Quote:
Originally Posted by Golferdave78
Ok it might be to late to ask but.
I just bought a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow 4 down behind my motorhome.
Over the past year everyone that I spoken to that I've seen with a Jeep towed loves it.
From what I read it a simple as it gets.
Any suggestions, advice from you experienced Wrangler tow ers.
Thanks
DH
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Golferdave78,
After owning and towing 9 Jeeps over a 35 year period, yeah, Jeeps are a a lot of fun, easy to setup to tow, easy to actually get ready to tow and, are a universal vehicle to own. While they don't get the best gas mileage of many flat towable toads, for the most part they get good enough mileage that it's really not a deal breaker for about 98% of the owners. After all, what kind of mileage can be expected from a rolling Kleenex box?
Now, it's been suggested that "some" '14 models did come with steering locks. Well, I'd like to see one in person. Wranglers from 09 series were discontinued from locking. Read:
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This is information directly from Chrysler: As of 2009 the wrangler no longer uses a locking steering wheel across the board the owners manual hasn't been updated yet, here is the case below that is directly from the chrysler/dodge/jeep technician helpline called "star" that is where (dealer level tech's) go with unsolvable problems or questions not able to be answered via normal channels it is ONLY for dealer tech's
Case Number K05695435
Vehicle Issue Steering wheel does not lock.;Turn the steering wheel to the full right, hold and turn off the vehicle to see if the steering wheel locks.
System or Component Will Not Lock / Engage;Customer Concern (No DTCs);Column,Steering Wheel;Yes - Continuously
Recommendation 2009, Wranglers no longer have locking steering columns, compare this with another 2009 Wrangler. No repairs are needed.
Modification Date 06/29/09 2:00 PM
Now, as for setting your new Jeep up for towing. Well, that can be handled in a couple of ways. First, do you plan on doing ANY off roading, of any magnitude, easy, moderate, hard? If so, then you'll more than likely be changing front and rear bumpers as, most folks that off road do change them. And that leads to the suggestion to use what's mostly installed on the aftermarket front bumpers as what's called "Recovery tabs". Those tabs are normally welded on, front and back-side of the bumper. They HAVE to be strong in order to handle the stress of being used as RECOVERY when the Jeep gets stuck in some precarious situation that requires it to be tugged out of.
So, folks like me and a few zillion others that have Jeeps, use those recovery tabs to also hook up a tow bar to. In that case, there's no need for any, low hanging, hunky-dory looking "base plate" to be added below the bumper. All that's needed is a couple of adapters from your present tow bar, to the style of recovery tabs, in order to connect the tow bar. Blue Ox and most others market these adapters and, they can be purchased on ebay, Amazon, trailer and hitch supply places etc.
Now, if you don't plan on any off roading, you can still get a nice looking and well functioning front bumper which, is far superior to the factory junk. And, that will allow you to use the recovery tabs.
But, if you must, you can get a base plate that will be used for attaching your tow bar. I've never used one due to the fact that I've set up all of our Jeeps for off roading. Your choice.
As for the procedures for getting ready to tow, just follow what's in your owners manual. You'll find all the step by step instructions in the section:
Recreational towing or, Towing behind a Motor home.
As for wiring the lights, well, there's a few choices out there too on this. Some folks used the Mopar version which, is a bit more complicated than other versions due to the fact that their Jeeps were under warranty and didn't want anything to goof that up. Well, that's their choice. I and many others used the Hopkins version. It's easier and works outstandingly well. It's primarily a plug and play unit with no intrusion into the cab as the Mopar one needs. Here's the link to the one I used:
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-56200...=Hopkins+56200
You'll have no issues getting your '14 set up for towing. And, just in case you're planning on a tire size change for maybe some off roading, that change will have ZERO effect on towing. All of ours have had larger tires and tow just fine with no definitive showing of accelerated wear. Good luck on your new toy.
Scott
2017 Phaeton 40IH XSH Maroon Coral - Power Glide Chassis with IFS
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