2014 Cherokee first tow today

After reading this thread several weeks ago, we decided on a Trailhawk. Got it back yesterday from installtion of the towing gear. Never towed before (previous Class B owners for years) and am looking forward to having a Jeep to run around in when we camp for extended periods of time.

As far as the Cherokee is concerned: I have owned and driven nothing but Jeeps for almost 25 years. Currently, I have a 2011 Grand Cherokee and the new Trailhawk is my wife's vehicle. Two Jeep family now.

I must say, the Trailhawk is the most impressive Jeep we have owned in all those years. Now, if it just had that old straight line 4L six in it, it would be perfect!! But, times change and the V6 is very impressive so far. Six Jeeps over those years and this is our very favorite: 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk ready to pull behind our Phoenix Cruiser 2350.

The Base plate actually replaces the tow hooks. It's really not a "plate" as there is no cross member to connect the two mounts. The tow hooks are removed and the towing mounts bolted to the frame.

It's ok by me because that is the only thing about the trailhawk I don't care for (red tow hooks).

bennefim wrote:
Couldn't you use the tow hooks rather than buy a base plate?

They are not designed for flat towing. Would it work? maybe, but not worth the risk for me, and you'd still need to rig something to attach to the tow bar.

lpavao100 wrote:
Hi - we just picked up the same vehicle over the weekend. I have a few questions for you if you wouldn't mind?

1. Any issues with incidental reversing - backing up the Cherokee while attached to the RV? I've read "no-backing up" in the manuals. My dealer doesn't seem to have any details.

2. What type of base-plate and towing arm did you use? I've read a little about Blue-Ox.

This is my first dingy, so I'm trying to get well educated about this process. Any feedback would be great. Thanks:)

The only way the motorhome would be in reverse is if someone engages reverse. I'm sure once you realized its in reverse (after a few inches) and "you stop" it should be fine. Someone will come along and tell you they've done it ... more than once. It just means they got lucky no damage occurred. So the answer is don't put it in reverse with the toad attached.

The blue Ox base plate part numbers are noted in previous posts in this thread. Go to the Blue Ox web site and you'll find what you need including the tow bars. They will direct you to a distributor and installer in your area. Or you can install the base plate yourself. Buy a tow bar rated to pull your toad weight. We have the Aventa - it's overkill (rated for 10,000 lbs ) the Cherokee is around 4200 lbs. But I err on the side of caution.

There are other manufactures as well - Roadmaster, etc.

Hi - we just picked up the same vehicle over the weekend. I have a few questions for you if you wouldn't mind?

1. Any issues with incidental reversing - backing up the Cherokee while attached to the RV? I've read "no-backing up" in the manuals. My dealer doesn't seem to have any details.

2. What type of base-plate and towing arm did you use? I've read a little about Blue-Ox.

This is my first dingy, so I'm trying to get well educated about this process. Any feedback would be great. Thanks:)

Couldn't you use the tow hooks rather than buy a base plate?

Thanks for the kind words. I didn't do the wrenching, and the dealer who did billed five hours for baseplates, lighte, and breakaway switch for the brake buddy.
-Dan

Dan,

Great looking job. Very low profile when everything is removed. Nice with trimming the grill.

Stuat

DiamondDan wrote:
Just did the Roadmaster baseplates this weekend, and I am very pleased with the result - minimal butchery of the grill, the breakaway leads feed through a pre-existing plug/grommet, and the whole install is very inconspicuous.

The loss of the tow hooks is not all that meaningful to me.

I can't get dropbox photos to embed, so here are the links:
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4

-dan

Good job. How long did it take you to install it? I like the EZ4 style bracket. Very low profile.

Just did the Roadmaster baseplates this weekend, and I am very pleased with the result - minimal butchery of the grill, the breakaway leads feed through a pre-existing plug/grommet, and the whole install is very inconspicuous.

The loss of the tow hooks is not all that meaningful to me.

I can't get dropbox photos to embed, so here are the links:
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4

-dan