Will D-Ring Adapters Fit a 2018 Wrangler JK Unlimited Freedom Edition for Flat Towing Behind an RV

Question:

I have a new 2018 JK unlimited Freedom Edition. The bumpers are factory and I believe they are AEV MODEL # AEV10305056AC Manufacturer Part # 10305056AC These are as supplied by Jeep on a new 2018 Freedom edition. I am thinking the RM-035 adapters will work fine. what do you think?

asked by: Erich K

Expert Reply:

For D-ring adapters # RM-035 you have to go by what they fit. First measure the D-ring mounts on the bumper. If they are 3/4 inches fit then the adapters will fit around them. Next measure the diameter of the hole in one of the D-ring mounts. If the hole is either 7/8 inch or 1 inch in diameter you can use these adapters. But you also have to check with Jeep or the bumper manufacturer to determine if the bumper is rated for flat towing. Not all of them are.

Assuming everything will work out then for a compatible tow bar I recommend the Falcon All-Terrain # RM-522. All-terrain means that you won't have to be perfectly straight and level when hooking up or disconnecting. This means the tow bar won't bind up! If you've ever had to fight with a bound up tow bar you know how much of a pain it is. And once you go to an all-terrain tow bar you won't want to use anything else.

I also recommend straight safety cables # RM-645. The straight cables will fit through the safety cable channels in the Falcon All-Terrain tow bar so they are nice, neat, and clean looking and out of the way.

Next you will need a lighting solution. People like the Hopkins harness # HM56200 because it just plugs in line with the vehicle tail light wiring making installation easy. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

You may also need a high/low adapter to keep the tow bar level. I have linked a help article showing how to measure and a link to the high/low adapters we carry.

And finally, most states now require supplemental braking on the vehicle being flat towed. One of the preferred systems for our installers and what I recommend is the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO proportional system, # SM99251. It will apply the vehicle brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. This is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and tear on both vehicles.

The # RM-88400 relay is required to prevent the towed vehicle's brake signal from overriding the turn signal from the RV when applying the brakes during a turn.

Be sure to consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information on flat towing the vehicle. I have also included some helpful links to our series of help articles on flat towing for you.