Why We Chose a Jeep as Our Tow Vehicle

Having a tow vehicle can be a total game-changer when RVing. You get the freedom to explore without packing up your entire home every time you want to run to the grocery store. Without a tow vehicle, that quick grocery run suddenly means packing up your whole rig, pulling in the slides, disconnecting water and power, and leveling all over again when you return.

Whether it’s weaving through tight roads in a national park or off-roading to a hidden lake, a tow vehicle keeps your travel flexible, convenient, and way less stressful. For us, that meant one big decision early on: what type of vehicle should we flat tow behind our RV?

The right fit turned out to be a Jeep. In this post, we’re sharing why we chose it, what we learned the hard way about flat towing a Jeep, our exact setup for towing a Jeep behind an RV, and a few essential tips if you’re considering this combo for your RV travels.

Listen to the Full Episode – Podcast 156

Our First Tow Vehicle (And What It Taught Us)

Before we ever owned a Jeep, we were towing a Chevy Tahoe. It technically got the job done, but it wasn’t the best match for our rig or our lifestyle. It was heavy, bulky, and didn’t provide the flexibility we needed for off-road exploring.

After a few long, tiring travel days with hills, we knew it was time to reassess our setup.

Why We Chose Flat Towing a Jeep Behind An RV

So, why a Jeep? There were several standout reasons that made it the perfect match for our RV lifestyle, starting with how incredibly easy it is to tow.

Factory-Ready for Flat Towing

One of the biggest perks of the Jeep Wrangler (and other Jeep models) is that they’re flat-towable right off the lot. No major drivetrain mods or transmission overrides. You just put the transfer case and transmission in neutral, follow a few steps in the owner’s manual, and you’re good to go.

Flat towing (also known as 4-down towing) means all four wheels of the Jeep are on the ground—no dolly, no trailer. It’s simpler, lighter, and faster to hook up and go.

Trail-Ready and Compact

We love discovering off-the-beaten-path adventures, and our Jeep allows us to do so without worrying about clearance or terrain. It’s rugged and compact enough to navigate narrow dirt roads that larger vehicles can’t access.

Aftermarket Support

From tow bars to lift kits to recovery gear, there are endless upgrades and accessories designed specifically for Jeep owners. That gave us confidence that we’d always be able to maintain and modify it to suit our evolving needs.

Our Towing Setup: What We Use to Flat Tow Our Jeep Behind the RV

This setup has made flat towing our Jeep behind the RV smoother, safer, and more stress-free, especially on long travel days. Setting up your Jeep for flat towing requires specific equipment, and making the right choices here can save you from significant stress on travel days.

Tow Bar + Baseplate System

We went with a Roadmaster Crossbar Baseplate and installed it on the front of the Jeep. The tow bar connects directly from the RV’s hitch to the Jeep’s baseplate, keeping everything secure.

Brake System

A supplemental brake system is legally required in many states, and it’s a smart safety choice. We utilize the Roadmaster Even Brake Braking System, which activates the Jeep’s brakes when the RV slows down, thereby reducing stopping distance and wear on our rig’s brakes.

Light Wiring

We wired our Jeep’s tail lights to sync with the RV’s signals, but you can also use removable magnetic lights if you want something more temporary. Either way, the key is to ensure that your Jeep’s lights match the RV’s turn signals, brakes, and running lights.

Safety Cables + Hitch Locks

Don’t overlook the basics! We use heavy-duty safety cables and locking hitch pins to ensure that everything remains securely connected.

Mistakes We Made While Learning to Tow

Here are a few common mistakes we made while flat towing a Jeep behind our RV—and how we learned to fix them and avoid issues down the road.

Before the Jeep, our Tahoe pushed the limits of what our RV could safely handle. It caused strain on our engine, made braking more difficult, and just felt like too much weight behind us. Switching to the Jeep made our towing setup feel balanced and safe again.

We’ve gone through more tow pins than we care to admit. In the early days, Tony had a habit of setting them on the bumper after unhooking the Jeep, and then driving off without securing them. 😅 It became a bit of a running joke (until we had to keep buying replacements).

Thankfully, they’re cheap and easy to find at places like Tractor Supply. These days, we have them clipped in with lanyards so they stay put.

One of our magnetic tail lights popped off mid-drive and started dragging behind the Jeep, sparking all the way. We didn’t notice until we pulled up to a red light and a kind stranger flagged us down, probably thinking we were about to set the highway on fire. 😳

Luckily, it was just the light and not anything more serious. Now, we triple-check that everything is secure before we hit the road, and we’ve since upgraded to a more reliable lighting setup.

Safety & Setup Tips for New RVers Towing a Jeep

Make a pre-tow checklist and actually use it. Every time. Yes, even when you’re tired or it’s raining.

Do a test tow. Don’t wait for a cross-country drive to figure out your setup. Start by looping around a local campground or a large parking lot first.

Consider buying a used setup. If someone is selling a full tow bar + brake system combo, it can save you hundreds—just make sure to inspect everything thoroughly.

Check your RV’s towing capacity. Know your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), and don’t push it.

Review local laws. Some states require supplemental brakes, and many have rules governing the amount of towing allowed. Rules also vary depending on whether you’re flat towing, using a dolly, or hauling with a trailer.

Is a Jeep the Right Tow Vehicle for You?

As much as we love our Jeep, it’s not a perfect fit for every RVer.

A Jeep might be perfect for you if:

• You enjoy boondocking or off-roading
• You explore national parks often
• You want a vehicle that’s flat-towable with minimal setup
• You’re okay with less cargo space

A Jeep might not be ideal if:

• You need more room for kids, pets, or gear
• You rarely leave the pavement
• You prefer a more fuel-efficient, street-focused vehicle

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering flat towing a Jeep or researching your tow vehicle options, we hope this post helps you feel more confident in the process. Whether you’re new to RVing or upgrading your setup, understanding the ins and outs of flat towing a Jeep can make a huge difference in your overall travel experience.

Do you tow a Jeep behind your RV? What setup do you use, and what lessons have you learned the hard way? We’d love to feature your voice on a future episode. Leave us a message below.

Frequently Asked Questions: Flat Towing a Jeep Behind an RV