Looking to tow your Jeep Wrangler JL behind your motorhome? We’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll look at things like recommended motorhomes, the specific process for getting in and out of the vehicle’s tow mode, and any peripheral products that you’ll need in order to hit the road. Let’s get started!
WEIGHT & RECOMMENDED MOTORHOMES
While the Wrangler’s weight does vary slight from year-to-year, things are relatively consistent. You’ll be looking at a curb weight of about 4,000-4,500 lbs. Again, there are outliers (and certain packages can increase that weight further), but you’ll be right in this range by and large.
That means we can use just about any Class A or Class C motorhome to tow a Wrangler - Class C RVs have a towing capacity of anywhere between 3,000-8,000 lbs. and Class A RVs typically have a capacity north of 10,000 lbs.
The only RVs that may be unable to tow a Wrangler are Class B motorhomes and some lighter Class Cs - if you’re in doubt, double-check with your coach’s manufacturer to see what they recommend.
DOLLY TOWING VS. FLAT/TRAILER TOWING
Before we go further, a bit of housekeeping.
Jeep has a very clear warning in their Owner’s Manual that we should address here: If you have a 4WD model of the Wrangler, you cannot dolly tow the vehicle. You have to either tow with all four wheels on the ground (flat tow) or all four wheels off the ground (trailer tow). Since we’re covering flat towing here specifically, that’s doesn’t impact us moving forward - but it is worthwhile to note since it’s such a critical warning.
GETTING IN & OUT OF TOW MODE
Now, let’s take a look at actually getting our Wrangler into its tow mode so that we can proceed. Another quick note: Because the JL encompasses every year model since 2018, you’re going to want to double-check your specific Owner’s Manual to make sure it lines up with what we have here. Not doing so could cause damage to your vehicle. However, the method below is generally correct for the JL.
Here is the process that Jeep outlines in the manual for getting the vehicle into its towing mode:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop on level ground.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift the automatic transmission into NEUTRAL or press the clutch pedal on a manual transmission.
- Turn the engine off.
- Shift the transfer case lever into (N) Neutral.
- Start the engine.
- Shift the transmission into REVERSE.
- Release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions) for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
- Repeat steps seven and eight with automatic transmission in DRIVE or manual transmission in FIRST gear.
- Turn the engine off.
- Firmly apply the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission into PARK or place manual transmission in gear (NOT in NEUTRAL).
- Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar.
- Release the parking brake.
The most important thing we’re doing here is getting the transfer case into neutral. Fortunately, Jeeps make this pretty straightforward. At this point, the only thing left to do is to make sure that we’ve satisfied any peripheral requirements (see below) before we start driving.
But what about when we get to where we’re going? What then?
Well, fortunately, getting the brake out of its tow mode is also fairly easy. Here are the steps Jeep outlines for that process:
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, leaving it connected to the tow vehicle.
- Firmly apply the parking brake.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
- Turn the engine off.
- Shift the transfer case lever to the desired position.
- Shift the automatic transmission into PARK, or place manual transmission in NEUTRAL.
- Release the brake pedal.
- Disconnect vehicle from the tow vehicle.
- Start the engine.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Release the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission into gear, release the brake pedal (and clutch pedal on manual transmissions), and check that the vehicle operates normally.
As you can see, this is essentially just the reverse of what we did before. Once we’ve followed these steps, our Jeep is ready to unhook and drive around!
ADDITIONAL TOWING REQUIREMENTS
The great part about flat towing a Jeep is how simple everything is - and that applies to this side of things as well. Because Jeeps have a very low parasitic drain, you don’t need to use a battery charger with them if you’re using an RVibrake3 or RVibrake Shadow (other brakes have higher power requirements though, and may necessitate one). You’re certainly welcome to use something like our Towed Battery Charger+, but it’s definitely not required.
The only required piece of equipment that’s specific to the Wrangler is going to be a dedicated 12v outlet kit. This outlet is used to power a supplemental braking system (braking systems are legally required in the US and Canada). Unfortunately, the only stock outlets in the Jeep that remain live while towing are typically located in the rear/cargo area. These aren’t viable to use with a braking system (even if you use an extension cord), hence the need for a dedicated plug.
The way these outlet kits work is that they essentially attach directly to your battery, run through your firewall, and can be stowed/secured somewhere in your driver’s side footwell. Because the outlet is wired directly to the battery, its power is uninterrupted when we put the vehicle into its tow mode.
If you opt to go with an installed braking system (like RVibrake Shadow) instead of a portable one, you can avoid having to install a dedicated outlet - however, you will still have to go through your firewall to allow your brake to pull on your brake pedal.
CONCLUSION
Jeeps - and Jeep Wranglers specifically - are the most popular towed vehicle in America for a reason: They’re fun to drive, versatile, and effortless to tow. Whether you just bought your Wrangler or you’ve had it awhile, hopefully this guide helps you get on the road a little bit faster so that you can focus on what’s important: Making memories with your family and loved ones!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service Champions with any questions and, as always, happy RVing! (Be sure to check out our full Flat Towing Guide below.)
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