Community Forums

Robmat · 04-19-2018, 03:00 PM

Two quick questions:

First - I traded my 2008 Jeep Wrangler for a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. With my 2008 I had to turn the ignition on to unlock the steering wheel before towing. Checking the 2013 owners manual there is nothing about turning the key on. Can any 2013 Wrangler owners confirm I don't have to turn on the key before towing?

Second - I retained my Rockhard 4x4 bumper with the Roadmaster mounts but I need to re-install the tail light wires. On my 2008 I used the Roadmaster diode kit however for my 2013 I came across a Hopkins 56200 Plug in tow wiring kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER which seems to be a lot simpler to use. Has anyone used the Hopkins Kit?

doc · 04-19-2018, 03:42 PM

We have a '13 Wrangler Unlimited. Have towed it all over the country. There is no ignition lock.
I did not/do not want to take a chance on messing the computers up on the Jeep. I use magnetic lights and run a wire into and through the inside to the back gate. Lights are on the outside of left and right tail lights

looks like the amazon system might work

HighDesert · 04-19-2018, 04:43 PM

@008 was the last year, supposedly, that the JK's had an ignition steering lock. I have a 2008 JK Sahara. The Amazon setup looks pretty simple and straightforward.

Craig1960 · 04-19-2018, 05:14 PM

I used the Hopkins 56200 for my 2015 Jeep and it was easy to install.

FIRE UP · 04-19-2018, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robmat

Two quick questions:

First - I traded my 2008 Jeep Wrangler for a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. With my 2008 I had to turn the ignition on to unlock the steering wheel before towing. Checking the 2013 owners manual there is nothing about turning the key on. Can any 2013 Wrangler owners confirm I don't have to turn on the key before towing?

Second - I retained my Rockhard 4x4 bumper with the Roadmaster mounts but I need to re-install the tail light wires. On my 2008 I used the Roadmaster diode kit however for my 2013 I came across a Hopkins 56200 Plug in tow wiring kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER which seems to be a lot simpler to use. Has anyone used the Hopkins Kit?

Robmat,
Your '08 was one of the only years the JK had a steering lock and needed the key in the ON or, at least in un-lock position. But, just about every year after that, the key can be completely removed so, don't worry about that. As for the Hopkins unit, that's pretty close to the best one you can get and use, for the money. I and plenty of others on here and other RV and Jeep forums use that Hopkins unit.

And it's a very smart move to use your old bumper for towing. That makes things seriously easier. Good luck.
Scott

Robmat · 04-20-2018, 07:35 PM

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I spent the day re-installing the bumper and hooking up the winch. I will be ordering the Hopkins kit in a few weeks and install that. It should be easier than the Roadmaster. Next move is to run the RVi2 break-a-way wire to the drivers side floor area and then either run a 12 volt line for the RVi2 Brake unit or see if the 12 volt outlet in the center console is a viable option as the dash mounted one is controlled by the ignition key.

JMonroe · 04-21-2018, 07:31 AM

Jeep eliminated the steering lock mid year '08. Some had it (like yours), some did not. After 08, none.

On both our Wranglers I installed the separate (extra) sockets in the OEM tail lamp housings. No crossover with the vehicles wiring, dirt simple to install or trouble shoot later.