Community Forums

Rauchy · 08-11-2021, 05:42 PM

deblas,

The values for current were obtained by the Jeep mechanic who installed the kit. He got that information from the service manuals he uses.

Now there is more confusion on my part as to if my power steering kit is in fact working. When the kit was provided and first installed it did not work. You are correct in stating Jeep Chrysler did a lousy job with the kit and instructions and after a great deal of effort the mechanic (after 6 weeks) finally got to talk directly to the engineer who designed the kit, resolved the problems and also got an explanation of how the system functions. I should mention the mechanic is one I have relied on for years at the dealership. He is a graduate engineer, highly skilled and trained and prefers to spin wrenches than sit in an engineering office all day.

I am repeating what I understand so like other internet information verify this. The fuse powers the bus that controls the electric power steering pump. The "brain" only activates the power steering motor when sensors detect a need to turn or respond to a turn. Consequently on long straight stretches such as the interstate the pump is rarely powered, however on twisty roads the need is sensed and the power steering pump is activated more frequently to respond to frequent turns.

That discussion was important for me when choosing a battery charger that would be of sufficient output to maintain the battery. We are mostly interstate drivers so I opted for the 20 amp.

I will return to the dealer soon to attempt to fill in the gaps of my knowledge and understanding of what I have learned so far, to determine how to have the power steering function as intended immediately after disconnecting from the coach, and to provide me with a means of verifying the kit is working as designed. As mine exists, when I activate it per the instructions I have no apparent power steering as others say they have.

We owners are being stonewalled regarding what causes the death wobble and from all the information I have been able to gather it most frequently occurs at highway speeds and when the Jeep GC hits a bump or pothole in a turn. Slower speeds have also been mentioned.

I just think it would be great if the manufacturer of the Jeep GC would provide comprehensive accurate information about towing needs, procedures, and ways to verify all steps needed for towing have been done properly in the right sequence all in one document like the owner manual or a dedicated supplement to the owner manual.

I'll even pay for that document.

BPoland · 08-22-2021, 02:51 PM

I have a 2016 GC (the first year with electric assist power steering). We have put over 10,000 towed miles on the GC. I have experienced the wobble 3 times. All at very low speed after an uneven left turn. It has NEVER occurred at highway speed. IMHO, there isn’t a need to install a special kit, that only complicates setup and requires a charge line be installed. Pull up to the coach. Hook up the tow bar, put the transfer case in neutral, shut and lock the door. Why would you want to complicate things, just to avoid something that probably won’t happen, and if it does, just stop. Problem goes away. Even if the had the kit for 2016 and offered it for free, I wouldn’t take it. If you have ever experienced it, you know what it feels like. People get so wrapped up in the possibility, they are like chicken little and the sky is falling. Now if you really want to worry about something consider a front tire blowout. Never had one and pray that I never do.

Again this is my opinion. Yours may be different.

iluvuk · 08-23-2021, 07:12 AM

Well said

VP Chianese · 08-23-2021, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPoland

I have a 2016 GC (the first year with electric assist power steering). We have put over 10,000 towed miles on the GC. I have experienced the wobble 3 times. All at very low speed after an uneven left turn. It has NEVER occurred at highway speed. IMHO, there isn’t a need to install a special kit, that only complicates setup and requires a charge line be installed. Pull up to the coach. Hook up the tow bar, put the transfer case in neutral, shut and lock the door. Why would you want to complicate things, just to avoid something that probably won’t happen, and if it does, just stop. Problem goes away. Even if the had the kit for 2016 and offered it for free, I wouldn’t take it. If you have ever experienced it, you know what it feels like. People get so wrapped up in the possibility, they are like chicken little and the sky is falling. Now if you really want to worry about something consider a front tire blowout. Never had one and pray that I never do.

Again this is my opinion. Yours may be different.

Exactly.

paul65k · 08-23-2021, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPoland

I have a 2016 GC (the first year with electric assist power steering). We have put over 10,000 towed miles on the GC. I have experienced the wobble 3 times. All at very low speed after an uneven left turn. It has NEVER occurred at highway speed. IMHO, there isn’t a need to install a special kit, that only complicates setup and requires a charge line be installed. Pull up to the coach. Hook up the tow bar, put the transfer case in neutral, shut and lock the door. Why would you want to complicate things, just to avoid something that probably won’t happen, and if it does, just stop. Problem goes away. Even if the had the kit for 2016 and offered it for free, I wouldn’t take it. If you have ever experienced it, you know what it feels like. People get so wrapped up in the possibility, they are like chicken little and the sky is falling. Now if you really want to worry about something consider a front tire blowout. Never had one and pray that I never do.

Again this is my opinion. Yours may be different.

Here, Here.....EXACTLY RIGHT!!!!

CWSWine · 08-23-2021, 03:30 PM

After towing over 7,000 miles my 2017 GC got the Wobble twice in the same day. The third time the guy behind said looked it like the wheels were coming off the ground as it shifted from side to side. What I fear is damage to the frame mounts where the towing fittings hook up. I tried to inspect the mount plates to the frame but without pulling the bumper it is hard to inspect for damage. I complained to Jeep Cares and now in my records for this GC, it states that they recommend that the GC be towed ONLY with all 4 wheels off the ground on a suitable trailer and not 4 down. Jeep Cares also said that I should have my GC checked for frame damage from the wobble. We decided not to tow the GC anymore and haven't in several years. My wife loves here GC and it buying a 2022 but I'm keeping my Rubicon for towing.

This year I replace my BlueOx avail towbar for a suspected crack in one of the joints. Could that been from Wobble - maybe or maybe not.

Mikenat · 11-07-2021, 02:40 AM

Well obviously or possibly I didn't do my research. We currently tow our 17 Rubicon. Wife wanted a 2021 Grand Chereke. So we purchased a 2021 GC Trail Hawk with quadra trac 2. I have read this entire thread about wobble and the wiring harness mentioned here and on page 163 of my manual. I have no problem with putting the GR in neutral and turning it off. My concern is the steering is very stiff with the vehicle off. This kit obviously powers the steering pump while the vehicle is being towed. Some here are saying they tow their GC and this is not an issue. I realize when at a standstill the tires are not moving. So rolling along obviously the steering wheels would track easier behind the coach. My thoughts are by enabling power to the ESP with this harness kit is the correction to a possible wobble. Without more information which the Jeep dealer is not providing, I may just keep the Rubicon.

Winger2 · 11-07-2021, 03:42 AM

This is why I looked but did not buy a Cherokee. I put my Blazer in neutral, switch off the battery. Done. So far no issues.

Toribk · 11-07-2021, 04:05 AM

I purchased my 2016 Jeep Trailhawk and having previous knowledge of the "Death Wobble", had FCA pay for the cost and installation of the wiring harness through my dealer.

When the installation was completed, I added a switch inside the Jeep so I didn't have to insert and remove the 5 amp fuse each time I set-up for towing.

I ran a charge line from the coach to the toad to keep the (toad) battery charging at all times not only for the Trailhawks electronic power steering, but for my RVI Brake as well.

Not a single issue in 5 years and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Jeep Trailhawk when the time comes.

CWSWine · 11-07-2021, 07:37 AM

We also have a 2017 GC and looking at a 2022 GC. The 2022 Grand Cherokee "L" when you set it up as a Toad the electric steering stays active with the engine off and I have verified that at the dealership. The 2022 GC is suppose to be upgraded to mirror the GC "L" and not require a harness. I wouldn't purchase till you verify this if that was you plans to make into a Toad. We are going to purchase a 2022 GC Summit Reserve just as soon as the order banks open up but we are keeping our Rubicon.

Toribk · 11-07-2021, 12:36 PM

The real test as to whether or not the supplemental wiring harness is needed with a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee is this:

With the vehicle all set and in position for recreational towing according to your specific owners manual, if the steering wheel does not move freely and easily left and right before departure, the electronic power steering (EPS) is not energized ( or you missed a step with your particular model) the supplemental wiring harness is needed.

With the vehicle EPS functioning while being flat-towed, it permits the toad to replicate the tracking of the coach and compensate accordingly especially at low speeds, uneven terrain and obstructions on the roadway such railroad crossings.

If not, the front wheels can begin to oscillate rapidly until the coach comes to a complete stop.

I opted to not want that to ever happen and had the harness installed
at the date of purchase.

HMCSW · 02-22-2022, 03:17 PM

I got this today from FCA regarding the flat tow harness:
A vibration or wobble would not be corrected by a flat tow wiring kit. I would recommend that if you are experiencing any suspension or steering concern to have your dealership diagnose them accordingly.

Thanks again,

Marvin, Jeep Customer Care

VP Chianese · 02-23-2022, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMCSW

I got this today from FCA regarding the flat tow harness:
A vibration or wobble would not be corrected by a flat tow wiring kit. I would recommend that if you are experiencing any suspension or steering concern to have your dealership diagnose them accordingly.

Thanks again,

Marvin, Jeep Customer Care

I haven't been following this thread as it is like beating a dead horse. But I do agree with Marvin of Jeep Corp. It is either an alignment (which includes height of the drive line) problem or tire pressure or loads within the Jeep.

That being said I am out of my coach and the complete set up for towing a 2017 - 2020 Grand Cherokee Limited, Blue Ox tow plate and Air Force One braking package that has never even once caused wobble on two yes two different Grand Cherokees, is available to a new home. PM me.

HMCSW · 02-24-2022, 05:56 AM

So I got this from a dealer parts/service department today:
Ran the part number through Chrysler and yes it states RV Towing wiring harness with a notation from factory : THIS KIT SHOULD NOT BE USED. THERE ARE UNRESOLVED ISSUES WITH THIS KIT.