How to flat tow a Jeep with an RV

Did you know that you can flat tow a Jeep behind an RV and it doesn’t accrue miles?

We get a lot of questions about how we flat tow our Jeep with our RV.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details on why we went with a Jeep, benefits of flat towing versus using a trailer, and the setup we use for flat towing.

Why Jeep?

Jeeps are often recommended by industry experts as the best option for flat towing behind an RV.

Why, you ask? Well, there are several reasons.

First and foremost, Jeeps are designed for off-road use, which means they can handle the wear and tear of being towed behind an RV with ease. They have solid frames, rugged suspensions, and four-wheel drive systems that make them perfect for traversing rough terrain. And because they're built to be tough, they can handle the stresses of towing.

Another advantage of using a Jeep as a tow vehicle is they are relatively low weight compared to other vehicles that can be flat towed. The lighter the vehicle, the less strain it puts on your RV's transmission and brakes. This is especially important if you have a smaller RV or are towing a large trailer. Jeeps are generally lightweight, which means they're easy to maneuver and won't cause undue wear and tear on your RV.

One of the more compelling reasons to choose a Jeep for flat towing is their versatility. Jeeps come in a variety of models, from the smaller Wrangler to the larger Grand Cherokee. This means you can find a Jeep that fits your specific towing needs.

And let's not forget about the cool factor. Jeeps are known for their ability to go off-road and explore the great outdoors, which is exactly what many RVers are looking for. By choosing a Jeep as your tow vehicle, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the freedom to explore off the beaten path and the convenience of having a vehicle to get around once you've set up camp.

Kris taking our Jeep Wrangler off-road in the red rocks near Sedona, Arizona

Not all Jeeps can be flat towed though. It’s critical that you check the owner’s manual or speak with a representative from Jeep to verify first.

Flat towing vs. using a trailer

We’re often asked whether it's better to flat tow a Jeep behind an RV or to put it on a trailer. We recommend flat towing for several key reasons.

Flat towing is more convenient. With a trailer, you spend more time hitching and unhitching the Jeep every time you want to use it. This can be a hassle, especially if you're only going a short distance. Flat towing, on the other hand, allows you to simply attach the Jeep to your RV and go. It can also be difficult to find adequate parking at RV parks and campgrounds for a trailer.

Another advantage of flat towing is that it's more cost-effective. Trailers can be expensive to purchase or rent, and they can also add to your fuel costs. Flat towing, on the other hand, doesn't require any additional equipment, so it won't cost you anything extra.

Our motorhome with our Jeep being flat towed behind it

Also, trailers can be unstable and difficult to maneuver, especially in bad weather or on winding roads. Flat towing, on the other hand, keeps your Jeep close to your RV, which makes it easier to handle and reduces the risk of accidents.

If you're looking for a convenient, cost-effective, and safe way to bring your Jeep along on your RV adventure, flat towing is the way to go.

How to flat tow a Jeep (or another vehicle)

First and foremost, you need to ensure that your vehicle is capable of flat towing.

Then you need to get the right equipment. We use the Blue Ox Apollo tow bar setup to flat tow our Jeep Wrangler. Blue Ox is trusted as the industry leader in flat towing.

Image by Blue Ox website

The Blue Ox tow bar setup is an excellent option for flat towing with your RV. This setup includes a tow bar, base plates, safety cables, and wiring.

Once you have the necessary equipment, the next step is to install the base plates onto your vehicle. The base plates are what will allow the tow bar to connect to your vehicle. You will need to follow the instructions that come with the base plates to install them properly.

After installing the base plates, you then attach the tow bar to your RV. The tow bar will attach to your RV's hitch receiver. Again, you will need to follow the instructions to ensure it's installed correctly.

Once installed, the hookup is very simple and only takes a few minutes. The tow bar uses a simple clevis pin connector and has two mounting points.

Next, connect the safety cables. Safety cables provide an additional level of security in case the tow bar or base plates fail. Make sure the cables are not twisted or tangled and that they have enough slack to allow for turns.

Kris finishing connecting all the safety cables and wiring harness for the tow bar setup

Then, connect the wiring. The wiring allows your vehicle’s brake lights and turn signals to function while being towed. You can get a wiring harness from Blue Ox that connects to your vehicle’s wiring system. You'll need to run the wiring from the front of your vehicle and plug it into your RV's wiring system.

Important note about the install: For proper use, be sure to cross the safety cables and put them under the tow bar. The wiring harness should also go under the tow bar (not on top as pictured above).

You will also need a braking system to flat tow a vehicle in almost all states. We use the Blue Ox Patriot flat tow brake. We put the braking device on the floor of the driver’s side to engage the brake pedal. Once you turn it on, it automatically checks the brake pressure during setup.

Blue Ox Patriot Flat Tow Brake setup inside the Jeep

The last step is to put the Jeep into the right gear. We put the transmission in neutral first, and then put the transfer case in neutral, and finally the transmission in park. Yes, you heard that right – the transmission is in park when the transfer case is in neutral (again, this varies depending on your make and model).

And that's it! You're now ready to flat tow your vehicle with your RV using the Blue Ox tow bar setup.

Also, it does not add any miles to your odometer when towed this way.

Final thoughts

Before hitting the road, test everything to ensure it's working correctly. Make sure your brake lights and turn signals are functioning correctly, and the Jeep is tracking correctly behind the RV.

Flat towing your Jeep or another vehicle with your RV using the Blue Ox tow bar setup is a great way to bring your vehicle along on your next RV adventure!

We’ve towed this way over 30,000 miles across the US with our RV and Jeep. Drop us a comment with any questions you have, we’re happy to help!