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thankdog's avatar
thankdog
Explorer
Jun 08, 2014

2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport - 4 down

Hello everyone - we have a two part question we hope someone can assist with -

We have been towing our 2004 Jeep Wrangler X 2 door Automatic trans for the last several years using a Demco tow bar and base plate with no problems.

We just got a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4 door Automatic trans and would like to tow this one 4 down as well b/c we leave the 2 door in our 2nd home location over the Summer.

In reading the newer model manual it seems a little different protocol from the old Jeep. Can someone who has this same year/model help me clarify the steps and if there is anything I need to know thats different?

ALSO we cannot recall where to go to get the best deal (and correct model) on a base plate for the new Jeep and a 2nd Demco tow bar (left the tow bar in the other Jeep - ooops). Any online recommendations to locate the correct model that fits this Jeep?

Overwhelmed by studying Google searches for three days and getting confused.

TIA

Lynn
  • alageezer's avatar
    alageezer
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2014
    Just bought a Wrangler Unlimited also, and am curious to what you learn. Book says to leave key in Acc and disconnect neg. battery cable. What I don't understand is a 14 model does not have a locking steering wheel, so why would you need to leave the key?
  • mlh's avatar
    mlh
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2014
    I just bought one and installed the baseplates, wiring, etc. I bought the baseplates (roadmaster) from PPL motorhomes. Their price was as good as anyone else's and I've ordered from them in the past with good results. I got the wiring harness from cool-tech. It was pretty simple to install as well. I ordered the deluxe kit which also came with a negative battery disconnect. I later found out that there is no steering lock so you don't need to leave the key in to keep the steering unlocked. Hence, I did not install the battery disconnect. I did verify by turning the wheel while the key was out and it did not lock the steering. Other than that, I plan to follow the owner's manual for the instructions on how to set up for flat towing. I have never towed my or any other jeep before so it will be a first. I used to tow a Nissan frontier crew cab a while back, so I know what to expect with that much weight. Good luck with yours.
  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2014
    We tow a 2012 Rubicon. Same protocol as yours. No key in ignition. Transfer case in neutral. Transmission in park. Wiring harness is a do it yourself if you buy a harness from Cooltech at http://www.cooltechllc.com/jeep/jk_tow_harness_kit.shtml. It is plug and play stupid. I bought a used cooltech and Blueox baseplate used on eBay for $135. Used local mechanic to install baseplate. Check on Craigs List, eBay, iRV2 etc.
  • thankdog's avatar
    thankdog
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    Thank you to all answers - I have found everything - I used the above suggested websites and found a great price on towbar and harness kit. You guys are a terrific resource THANK YOU!

    I have one final question - do any of you use any protection on your toad to protect the paint/windshield from rocks, etc.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    alageezer wrote:
    Just bought a Wrangler Unlimited also, and am curious to what you learn. Book says to leave key in Acc and disconnect neg. battery cable. What I don't understand is a 14 model does not have a locking steering wheel, so why would you need to leave the key?

    Are we to believe that the manuals still have not caught up to all the changes and know that they had not for quite a while there? The skid plate removal in the later JK's created quite a controversy and even more so with the manual's description of such.....Missing skid plate
  • alageezer's avatar
    alageezer
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2014
    thankdog wrote:


    I have one final question - do any of you use any protection on your toad to protect the paint/windshield from rocks, etc.


    Prior to the Jeep, I towed a Chevy Equinox for about 18k miles, and nary a scratch with no protection.
  • Thunder_Mountai's avatar
    Thunder_Mountai
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2014
    thankdog wrote:
    Thank you to all answers - I have found everything - I used the above suggested websites and found a great price on towbar and harness kit. You guys are a terrific resource THANK YOU!

    I have one final question - do any of you use any protection on your toad to protect the paint/windshield from rocks, etc.


    Our previous 2004 Wrangler got some road rash on the front from rocks and gravel. When we bought the Rubi, we bought the protect a tow setup. You are pretty well stuck buying from the manufacturer. Couldn't find any secondary suppliers on the Internet. A bit pricey in my opinion for the materials. Not shabbily made just a good profit margin for the manufacturer. Easy storage, good protection, east setup and take off. No damage to Rubi in several thousand mile.
  • Jerry0312's avatar
    Jerry0312
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    We currently tow a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. You are correct about the steering lock, it was removed in 07-08. The primary reason for the key in Acc position is to power the brake antiskid system. It would be very easy to flat spot a set of toad tires if you ever have to make a panic stop. For this reason, I still have the key in Acc.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2014
    Jerry0312 wrote:
    We currently tow a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. You are correct about the steering lock, it was removed in 07-08. The primary reason for the key in Acc position is to power the brake antiskid system. It would be very easy to flat spot a set of toad tires if you ever have to make a panic stop. For this reason, I still have the key in Acc.

    Never thought of that as the reason for the key, but still don't see it as a problem with pulling it 10K miles so far, including mountain terrain and quite a few hard stops when signal lights go yellow on you.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2014
    Jerry0312 wrote:
    The primary reason for the key in Acc position is to power the brake antiskid system. It would be very easy to flat spot a set of toad tires if you ever have to make a panic stop. For this reason, I still have the key in Acc.


    Can I ask you what is the source of this information? It seems unlikely that the ABS system would be powered in the accessory key position, but perhaps it's intentionally designed for flat towing that way. I'll test mine tomorrow and see what happens.

    Update: I tested this today on my 2014 Wrangler with some simulated panic stops on loose surfaces. Key on ABS works as designed. Key in ACC position, no ABS- wheels locked up.

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