwood9240]

Where can I get a bumper like that ? What brand is it?

[@gregmacklem]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, must not have gotten a notice about your comment. I love the bumper, it is a Rock Hard 4x4 bumper. I have had it for 2.5 years, driven 42,000 miles and towed it behind my RV for another 12,000 miles and it still looks great. Google the name and you will find their website.

[@pamsimonson5500]

Just like this

[@ometec]

Are you still around?

[@gregmacklem]

Yes. I am still RVing and Jeeping. I just haven't done a video in quite a while.

[@alexanderdavila4087]

👍

[@danmurphy1742]

Very thorough and logical in your description.

[@firemarshal17]

I'm going to be towing a 2011 two door Jeep Wrangler with a 4 inch lift. It will be on the back of my 1 ton Chevy pick up. Can I use an extension on my truck hitch in conjunction with the blue ox hitch so that I can clear the back of my camper?

[@gregmacklem]

I am afraid I don't know the answer. You could contact Blue Ox customer support and see what they have to say.

[@barster05]

Greg Macklem what did you find out. I want to do the same thing

[@barster05]

Dennis Goebelt what did you find out. I want to do the same thing

[@danmurray4594]

very nice.. I have a the patriot in my Escape Hybrid. thinking of going to a Wrangler... Just not sure I want the added payment, But I'd LOVE to have the wrangler... anyone want to donate to the cause? :)

[@RVingTheCountry]

Dang. All this to tow my Jeep? I just bought an RV. I hope I can find a simpler system

[@gregmacklem]

Check into the tow bar that compresses and pulls on the brakes with a cable. Then you won't need an electric brake controller. The towbar, lights and safety chains will be the same. It is a bit to get your car set up to be towed, but after that it is pretty painless to hookup and unhook.

[@Florida_Man_Robb]

Greg Macklem Ready Brute Elite includes the cable brake system.

[@canuckfobroader9553]

Only option is a trailer/dolly, that's about as easy as it gets, but its a huge PITA to park and store said trailer

[@basicinstinct911]

so you leave key in with it turned off at the end?

[@gregmacklem]

No, you can pull the keys, modern Jeeps don’t have a steering wheel lock. Check yours to be sure though.