We’ve talked a lot about flat towing here on the Jim Glover CDJRF blog in the past, but it has been almost two years. It’s about time we dive back into the topic again, so today we’re here to help you get a better understanding of how to flat tow a Jeep Wrangler. If you’re packing up and hitting the open road in an RV, the last thing you want to do is leave your adventure vehicle back at home. That camper would have a hard time giving you the same off-road experience as your Wrangler, after all.
Regardless of which modern model you possess, flat towing your Jeep Wrangler is pretty straightforward once you know the exact steps and gear required.
What Gear Do I Need for Flat Towing?
In order to flat tow your Wrangler safely, you’re going to need the right hardware. Check out the table below for a breakdown on the mandatory gear you’ll need.
| Component | Purpose | Key Consideration |
| Base Plate | Connects to the Jeep's frame to provide attachment points. | Custom-fit to your specific Wrangler bumper and trim. |
| Tow Bar | Bridges the gap between your RV hitch and the base plate. | Ensure weight capacity matches or exceeds your Jeep's total weight. |
| Safety Cables | Back-up protection in case the primary hitch connection fails. | Cross them under the coupler in an "X" pattern for maximum safety. |
| Wiring Harness | Syncs your Jeep’s tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights with the RV. | Plug-and-play kits prevent wire-splicing headaches. |
| Supplemental Braking & Breakaway Switch | Applies the Jeep’s brakes in tandem with the motorhome and automatically stops the Jeep if it separates from the RV | Legally required in almost all states for vehicles over 3,000 lbs. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Wrangler
Following our step-by-step guide in the proper sequence is absolutely essential to avoid damaging your transmission or transfer case. Your Wrangler’s owner’s manual should have specific information and steps to follow, so make sure to consult that if you’re able, but the following is the general procedure for 4x4 Jeep Wranglers.
- Park your motorhome and Jeep on level ground. Connect the tow bar, safety cables, breakaway switch, and wiring harness before shifting any gears. Leave the parking brake engaged while connecting.
- Start the Jeep engine and press down on the brake pedal. Shift the transmission into Neutral, then firmly pull the transfer case lever into Neutral (N).
- With the transfer case in Neutral, shift the transmission into Reverse and gently release the brake pedal for a few seconds to ensure the vehicle does not move under engine power. Repeat this test in Drive (or 1st gear for manual models).
- Turn the engine off. Then shift the gear selector into Park if you have an automatic transmission, or into 1st gear (or Reverse) for a manual. Never leave a manual transmission in neutral while flat towing, as it prevents essential internal lubrication.
- Disengage the parking brake so the rear wheels can spin freely.
- Set up your supplemental braking system inside the cabin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Get Ready for the Trail with Jim Glover CDJRF
We’ve already briefly mentioned two critical mistakes to avoid when flat towing, and that’s leaving a manual Wrangler in Neutral and not paying attention to weight limits — remember that the weight includes everything on and in your Jeep, so consider your aftermarket equipment, your cargo, and your passengers as well. But another thing to keep in mind is that you should not flat tow a 2WD Wrangler at all! They can only be flat towed by removing the rear driveshaft, so only consider doing this if your Wrangler is a 4x4 model with a manual transfer case that has a Neutral position.
If you’re gearing up for a big trip and want to make sure your Wrangler is ready for it, we can certainly help here at Jim Glover. If you need further assistance setting up your flat towing system, or making sure you have the right recovery gear and aftermarket upgrades, we’re here to help. Just give us a call here at Jim Glover CDJRF and we’ll help however we can!