An off-road adventure in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great addition to a road trip with your dependable motorhome to enjoy the best of both worlds. It is the convenience of home on wheels and the freedom to explore diverse terrains in your Jeep. And flat-towing is the simplest and most convenient way to do so.
Verify your motorhome’s towing capacity to haul the Jeep’s weight (around 4,513 to 5,356 lbs). Gather the necessary equipment, including a tow bar and safety chains.
Prepare the Jeep for towing by putting it in neutral and disengaging the parking brake. Attach the tow bar and safety chains to the Jeep, then connect it to the RV. Now, you’re ready to hit the road.
Here, we will discuss the step-by-step guide on safely towing your Grand Cherokee behind your motorhome. Let’s get started.
How to Tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee Behind Motorhome: Step-By-Step Guide
Towing allows you the flexibility to use your Jeep for local transportation while still enjoying the comfort of your motorhome for longer journeys. To tow a Grand Cherokee behind your RV, there are several essential steps you need to follow.
- Verify the towing capacity of your motorhome
- Gather the necessary equipment
- Preparing the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Connecting the tow bar
- Safety checks
- Driving considerations
- Maintaining continuous monitoring
Step 01: Verify the Towing Capacity of Your Motorhome
Determine the towing capacity of your RV by referring to the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines. This information will ensure that your motorhome can safely tow the weight of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The towing capacity is the maximum weight your motorhome can handle without causing damage to its transmission and brakes. You should adhere to this capacity to prevent any strain or potential accidents while towing.
Step 02: Gather the Necessary Equipment
To successfully tow a Grand Cherokee behind your motorhome, you must gather the necessary equipment.
- Start by getting a tow bar that’s specifically designed for flatbed towing. Make sure it’s compatible with your RV and can handle the weight of your Grand Cherokee.
- You’ll also need base plates specifically designed for your Grand Cherokee model. These base plates will be installed on your Jeep to provide attachment points for the tow bar.
- Safety cables are also essential to ensure your Jeep remains securely connected to your motorhome.
- Don’t forget to include wiring for brake lights and turn signals. This will ensure that your Jeep’s lights are properly functioning while being towed.
Step 03: Preparing the Jeep Grand Cherokee
To prepare your Jeep Grand Cherokee for towing behind your motorhome, start by disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal. This is an important step to prevent any electrical issues while towing.
Consult the owner’s manual for specific instructions on setting the transmission to the correct mode for flat towing, typically ‘neutral.’ The manual indicates that the transfer case is also in the proper position.
Also, ensure the Grand Cherokee has the necessary towing accessories, such as a tow bar and safety chains. Double-checking all the preparations will ensure a safe and smooth towing experience.
Step 04: Connecting the Tow Bar
Attach the tow bar to the front frame of your Jeep Grand Cherokee using the designated base plates. This step ensures a secure and stable connection between the motorhome and your vehicle.
Begin by aligning the tow bar with the base plates and inserting the necessary pins or bolts to secure it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
Once the tow bar is attached to the Jeep, connect it to the hitch receiver on the motorhome. Ensure that the fit is tight and secure.
Double-check all connections to guarantee that they’re locked and stable before towing. This will help prevent any accidents or damage while on the road.
Step 05: Safety Checks
Before towing your Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a motorhome, conducting thorough safety checks is important to ensure a smooth and accident-free journey.
Ensure the safety cables are properly connected and have enough slack to accommodate turns. This will ensure that the towed vehicle remains securely attached to the RV at all times. Check the wiring for the brake lights and turn signals to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
Also, inspect the tow bar, base plates, and all connections for any signs of wear or damage. Any worn or damaged parts should be replaced to ensure the safety of both vehicles during the towing process.
Step 06: Driving Considerations
Remember that the overall length of your motorhome, including the Jeep, will be longer, so you must be mindful of turns, corners, and parking maneuvers. Take wider turns to prevent the Jeep from hitting curbs or other obstacles. While driving, avoid truck bounce or sway, which are signs of improper weight distribution.
Also, the weight of the towed vehicle will affect your braking distance. Leave plenty of space between your RV and the vehicle in front of you, and plan your stops well in advance. The additional weight may also affect your motorhome’s acceleration and handling, so adjust your driving accordingly.
Step 07: Maintaining Continuous Monitoring
To ensure a safe and trouble-free towing experience, consistently monitor the towed Grand Cherokee behind your motorhome throughout your journey. Regularly check the rearview mirrors to ensure the vehicle tracks properly and that all safety features function as intended.
Be sure to make stops at safe intervals to inspect the connections, especially after the first few miles for long-distance towing. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems.
By continuously monitoring the towed Grand Cherokee, you can promptly address any concerns and ensure everything is in proper working order. This vigilance and attention to detail will help maintain a smooth, worry-free towing experience.
How do I put my Jeep Grand Cherokee in tow mode?
To put your Jeep Grand Cherokee in tow mode, follow these steps:
- Insert a key or any other pointy object into the neutral button on the center console. Apply pressure to engage the button, preventing the transmission from engaging any gears.
- Ensure that the engine is running and your foot is on the brake. This is important for the next step.
- Shift the transmission into neutral. Wait for the ‘N’ light on the dashboard to illuminate, indicating that the vehicle is in tow mode.
- Once the light is on, release the parking brake.
- Ensure that the vehicle is securely connected to your motorhome.
This straightforward process ensures that your Jeep Grand Cherokee is ready for safe and efficient flat towing behind your RV. If you face any difficulty during the process, do not hesitate to seek professional towing company assistance.
Towing your Jeep Grand Cherokee Behind Your RV
Towing a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a motorhome can be easily accomplished by following the proper steps. You can safely transport your Jeep and enjoy your RV adventures by putting the vehicle in tow mode and using a tow dolly.
You will be confident that your Jeep is securely and conveniently hitched to your motorhome using these techniques, allowing for a seamless and enjoyable trip. Further, if you face any issues during the process, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced towing company.
Santa Clara Towing is dedicated to providing safe and reliable service throughout Santa Clara County. We are available 24/7 and use the latest equipment to ensure your Jeep is towed securely. Contact us at 1361 Calabazas Court #2, Santa Clara, CA 95051. For emergencies, call 669-228-5951 or email us at [email protected] for further assistance.