How to Flat Tow a Jeep Wrangler (Step-by-Step)

Why choose a Wrangler? The Wrangler has ranked #1 or #2 on Good Sam's annual flat-towable vehicle list year after year. If you've just bought a Wrangler or you're pairing one with a new motorhome, this guide walks you through every step — gear, procedure, legal requirements, and the JK-vs-JL differences that actually matter.

For a broader look at the whole category, check our complete flat towing guide or browse the full flat tow compatible vehicles list.

Yes, every Jeep Wrangler with a two-speed transfer case is factory-approved for flat towing. Jeep's owner's manual explicitly permits dinghy towing — all four wheels on the ground — for both JK (2007–2018) and JL (2018+) models, with both manual and automatic transmissions. No special drivetrain modifications are needed. That factory approval is exactly why the Wrangler is the most popular dinghy tow vehicle in North America.

⚠️ Warning: You cannot flat tow a 2WD Wrangler Sport with the standard single-speed NV241 transfer case on older JK builds. Always confirm your transfer case has a true neutral setting before assuming your Wrangler is cleared for flat towing. Look for a marked "N" on the selector dial of your Command-Trac (NV241) or Rock-Trac (NV241OR) transfer case.

Check our flat-towing guide for beginners if you're new to the concept and need a primer before diving into Wrangler-specific steps.

Need to confirm compatibility? Not sure if your exact Wrangler trim and model year qualifies? Use our Flat Tow Checker tool to confirm compatibility by VIN or trim level before you buy any equipment.

A complete Jeep flat tow setup requires five components. Skipping any one of them risks breaking the law or damaging your drivetrain.

Essential Components for Flat Towing a Jeep Wrangler:

1. Base Plate Kit:

   • Purpose: Bolts directly to the Wrangler's frame behind the front bumper, providing a solid attachment point for the tow bar.
   • Compatibility: Base plates are model-specific; a JL plate will not fit a JK due to redesigned front fascia and frame geometry.
   • Brands: Blue Ox and Roadmaster offer Wrangler-specific kits.
   • Cost: Expect to pay $300–$500 for the plate alone.

2. Tow Bar:

   • Purpose: Connects the base plate on the Wrangler to the motorhome's receiver hitch.
   • Rating: For a Wrangler, you need a tow bar rated for at least 5,000 lbs gross trailer weight (the JL Unlimited can weigh up to 4,600 lbs, so margin is crucial).
   • Recommendations: The Blue Ox Avail and Roadmaster Falcon are common choices.
   • Feature: Self-aligning tow bars are recommended as they allow single-person hookup without precise vehicle alignment.

3. Safety Cables:

   • Purpose: Two independent safety cables attach from the Wrangler's frame to the motorhome's receiver as a backup.
   • Requirement: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards require crossed safety chains on towed vehicles.
   • Installation: Cross the cables under the tow bar so the Wrangler's tongue cannot drop to the pavement if a primary connection fails.

4. Flat Tow Wiring Harness (Diode Kit):

   • Purpose: Taps into the Wrangler's tail-light circuit, allowing the motorhome's brake and running lights to function on the towed vehicle.
   • Type: A diode-based kit is preferred over a simple T-harness. It isolates circuits, preventing backfeed that can blow fuses or damage the Wrangler's Body Control Module (BCM).
   • Cost: Budget $80–$150 for a quality diode kit.
   • Installation: This is often the most complex part of the install, sometimes requiring a professional electrician.

5. Supplemental Braking System:

   • Requirement: This is not optional if you're towing in nearly any U.S. state or Canadian province due to weight thresholds. The Wrangler's weight (4,200–4,600 lbs) will exceed almost every threshold.
   • Detail: More information on this critical component is provided in its dedicated section below.

📊 Quick Fact: Real-world Budget Example A new flat tow setup for a Jeep Wrangler typically costs $1,900–$2,500 in parts and labor. For instance, a Roadmaster Falcon tow bar ($650), Sterling base plate for a JL ($425), Roadmaster diode kit ($110), safety cables ($45), and an RVibrake3 portable braking unit ($700) totals $1,930 in parts. Professional installation commonly adds $400–$600, placing the total near the $2,500 midpoint of the industry average. This setup quickly pays for itself compared to shipping a Jeep on a trailer using our DIY car trailer tips guide.

To put a Jeep Wrangler in flat tow mode, both the transmission and the transfer case must be in neutral, in the correct sequence. This ensures the drivetrain spins freely without pressurizing the transmission's hydraulic circuit. Incorrectly performing this procedure can lead to severe transmission damage.

Step-by-step procedure (JL Automatic — 8HP75 8-speed):

1. Preparation: Park on level ground and apply the parking brake.
2. Engine Start: Start the engine and let it idle briefly. The transmission needs to be warm enough to shift properly.
3. Transmission to Neutral: Shift the transmission selector to N (Neutral).
4. Transfer Case to Neutral: Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral) using the floor-mounted selector dial or lever. You should feel a slight clunk as it engages neutral.
5. Ignition to ACC Mode: Press the Start button twice without pressing the brake pedal. This puts the JL into ACC mode, which keeps the steering column unlocked without running the engine.
6. Release Brake: Release the parking brake.
7. Confirm Steering: Confirm the steering wheel turns freely.
8. Connect Rig: Connect your tow bar, safety cables, and brake system before the motorhome pulls forward.

JK Procedure (2007–2018, Key Ignition):

For JK models, the steps are nearly identical. However, at step 5, you simply turn the key to the ACC position rather than performing a keyless press. Leave the key in the ACC position — removing it will lock the steering column on most JK trims.

⚠️ Warning: Common Mistake A frequent error is shifting the transfer case into neutral before the transmission. If the transmission is still in Park, its internal gear locking pawl will resist the transfer case shift. Always shift the transmission to neutral first, then the transfer case.

For more on how automatic transmissions behave during flat towing, see our guide on towing with an automatic transmission.

Yes, a supplemental braking system is legally required in nearly every U.S. state when towing a vehicle over a specified weight threshold. The Jeep Wrangler, weighing 4,200–4,600 lbs, clears that threshold in virtually every jurisdiction.

💡 Key Takeaway: According to state DOT regulations surveyed by RV industry groups, over 47 U.S. states have supplemental brake requirements, with thresholds typically ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 lbs. All Canadian provinces require one regardless of towed vehicle weight.

Beyond legality, the physics argument is straightforward: a Class A motorhome braking at 60 mph with a 4,400-lb Wrangler pushing from behind stops up to 40% longer without a synchronized braking system, per SMI Braking's published testing data. This is a critical safety margin, especially in challenging driving conditions like mountain traffic.

Popular Supplemental Braking System Options:

• InvisiBrake (Demco):

  • Type: Permanently mounted under the Wrangler's dash.
  • Operation: Activates automatically when the motorhome brakes.
  • Advantages: Invisible to passengers, no setup required per trip.
  • Best For: Frequent towing, or if towing through states with steep grades and mandatory supplemental brake rules (e.g., Colorado, Utah, Montana).

• RVibrake3:

  • Type: Portable unit.
  • Operation: Sits on the floorboard, uses a motion sensor and Bluetooth monitoring.
  • Advantages: Easy to move between multiple towed vehicles.
  • Best For: Occasional towing, or if you flat tow different vehicles.

Our supplemental braking systems guide compares the top units in detail.

The maximum flat tow speed for a Jeep Wrangler is 65 mph, as stated in Jeep's owner's manual for both JK and JL generations. Notably, there is no per-day mileage limit; you can tow long distances without concern for exceeding a mechanical limit.

Practical Speed Considerations: That 65 mph ceiling matters in practice. On Western interstates posted at 75–80 mph, you'll be in the slow lane. Plan your fuel stops and passing opportunities accordingly.

⚠️ Warning: State-Specific Speed Limits In California, per Vehicle Code §22406, vehicles towing another vehicle are capped at 55 mph regardless of the posted limit. So, even though Jeep approves 65 mph mechanically, state law overrides that on California highways. States like Texas and Nevada, however, impose no such restriction, allowing you to tow at the posted limit.

Driving Safely with a Towed Wrangler: In crosswinds or on mountain descents, always reduce your speed regardless of the posted limit. The Wrangler's flat, boxy profile catches side wind more than a car, which can create trailer-sway-like oscillation at the back of the motorhome at sustained highway speeds. On long downhill grades, use your motorhome's exhaust brake or engine brake instead of riding the service brakes.

Yes — Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions are fully factory-approved for flat towing. This includes the 4-speed (42RLE in older JK trims), the 5-speed (W5A580 in some JK trims), and the 8-speed 8HP75 used in JL models. The critical factor is that both the transmission and the transfer case must be in neutral simultaneously before towing begins.

Why is this possible? This is genuinely unusual for automatic vehicles. Most automatic transmissions cannot be flat towed because their oil pumps only circulate fluid when the engine is running. Towing them with the engine off would quickly burn up the clutch packs. The Wrangler's two-speed transfer case bypasses this problem entirely: with the transfer case in neutral, the transmission's output shaft is effectively disconnected from the drivetrain, so it doesn't rotate during towing regardless of what the wheels are doing.

If you own a non-Wrangler Jeep — such as a Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or Gladiator — the flat tow approval status varies significantly by year and trim. Our flat tow compatible vehicles guide has the full breakdown.

The flat towing procedure for JK and JL Wranglers is nearly identical, but four key differences are worth knowing before you buy equipment or prep your rig.

Source: Jeep Owner's Manual (JK 2007–2018, JL 2018+); equipment fitment data from Blue Ox and Roadmaster product catalogs.

Base Plate Compatibility: The most common mistake when switching from a JK to a JL is attempting to reuse the old base plate. It will not fit. The JL's front fascia and bumper mounting points were completely redesigned in 2018. Even if your old Blue Ox or Roadmaster tow bar is still rated and functional, you will need a new JL-specific base plate. Budget an extra $400–$500 for this component swap.

Shifting to Neutral: The 8-speed 8HP75 automatic transmission in the JL typically shifts more smoothly into neutral than the older 42RLE found in some JK models. If your JK resists shifting into transmission neutral, gently roll the vehicle forward six inches and try again.

Before you tow, ensure your motorhome's towing capacity covers the Wrangler's weight — our towing capacity lookup tool pulls specs by year and make. For a full comparison of tow bar styles that work with both generations, see our tow bar vs. tow dolly breakdown and the tow hitch types guide to confirm your motorhome's receiver is sized correctly.