The new 2014 Cherokee (Trailhawk model) tow hooks are pretty rugged. Seems I could "modify/replace" the hooks to provide a place to connect my Blue Ox tow bar.In other words -- no baseplate. That would be helpful since there ARE NO baseplates !Whatchathink ?

No that's a bad idea. The baseplates are coming be patient. There are a couple of members here already testing them.

The tow hook mounts should certainly be adequate to provide an attachment point. If they aren't strong enough to tow the Jeep with a chain, then they shouldn't be there. I wouldn't be afraid to use them, as long as you use good grade 8 bolts, double nutted. And any brackets that need modifying or welding should be done by a licensed welder. Also, the tow bar should be kept level, same height at the hitch and the Jeep.

Disagree. There's a Big Difference between "pull me out of this sand once" and "tow me thousands of miles."I helped a neighbor install a Blue Ox "baseplate" onto a Hummer. Whichever model the smaller one, gussied-up Blazer was. Although the attaching points worked off of the tow hook bases, it included extra brackets and bolts that went behind those bases, and required drilling.An OP here has already had one fabbed by DEMCO. BlueOx and RM can't be far behind. If they're behind at all. Have you called the companies?

I would hope they design a base plate around the tow hooks and leave them on. That way you can go off road and on road.

FANC 1 wrote:I would hope they design a base plate around the tow hooks and leave them on. That way you can go off road and on road.BlueOx mounted a baseplate at one time on the tow hooks of either a Ranger or Explorer, and learned the hard way that the tow hook mounting points were not strong enough to handle the bending loads at that point coming from vertical loads towbar to baseplate. These come from acceleration, braking, traversing bumps and dips.Tow hooks might work for flexible connections, cable or chain, but that won't brake the toad for you, or let you push back. There is also sometimes a situation that those hooks are basically cosmetic, rather than functional, like "fog lights" not really designed for use in fog.Not all tow hook mounting points may be inadequate, but the requirements are different enough that we can't simply assume that if the hooks are good for a pull they are good for towbar loads.

2014 Cherokee - connect tow bar at tow hooks ?

rr2254545
Explorer
Jan 10, 2014
sealg wrote:
I checked today with Demco (via dealer).

The product they have does not fit the Trail Hawk. No plans announced for the trail hawk.

They are getting a Trailhawk on Monday they feel that maybe little or no modifications of the Limited base plate that was put on my car.

Their part number for the Limited is 9518307
sealg
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
I checked today with Demco (via dealer).

The product they have does not fit the Trail Hawk. No plans announced for the trail hawk.
et2
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Anyone getting good lease deals on the Cherokee?
S-n-L
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago I ordered a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited with Active Drive 2. It is an upgrade on the Latitude and Limited, comes standard on the Trail Hawk.

I am planning on using a roadmaster sterling tow bar. Roadmaster now has the brackets/baseplate for the limited and trail hawk, may also have for the latitude.

I will be another 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Can't wait to get it.

We ordered:
Limited, V6, Active drive 2, luxury package, sunroof, cashmere pearl color, tow package.

Stuart
et2
Explorer
Jan 09, 2014
sealg wrote:
rr2254545 wrote:

Should be soon as I was their prototype guy and it was done Dec 6th

Hey rr,

Looking through the the jeep website, it appears that one must have the Active Drive II (with neutral) in order to be able to flat-tow.

And it appears that the Limited does not have Active Drive II.

Can you flat-tow the Limited model ?

If it was ordered with the active drive II. I have seen some on the lot. Trail Hawk comes standard.
sealg
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
rr2254545 wrote:

Should be soon as I was their prototype guy and it was done Dec 6th

Hey rr,

Looking through the the jeep website, it appears that one must have the Active Drive II (with neutral) in order to be able to flat-tow.

And it appears that the Limited does not have Active Drive II.

Can you flat-tow the Limited model ?
sealg
Explorer
Jan 08, 2014
rr2254545 wrote:

I saw the Demco setup for my Limited after they engineered it. I was amazed at how much metal was on it. I can not imagine that the red hooks are so well secured.

The Trail Hawk and Limited seem to be substantially different in the front end.

I wonder if the Demco unit will work on the Trail Hawk ? ? ?
rr2254545
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
sealg wrote:
rr2254545 wrote:

I saw the Demco setup for my Limited after they engineered it. I was amazed at how much metal was on it. I can not imagine that the red hooks are so well secured.

Link to Demco - the black one is mine

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50497884/Base_Plate_Demco_2014_Cherokee.pdf

I looked at the document. Thanks for the advanced notice ! !

It looks like a lot of surgery going on there. Similar to the day-long goat rodeo of putting the blue ox on my 2000 cherokee.

Demco does not list this product on their website. Do you know what the availability status is ? ?

THANKS
curt

Should be soon as I was their prototype guy and it was done Dec 6th
sealg
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
rr2254545 wrote:

I saw the Demco setup for my Limited after they engineered it. I was amazed at how much metal was on it. I can not imagine that the red hooks are so well secured.

Link to Demco - the black one is mine

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/50497884/Base_Plate_Demco_2014_Cherokee.pdf

I looked at the document. Thanks for the advanced notice ! !

It looks like a lot of surgery going on there. Similar to the day-long goat rodeo of putting the blue ox on my 2000 cherokee.

Demco does not list this product on their website. Do you know what the availability status is ? ?

THANKS
curt
sealg
Explorer
Dec 24, 2013
Hey.. thanks for the feedback and good logic.

I note on this particular Jeep, the tow hooks are "rated for 8,300 lbs each". Not sure what that means in this context. The car weighs about 4,200 lbs.

I suspect the strength rating is more than adequate, but the constant torsion loads might be a problem over time.

I pick up the Jeep this weekend and will snoop around under there. If I can find a baseplate that is reasonable, I'll probably go for that.

Forum Discussion

2014 Cherokee - connect tow bar at tow hooks ?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Can I leave a 200 watt Renogy suitcase charger hooked up 24/7

Full hook up?

I'm hooked!

help hooking up my batteries

Cherokee