Community Forums

BobsledJim · 12-26-2020, 06:26 AM

We are new to RV'ing and getting ready for our first trip on the 29th. When we bought our Pace Arrow 38K LXE, I also bought a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a tow vehicle. I also bought Blue Ox tow bars and and Patriot braking system. General RV installed everything and showed me how to use it. One of the things I was told is to remove the negative cable off the battery located under the passenger seat of the Jeep.
Now I'm preparing to hook up the Jeep for our first trip. I reviewed the instructions that came with the Blue Ox, the Patriot braking system, and the Jeep. No where do any instructions refer to taking the negative cable off the battery.
Do any of you tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee and do I need to remove the negative cable off the battery? I'd rather not have to remove the cable if I don't have to because it's a PIA just getting to it.

BobsledJim · 12-26-2020, 07:12 AM

I received a couple of responses to this from a different RV blog. The Jeep Information Center responded on this subject to another guy and they told him the battery does NOT have to be disconnected!

Cousin Ed · 12-26-2020, 08:06 AM

We have towed our '19 GC for about 14,000 miles and do not disconnect any battery cables. Just be aware: I hit a curb with the left front tire of the Jeep while towing and it started the "Death Wobble" ; I pulled to the side of the road to see what the problem was. I could find any and when I pulled back on the road all was normal.

dezolen · 12-26-2020, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobsledJim

We are new to RV'ing and getting ready for our first trip on the 29th. When we bought our Pace Arrow 38K LXE, I also bought a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a tow vehicle. I also bought Blue Ox tow bars and and Patriot braking system. General RV installed everything and showed me how to use it. One of the things I was told is to remove the negative cable off the battery located under the passenger seat of the Jeep.
Now I'm preparing to hook up the Jeep for our first trip. I reviewed the instructions that came with the Blue Ox, the Patriot braking system, and the Jeep. No where do any instructions refer to taking the negative cable off the battery.
Do any of you tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee and do I need to remove the negative cable off the battery? I'd rather not have to remove the cable if I don't have to because it's a PIA just getting to it.

No not required. Did the dealer not install battery charge wiring? Should have with 7 pin connector. Easy to add on and no worries about dead battery. Ran mine to positive post under hood on our 20 GC.

stinespool · 12-26-2020, 09:25 AM

I was curious about towing a GC. We have a 2013 2 wheel drive. Am considering a new 4 wheel drive.Can either be flat towed? Thanks!

jacwjames · 12-26-2020, 09:29 AM

2 wheel drive jeep can't be flat towed.

A 4 WD version can if it has the right transmission. You have to have the ability to put the transmission in neutral. It is best to check the specific year/model in the owners manual under "Recreational Towing".

Mr Ted · 12-26-2020, 09:33 AM

My 2014 Grand Cherokee is the 4 wheel dr model and can be flat towed with the Transfer case in Neutral and NOT disconnecting the battery. And it tows beautifully

djpauls · 12-26-2020, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobsledJim

We are new to RV'ing and getting ready for our first trip on the 29th. When we bought our Pace Arrow 38K LXE, I also bought a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a tow vehicle. I also bought Blue Ox tow bars and and Patriot braking system. General RV installed everything and showed me how to use it. One of the things I was told is to remove the negative cable off the battery located under the passenger seat of the Jeep.
Now I'm preparing to hook up the Jeep for our first trip. I reviewed the instructions that came with the Blue Ox, the Patriot braking system, and the Jeep. No where do any instructions refer to taking the negative cable off the battery.
Do any of you tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee and do I need to remove the negative cable off the battery? I'd rather not have to remove the cable if I don't have to because it's a PIA just getting to it.

General RV advice to remove the negative cable is because the owner's manual specifically says to remove the cable. In this case the owner's manual is incorrect. You do not have to remove the cable. I have towed my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5,000+ miles without issue. I installed a charge line from the motorhome but determined after the fact that with my AirForce One braking system, it is not needed. Likely the Patriot braking system would require a charge line.

I hope that this helps!

**TonyDi** · 12-26-2020, 12:45 PM

I have towed a GC for 10 years and never disconnected anything. I’m now towing an ‘18 GC and an ‘18 Wrangler neither of them get anything disconnected either.

BobsledJim · 12-27-2020, 07:41 AM

Thanks. Good to know about the death wobble!

BobsledJim · 12-27-2020, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezolen

No not required. Did the dealer not install battery charge wiring? Should have with 7 pin connector. Easy to add on and no worries about dead battery. Ran mine to positive post under hood on our 20 GC.

Thanks for the reply. There is a 7 pin connector on the back of the RV that I will plug into. Will that recharge the car battery while towing?

BobsledJim · 12-27-2020, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djpauls

General RV advice to remove the negative cable is because the owner's manual specifically says to remove the cable. In this case the owner's manual is incorrect. You do not have to remove the cable. I have towed my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5,000+ miles without issue. I installed a charge line from the motorhome but determined after the fact that with my AirForce One braking system, it is not needed. Likely the Patriot braking system would require a charge line.

I hope that this helps!

Thanks, that helps. The only line I have at this point goes to the 7 point plug on the back of the RV. Is that what you're referring to? Or do I need to install something more?

CWSWine · 12-27-2020, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

2 wheel drive jeep can't be flat towed.

A 4 WD version can if it has the right transmission. You have to have the ability to put the transmission in neutral. It is best to check the specific year/model in the owners manual under "Recreational Towing".

My 2017 GC says put the transmission in park and put the transfer case in neutral.

djpauls · 12-27-2020, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobsledJim

Thanks, that helps. The only line I have at this point goes to the 7 point plug on the back of the RV. Is that what you're referring to? Or do I need to install something more?

That should work.