Community Forums

Webster · 05-22-2005, 12:31 PM

Should I have a Grand Cherokee dealer install the base plate for towing? And, do I put the 4-wheel drive in N? What about the steering lock?

2001 National Surfside - Webster
1993 Grand Cherokee Toad

Webster · 05-22-2005, 12:31 PM

Should I have a Grand Cherokee dealer install the base plate for towing? And, do I put the 4-wheel drive in N? What about the steering lock?

2001 National Surfside - Webster
1993 Grand Cherokee Toad

TXiceman · 05-22-2005, 01:04 PM

The owners manual will provide step by step instructions for the transmission and transfer case positions prior to towing 4-down. It varies with some models and the specific 4 wheel drive.

You do leave the key in the ignition and the steering column un locked.

Ken

PDB · 05-22-2005, 03:48 PM

I'm guessing your '03 is the same as my '04.
With mine (Q-track II, I think), you put the transfer case in neutral, the tranny gear shift in Park, and the ignition key in the first click past off, in between 'Off' and "Run'. The first click position unlocks the steering wheel to allow the front wheels to turn when you go around a corner. I usually doublecheck mine when I first start out, driving "S's" and watching to see if the wheels turn.

Cruzer · 05-22-2005, 05:52 PM

I installed my baseplate on my 2002. It wasn't a big deal and Blue Ox does give you a good set of instructions. I put my Jeep's transfer case in neutral, tranny in park, and turn the dummy key one click to unlock the column. BUT, be sure to check your owner's manual in case your's is different.

Webster · 05-22-2005, 07:32 PM

Thanks guys........I will check with my dealer. I'm a diabetic and presently have an ulcer and wearing a cast, so I think I will have my Jeep dealer install the plate for me. This is my first time and I want to be sure.

Thanks so much.........

2001 National Surfside 3310
1993 Grand Cherokee

Webster · 05-22-2005, 07:43 PM

I guess I have another question. What's this about a separate braking system for Toad? Also, has anyone tried a computer camera with a laptop for backing up?

2001 National Surfside 3310 - Webster
1993 Grand Cherokee - Toad

troth · 05-23-2005, 01:33 AM

Webster, you should have a toad braking system because your toad weighs about 4,200#. It will shorten your overall stopping distance dramatically (as opposed to no toad brake system). Also, you need lights on the toad. I use a Brake Buddy on my Grand, and magnetic tow lights.

Cruzer · 05-23-2005, 05:45 AM

A braking system is a good idea. Also, Blue Ox makes a lighting kit for the Cherokee which adds a new set of bulbs in the existing taillight housings for use when you tow.

Dick N. · 06-06-2005, 11:48 AM

Has anyone installed a base plate on a 2004 or 2005 Chevy Malibu. It looks like good instructions that came with the Blue Ox base plate, but the car is new and I'm not sure it I should try and do it myself. I have all the tools but the front headlight have to come out and a panel between the lights. It looks like one would set the plate down in and not from under the car.

Dick N. · 06-10-2005, 10:57 AM

Just in case anyone is interested, I did install my base plate on the Chevy Malibu with the Blue Ox instructions. I couldn't of done it without the instructions. I had no problems execpt where one has to install a nut on a bolt inside of the frame. You are given a nut on a wire and it is slid up into the frame and you install the bolt onto the nut. I also got the wiring kit from Blue Ox that uses seperate bulbs from the car. Again, good instructions how and where to install the bulb in the tail light assembly. I have the wires from both the brakeaway switch and tail light to the car's firewall. That's my next project. How and where to go through the firewall. Any suggestions.