Setting up 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee for Dinghy Towing

mikestock wrote:

et2 wrote:
You need to verify it has the 2 speed drive train. You'll know if it does by the small neutral button behind the shift selector. If it doesn't ... You can't tow it 4 down.

You're saying that just a 4 wheel drive is not enough?

I'm really wondering how difficult the base plate is to install. I had a friend who had a Jeep Wrangler for a dinghy. I don't even think he had a base plate. Just some sort of bar that bolted under the front.

That would be correct. See dons2346 response above? The simplest way to tell is look for that tiny button I mentioned. You push it with a tip of a pen. It'll say neutral right next to it. If it's not there, no 4 down towing allowed.

The front facia needs to come off.Probably needs some minor trimming where the tow brackets come through. If you go to the Blue Ox web site you can get the installation instructions for your required base plate. The Wrangler is easier to mount than the Grand Cherokee as the bumper easily comes off the Wrangler. Our last tow car was the 2015 Grand Cherokee. It towed great. Ours all have been Blue Ox.

We have had the Brake Buddy Classic for our brake system for 5 years. It easily moves to the tow car of choice, easy to use and setup.


http://www.jeep.com.eg/om/2017/jeepgc/index.html#240

I install Blue Ox 2 piece baseplate on our 2016 Grand Cherokee Summit. The worst part of job was removing the front fascia. The clips on the top corners of the fascia by the wheel wells are hard to get to release. I broke one. Cost me $25 to replace.

If you are putting baseplate on a Summit you will have to cut out the grille for the tow bar mounts. Other models you do not have to cut grill.

I hinged my front license plate and hid may break away switch and light cord plug in behind the license plate.

Only four-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II (two-speed transfer case) can be towed four wheels down.

I have installed my own baseplate on a 2000, a 2001, a 2004, and a 2008 Jeep GC. Takes a couple hours and a bit of mechanical skill. All 4 jeeps would convert to 4 down towing in about 1 minute, however some Grand Cherokees cannot be towed that way. Best bet is to read the specific owners manual for the car you are interested in and verify the instructions are there for it.

et2 wrote:
You need to verify it has the 2 speed drive train. You'll know if it does by the small neutral button behind the shift selector. If it doesn't ... You can't tow it 4 down.

You're saying that just a 4 wheel drive is not enough?

I'm really wondering how difficult the base plate is to install. I had a friend who had a Jeep Wrangler for a dinghy. I don't even think he had a base plate. Just some sort of bar that bolted under the front.

RV Roadway in Calera installed my last baseplate.

You need to verify it has the 2 speed drive train. You'll know if it does by the small neutral button behind the shift selector. If it doesn't ... You can't tow it 4 down.

We flat tow a 2016 Grand Cherokee. Easiest vehicle to prepare each time we move. Easiest we've ever towed. Had base plate installed when we purchased the vehicle and we use the patriot Brake with it.

Regarding the base plate, you can get a pretty good idea of what's involved at eTrailer 2016 GC Base Plates

They have also posted some YouTube videos.