If you've spent any time at a campground lately, you've definitely noticed that towing a jeep behind an rv is practically the unofficial badge of honor for seasoned travelers. There is a very good reason why you see so many Wranglers and Cherokees trailing behind those big Class A and Class C motorhomes. It's not just because they look cool—though they definitely do—it's because Jeeps are arguably the most practical choice for a "toad" or dinghy vehicle.
Getting your setup right takes a little bit of homework, but once you've got it dialed in, the freedom it gives you is hard to beat. You can park the big rig, set up your stabilizers, and then hop in the Jeep to go grab groceries, scout out a trailhead, or find that hidden taco truck in town without having to navigate a 35-foot house through a drive-thru.
Why Jeeps are the kings of the road
The main reason people choose a Jeep for flat towing (which means all four wheels are on the ground) is the mechanical design. Most 4WD Jeeps, especially the Wrangler and the Gladiator, feature a true neutral position in the transfer case. This is the secret sauce. When you shift that transfer case into neutral, it completely disconnects the transmission from the wheels. This allows the wheels to spin freely without spinning the internal parts of the transmission that require the engine to be running for lubrication.
If you try to flat tow a vehicle that doesn't have this capability, you'll likely end up smelling something burning about fifty miles down the road, followed by a very expensive repair bill. But with a Jeep, it's built into the DNA. It's almost as if the engineers knew we'd want to drag them across the country behind a motorhome.
The essential gear list
You can't just hook up a chain and start driving. There is a specific kit of parts you're going to need to make this safe and legal. First up is the tow bar. This is the bridge between your RV's hitch and the Jeep. You'll want a high-quality, motorhome-mounted tow bar because they stay on the RV and are much easier to manage than the old-school A-frame versions.
Next, you need base plates. These are heavy-duty steel brackets that bolt directly to the Jeep's frame. This is where the tow bar attaches. Every Jeep model is a little different, so you have to get base plates designed specifically for your year and trim level. If you've upgraded to an aftermarket steel bumper on your Jeep, some companies make adapters that let you hook the tow bar directly to the bumper's D-ring tabs, which looks a lot cleaner.
Then there's the braking system. This is a big one. Most states require a supplemental braking system for any vehicle being towed. It's a device that sits on the floor of the Jeep and physically pushes the brake pedal when it senses the RV slowing down. Not only is it a legal requirement in most places, but it's also a huge safety feature. You don't want 4,000 pounds of Jeep pushing your RV down a mountain grade.
Lighting and electrical
When you're towing a jeep behind an rv, the people behind you need to know when you're stopping or turning. You have a couple of options here. The "pro" way to do it is with a vehicle-specific wiring kit that uses diodes to tap into your Jeep's existing taillights. Once it's installed, you just plug a cable between the RV and the Jeep, and the lights work in sync.
The cheaper, quicker option is magnetic lights that you stick on the roof or the bumper. They work fine, but they're a bit of a pain to set up every time, and you have to worry about the wires flapping in the wind and scratching your paint. If you're going to be doing this often, definitely spring for the permanent wiring kit. It'll save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Making the hookup easy
The first few times you hook up your Jeep, it's probably going to feel a bit clunky. You'll be checking your notes, making sure the transfer case is in neutral, and double-checking your safety cables. That's normal. After a while, it becomes muscle memory.
A pro tip for a smooth hookup: try to find a level spot. If the RV and the Jeep are at weird angles, it can be tough to get the pins to line up. Also, always use safety cables. These are your backup in case the tow bar fails for some reason. Cross them in an "X" shape under the tow bar; if the hitch ever disconnected, the cables would cradle the tow bar and keep it from digging into the pavement.
Important things to remember while driving
Driving with a "toad" isn't much different from driving the RV solo, but there are two golden rules you have to live by.
First, you cannot back up. This is the one that trips up a lot of people. Because of the way the front wheels of the Jeep caster, if you try to reverse, the wheels will immediately whip to one side or the other. You can bend your tow bar, damage the Jeep's steering, or even jackknife the whole setup in a matter of feet. If you find yourself in a dead-end street or a tight parking lot, you have to unhook the Jeep, move it, and then move the RV.
Second, your turning radius is going to be slightly wider. The Jeep will generally follow the tracks of the RV, but you still want to take those corners a bit wider than usual just to be safe. It's also a good idea to have a rearview camera on the RV so you can keep an eye on the Jeep. Seeing those tires spinning back there gives you a lot of peace of mind.
Choosing the right Jeep model
While the Wrangler is the most popular choice, it's not the only one. The Jeep Gladiator (the truck version) is also a fantastic flat-tow candidate. If you prefer something a bit more "civilized" for highway driving, certain trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Cherokee (the smaller one) are also flat-towable.
However, you have to be careful with the newer, more tech-heavy models. Some require a specific "flat tow kit" from the dealer to prevent the electronic power steering from wobbling while being towed. Always, and I mean always, check your owner's manual under the "Recreational Towing" section before you buy a vehicle specifically for this purpose. It will tell you exactly what is required and if that specific trim level is capable of being towed with all four wheels down.
Wrapping things up
At the end of the day, towing a jeep behind an rv is all about making your trip more enjoyable. There's nothing quite like the feeling of pulling into a beautiful campsite in the mountains, unhooking the Jeep in about three minutes, and then heading off to explore a rocky trail or a nearby scenic overlook.
It takes a bit of an initial investment in gear and a little bit of practice to get the routine down, but the payoff is huge. You get the comfort of your motorhome for the long hauls and the rugged capability of a Jeep for the adventures in between. Just remember to double-check your connections, never try to back up, and enjoy the freedom of having the best of both worlds on the open road. Happy trails!