Question Towing a 2013 Jeep Wrangler

[VigilM]

My question is; is the braking unit for the Jeep a must; or does it depend on how far you plan to travel and the hills you may encounter?

 

[Akdare]

It’s a must...in many states, it’s the law...

 

[RandyB]

I am not affiliated with the source of this data, nor can I or will I vouch for it's validity.

 

[Tjdave]

When we had our first motorhome, class C, I towed our light old Jeep. I did not use a braking system. Seemed to do just fine braking. But, not having a braking system was always on my mind every second of each trip. I always left myself lots of extra space between the vehicle in front of me. I still do that today with a braking system. Just a good practice.
I eventually bought a car trailer to haul it on with brakes, and breakaway system. Such a calmer peaceful drive from that day forward. I am flat towing again using an RVi3 brake system. The difference in braking when you really need it is definitely noticeable. I will not tow without one again.

 

[MapNerd]

It’s a must...in many states, it’s the law...

What she said...

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

And, one of the primary reasons for having a braking system with break-away switch is to keep from injuring or killing someone else if the towed vehicle ever comes loose! It is simply not safe...for anyone...to tow without a braking system.

TJ

 

[VigilM]

Thank you all for the info. This is very helpful. Appreciate you!

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Thank you all for the info. This is very helpful. Appreciate you!

Looks like you are new to our RVF family and I am remiss in not extending a hearty "welcome." Glad to have you here with us. Stay in touch and let us know if we can help in some way.

TJ

 

[redbaron]

I use the brake buddy. Bought it in 2008 and it works great. I have several toads, and didnt want to install a system in each one.

The breakaway installation is very simple on a jeep, and the brake buddy sets up in 30 seconds.

 

[VigilM]

I got a quote from a local RV Dealership for the entire setup for towing my Jeep and it was around $5,000. Do you all have any recommendations for purchasing these items and installing myself? They get you on the Labor Charge.

 

[Tjdave]

I got a quote from a local RV Dealership for the entire setup for towing my Jeep and it was around $5,000. Do you all have any recommendations for purchasing these items and installing myself? They get you on the Labor Charge.

I set my 2016 Wrangler up by myself. Easy. I used the Currie tow bar mount/skid plate from Amazon $248. Fits a Blue Ox tow bar I found on Craigslist for $250. Hopkins light kit was cheap $48 Amazon. Bought a RVi3 brake new. $1200. That was the most expensive thing. Still nowhere near $5K.

 

[sheridany]

you can try Etrailer.com as they have all the parts for your specific vehicle and they have videos and are pretty helpful if you contact them....I had mine done by a shop and it was close to $5k all said and done...

 

[Bill Hunt]

I installed mine on my 2013 Wrangler and had a shop install an M&G system on my 2014 F-150. Don’t remember the price for the install of the M&G.
I just realized that I don’t remember the price for the Blue Ox either.
I’m Gonna blame all of that on age....

 

[Joe Hogan]

I remember speaking with several different persons over the years, at the 'campfire', who had been passed by their towd after the hitch "failed". Typically this was early on with the first RV. The hitch "failure" was due to dealer tech/salesman not installing the hitch properly or connecting the towd correctly.

In my opinion the key features of a towd braking system are: to stop the towd if it becomes disconnected from the RV, keep the towd inline/behind the RV under heavy braking (i.e. avoid jack knife), and finally to help slow the RV when brakes are applied.
Also, you need to be sure you are operating within the state of registration regs and insurance regs to be sure if you do have an incident, vehicle insurance will cover the damage.