Community Forums

morganroths · 02-06-2017, 02:11 PM

Has anyone done that or know if thats possible? Just bought a 2017 GC Trailhawk and want to flat tow but I'd hate to have to remove the red tow hooks.

avid_dk · 02-06-2017, 08:50 PM

Thinking about buying a GC Trailhawk so I am very interested in the answer to your question.

dpinvidic · 02-06-2017, 09:14 PM

Not possible...the red tow hooks connect to the front end of the frame...this is where your base plate connects.

One reason I liked the Trailhawk is that the grill already had the cutout for the hooks...fairly simple to remove them and install the base plate.
HOWEVER..you must remove the entire front fascia...kinda tricky with hidden fasteners..but I did it at home.

Your other option is a tow dolly...but double check the manual I sorta remember it might not be dolly towable.

Regards,

Dan

dpinvidic · 02-06-2017, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avid_dk

Thinking about buying a GC Trailhawk so I am very interested in the answer to your question.

For 2014, Trail Hawk is a trim level of the Cherokee....smaller than GC.
Did not ever see a GC TrailHawk...is that new for this year?

Not sure I would get a TrailHawk again...because of the need to install the tow harness to keep the EPS energized...to prevent the Wobble Problem.

Update: Just saw the GC TrailHawk on the Web. The GC never reported Wobble problems...wonder if the 2017 GC is good for flat tow without a tow harness.

Dan

SuperGewl · 02-13-2017, 05:20 AM

If you know someone and or good with doing some welding you may be able to salvage your Red Tow hooks. If you use the Roadmaster baseplate setup you will need another set of the pieces that go into the Baseplate. Then take the Tow hook and those pieces and have them put together to make them removable just like the Tow bar setup. this way when you get where you are going you can remove your towbar and put in the Tow Hooks so you can do some off roading.
It's just a thought it can work

BirchyBoy · 02-22-2017, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

For 2014, Trail Hawk is a trim level of the Cherokee....smaller than GC.
Did not ever see a GC TrailHawk...is that new for this year?

Not sure I would get a TrailHawk again...because of the need to install the tow harness to keep the EPS energized...to prevent the Wobble Problem.

Update: Just saw the GC TrailHawk on the Web. The GC never reported Wobble problems...wonder if the 2017 GC is good for flat tow without a tow harness.

Dan

The original GC Trail Hawk was built for ine year in 2013. We had a beautiful black TH with the V8. Great SUV until it began having issues. They brought it back in 2017.

BobGed · 02-22-2017, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Update: Just saw the GC TrailHawk on the Web. The GC never reported Wobble problems...wonder if the 2017 GC is good for flat tow without a tow harness.

Dan

Grand Cherokee can be towed without the wiring kit. That is a "feature" unique to the Cherokee only because they're special.

SuperGewl · 02-28-2017, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

Grand Cherokee can be towed without the wiring kit. That is a "feature" unique to the Cherokee only because they're special.

OK the Tow Harness they are talking about is the required one for the Cherokee that applies power to the EPS while towing to mitigate the Death Wobble.
It has nothing to do with lights.

777lee777 · 03-05-2017, 07:40 PM

I'm also considering the '17 GC Trailhawk and if I do had already planned (before reading this) to do exactly what SuperGewl proposed. Kind of encouraging to see the same idea.

His post:

"If you know someone and or good with doing some welding you may be able to salvage your Red Tow hooks. If you use the Roadmaster baseplate setup you will need another set of the pieces that go into the Baseplate. Then take the Tow hook and those pieces and have them put together to make them removable just like the Tow bar setup. this way when you get where you are going you can remove your towbar and put in the Tow Hooks so you can do some off roading."

btw - You don't even have to "know someone." Just find a local metal fabricator/welder who is willing to take on the job.