We just purchased a 2015 Jeep Patriot to tow behind our Monaco Diplomat 38ft motor home. We are looking to have a Blue Ox towing system installed. Do we need the brake system? The weight of the Jeep is 4400LB.

I wouldn't tow anything behind any MH without a braking system myself.I wouldn't do it without a breakaway system also.bumpy

If you are trying to avoid the $1000 for the Blue Ox system, go with a ready brake system, about $325 plus $70 for the break away system from Amazon.

Moved to Dinghy Towing forum from Towing.

Like the others, I suggest brakes and the break away.I have to ask....Is the Patriot auto or straight shift? Front wheel drive or 4 wheel drive? I need to upgrade my Jeep Cherokee.

Are the 2015 Jeep Patriot's flat towable. In 2012 when I was buying a 2005 Jeep Liberty to tow the dealership had a good price on new Patriots. But told me flat outright they couldn't be flat towed. Just make sure. the reason then was to do with the neutral position on the 4x4 transfer case. Plus make sure you have brakes.

Towing Jeep Patriot | Good Sam Community

armadillo_17
Explorer
May 21, 2015
I have towed my 2012 Jeep Patriot for 3 years 8-10,000 miles. It has been fine. At 3100Lb, it does not hinder the performance.
Has stated before hookup, put the transmission in neutral and go.
millerslodge
Explorer
May 18, 2015
I just setup my 2015 Patriot for Dinghy towing this weekend. It was quite a job, but of course it is the first time I have ever done anything like this. Took the entire weekend. I gauge these things by the number of 4 letter words required to complete the job and I lost count. Butchering a 2 month old car can be a bit intimidating... but it all worked out.

I went with the Blue Ox base components. For braking I chose Invisibrake. The car is a daily driver so I wanted it to be as transparent and seamless as possible. Un untrained eye wouldn't even notice it is setup to tow.

I am just waiting on the umbilical cord that comes with the 6 pin receiver so I can finalize the wiring connections.

In looking at vehicles, the Patriot seemed to be an ideal towed vehicle. There is no steering wheel lock, so literally all you have to do is hookup, plug in, put the manual transmission in neutral and you are off to the races.
dkcrjm
Explorer
Apr 26, 2015
Thanks for all the help/advice. We're new!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015
dkcrjm wrote:
Is the Brake Buddy system the one you recommend? The portable?

I used one for many years. no problems/issues. wanted the ability to move easily between toads and MHs.
bumpy
klutchdust
Explorer II
Apr 25, 2015
www.readybrake.com
dkcrjm
Explorer
Apr 25, 2015
Is the Brake Buddy system the one you recommend? The portable?
klutchdust
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2015
dkcrjm wrote:
The Patriot is 5 speed manual with front wheel drive. I don't understand the "breakaway system" or "ready brake system".

There is a good video on that system, I just installed one in my 08 Jeep . If you can change your oil you can install this system. Legally you are required to have braking on anything over 2000 pounds. States vary.

Never heard of a toad coming loose.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015
dkcrjm wrote:
The Patriot is 5 speed manual with front wheel drive. I don't understand the "breakaway system" or "ready brake system".

brake away system applies the brakes on the toad if it breaks away and then it won't smash head first into an oncoming mini van full of nuns.
bumpy
dkcrjm
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015
The Patriot is 5 speed manual with front wheel drive. I don't understand the "breakaway system" or "ready brake system".
dahkota
Explorer
Apr 17, 2015
Simple graphic of towing laws

In many states, it is illegal not to have supplemental brakes. In some states, it is illegal not to have a breakaway system also in place.