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Tow Package and Flat Towing

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22K views 37 replies 20 participants last post by  bartek  
#1 ·
Had two questions...
1. Is the towing package included, as I don't see it anywhere, either as standard or as an option. Can't order unless it has the tow package, and I know there has been some shortages

2. Can the Limited 4xe be flat towed...?


Thanks
 
#2 ·
On the Trailhawk I ordered, a tow package is standard. When you build a 4xe online, next to the price, you can click on “standard features”. Under the “ mechanical features“ drop down is where my tow package is shown.
I have not researched the flat towing question. My assumption is if your particular built 4xe has the capability to have the transfer case in neutral, you could flat tow like any other Jeep. Just my assumption though.
 
#3 ·
Had two questions...
1. Is the towing package included, as I don't see it anywhere, either as standard or as an option. Can't order unless it has the tow package, and I know there has been some shortages

2. Can the Limited 4xe be flat towed...?


Thanks
Everything I read from Jeep indicates that it will flat tow if the transmission has a neutral switch which my configuration does. I plan to replace my 2019 Ram Longhorn 1500 with the GC 4xe Summit Reserve.
 
#4 ·
#5 · (Edited)
I would think (hope) that means if nothing is said then nothing is different than what’s in the main manual. Only exceptions/clarifications should be in a supplemental manual.

In the case of the JGC 4xe, I believe that all models have the same 8P75PH transmission that support 4WD-LO and have the neutral switch.

Like my Ram, I plan on extending my RV battery line to the Jeep as part of the 6-Way connector I’ll install.
 
#12 ·
For anyone already flat towing the JGC, I’m putting my planned flat tow configuration to gather any real world experience comments. My current configuration is a 2020 Newmar King Aire 45’ towing a 2019 RAM Longhorn 1500.

1. Tow bar: Roadmaster Nighthawk- Currently use, suitable for JGC 4xe weight (supports up to 8,000#)
2. Tow interface: Roadmaster baseplate kit 521461-5. Similar to current config which I like
3. Electrical Connection: 6-Way - supports battery connection between RV & JGC. Breaker
Prevents battery drain from possibly active JGC systems (air suspension pump, PS pump, brake pump, etc)
4. Brakes: Demco Air Force One “AFO” - Have been successfully using this for over 4 TOADS and 3 RVs.
Proportional bake using RV air brake line. Uses small air cyclinder on bake pedal and supplies vacuum for
brake main cylinder. May need slight configuration change if JGC has different brake system.
5. Break-away: Demco AFO
6. Diode-Or’d connection to tail lights.

———
What to confirm:
A. Does JGC use an electrical pump/etc for brakes? Active when being towed? Supplies vacuum?
(if it is actually a vacuum system then possibly “T” tap between AFO & vacuum line with back flow preventer)
B. Ensure auto park brake feature can be disabled (a can do this on my 2019 RAM) to prevent park brakes from
engaging while towing.
C. Determine what systems (steering, brakes, suspension, etc) are active during towing and ensure that they
are adequately addressed.
 
#15 ·
For folks who tow, what are you planning to tow with your GC 4xe?

I've never towed anything, but my wife is interested in RV life. Do you think it will have enough torque once the batteries are drained?
 
#16 ·
We plan on towing our 22 foot pontoon boat and our 16 foot Bass Tracker and eventually I plan on building a teardrop camper to tow behind to campsites.
 
#19 ·
This is from the official Mopar First Responders Guide for the GC 4xe:

Image


I realize this is for general towing of a disabled vehicle but it does cover some of the questions that were asked.
The criteria is much more strict for a damaged vehicle as there is the possibility of electrocution with the drive wheels moving.
 
#22 ·
Not sure if anyone actually answered the question so I'll add it. The standard Jeep Grand cherokee 4xe has a lower towing capacity and does NOT come with the towing package. Every other Grand Cherokee 4xe INCLUDES the towing package and has a higher towing capacity.

I did the research as I wanted the base model but I NEED towing so I'm going with the Trail Hawk
 
#25 ·
No. You can simply reach under and their are two thumb screw lathes that will drop that panel out of the way on all models. The panel is there hitch or not.

When I priced out a hitch to be dealer installed I was quoted 1400...F that.
 
#30 ·
So is it possible to add a tow hitch and 4 pin connector to the base GC 4xe model? If yes, what's the tow capacity and anyone get a price? I'm considering buying a GC 4xe, was really hoping it could tow some light loads now and again
 
#31 ·
Tow capacity will be 3500 because it does not have the factory hitch and equipment. Currently, there isn't anything out there that specifically says 4XE compatible. Your best bet will be to wait a few months or so to see when the supply chain catches up and see about a MOPAR fitment if you want it to look factory behind the little door on the bumper.

I don't know how much different the overall design of the ICE WL model is vs the 4XE at the back end around the bumper and the part of the frame (subframe, unibody, you get the idea) where the hitch is supposed to slide into when you remove the back bumper bar. I had a few emails to some of the hitch manufacturers asking for updates and heard nothing back. Its been a little while.
 
#33 ·
I’m relatively new here but just wanted to chime in on the flat towing question. I would be VERY careful to get that answer straight from Jeep. I have owned a few hybrid vehicles in the past and all of them clearly stated that they could only be towed on a flatbed due to the regenerative braking system.

Also, my dealer told me a story about one of their customers that was towing a Wrangler 4xe behind their RV and it caught fire. I don’t know the circumstances beyond that but it would certainly give me pause.

This being said, I don’t see any mention of special recreational towing requirements in the hybrid supplement for either Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe.
 
#34 ·
#36 ·
Had two questions... 1. Is the towing package included, as I don't see it anywhere, either as standard or as an option. Can't order unless it has the tow package, and I know there has been some shortages 2. Can the Limited 4xe be flat towed...? Thanks
A tow package does not aod in timing the vehicle, it aids the jeep towing another car. So, the ball hitch and wiring harness in the rear, only. To be able to flat tow the Jeep, you will have to install aftermarket.
 
#37 ·
Had two questions...
1. Is the towing package included, as I don't see it anywhere, either as standard or as an option. Can't order unless it has the tow package, and I know there has been some shortages

2. Can the Limited 4xe be flat towed...?


Thanks
Yes. Go on etrailer. Curt sells a 4 wire garness that connects or I should say plugs into tail lights. Run it up your drain to a 6 pin that connects to a 7 pin pig rail. You can even run a Hotwire with a 15 amp fuse to keep the battery healthy on long trips