Can You Flat Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade
Towing a vehicle behind your RV opens up new travel possibilities, but not every car is ready for the journey. Many Jeep models are famous among RV owners for being “flat towable.”
But what about the 2020 Jeep Renegade? If you’re thinking about taking your Renegade on an adventure, knowing the right way to tow is essential.
Let’s break down the facts, explore what’s allowed, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
What Does Flat Towing Mean?
Flat towing (also called “dinghy towing” or “four-down towing”) means pulling a car with all four wheels on the road. This is different from using a trailer or a dolly, where some wheels are lifted. Flat towing is popular because it’s quick to connect and doesn’t require heavy equipment. However, not all cars are designed for this method. The wrong choice can damage your transmission or drive system.
2020 Jeep Renegade Drivetrain Options
The 2020 Jeep Renegade comes in several trims and drivetrain types:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with Active Drive
- Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with Active Drive Low
The drivetrain matters for towing. Some 4WD Jeeps are famous for being easy to flat tow, but the Renegade is built differently from the Wrangler or Cherokee. This difference affects your options.
Here’s a quick look at the 2020 Renegade’s main drivetrain choices:
| Trim | Drivetrain | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | FWD / 4WD | 2.4L I4 / 1.3L Turbo | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Latitude | FWD / 4WD | 2.4L I4 / 1.3L Turbo | 9-Speed Automatic |
| Trailhawk | 4WD Only | 1.3L Turbo | 9-Speed Automatic |
Can You Flat Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade?
According to the official Jeep owner’s manual, the answer is NO. The 2020 Jeep Renegade is not approved for flat towing with all four wheels on the ground. This applies to both FWD and 4WD versions. Even the Trailhawk, which is designed for off-road, cannot be flat towed.
Why is this the case? The Renegade uses a 9-speed automatic transmission and a unique 4WD system. These are not built for lubrication while being towed with the engine off. Towing in this way can lead to severe transmission damage, which is expensive to fix.
Acceptable Ways To Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade
While flat towing isn’t allowed, you can still tow your Renegade safely by using these options:
- Trailer (All Wheels Off Ground):
- Load your Renegade onto a full-size trailer. This keeps all four wheels off the ground and protects the drivetrain.
- Tow Dolly (Front Wheels Off Ground):
- For FWD models only, use a tow dolly to lift the front wheels. The rear wheels stay on the road, which is safe for FWD but not for 4WD.
- Professional Towing:
- If your vehicle breaks down, request a flatbed tow truck.
The following comparison highlights the allowed and not allowed towing methods:
| Towing Method | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Towing (All Wheels Down) | No | Not approved by Jeep |
| Tow Dolly (FWD Only) | Yes | Front wheels up, rear down |
| Trailer (All Wheels Up) | Yes | Best for all models |
Common Mistakes And Costly Risks
Many owners assume that all Jeeps are flat towable. This is a myth. Towing the 2020 Jeep Renegade with all wheels down can cause:
- Transmission failure
- 4WD system damage
- Voided warranty
These repairs can cost several thousand dollars. Insurance may not cover the damage if you didn’t follow the manual. Always double-check your owner’s manual before towing.
Why Isn’t The Renegade Flat Towable?
Unlike the Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, the Renegade does not have a neutral transfer case position designed for towing. Its transmission relies on the engine running for lubrication.
When the car is off and being towed, gears can overheat and break.
Jeep engineers made this clear in technical bulletins and manuals.
Some people try to disconnect the driveshaft or use aftermarket kits. However, this is risky and may lead to further problems.
Jeep does not recommend any workaround for flat towing the 2020 Renegade.
What To Do If You Need A Flat Towable Vehicle
If you want to tow a Jeep behind an RV, consider these alternatives:
- Jeep Wrangler (most models)
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Cherokee (with specific 4WD systems)
These models have transfer cases with true neutral settings. They are designed for flat towing and are widely used by RVers.
Always check the model year and drivetrain before buying.
For more technical details, visit the official Jeep Owner’s Manual Library.
Real-world Example
A 2020 Jeep Renegade owner tried to flat tow behind his motorhome. After just 100 miles, the transmission overheated and failed.
The repair bill was more than $4,000, and the warranty was denied because flat towing is not supported. This example shows why following the manual matters.
Tips For Safe Towing
- Always use a flatbed trailer for 4WD Renegades.
- For FWD models, a tow dolly is safe, but only with the front wheels lifted.
- Check tire pressure and secure your vehicle before towing.
- Never try to bypass the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Flat Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade Behind An Rv?
No, you cannot flat tow this model behind an RV with all four wheels on the ground. Only trailers or dollies are safe options.
What Happens If You Flat Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade?
Flat towing can severely damage the transmission and drivetrain. Repairs are expensive, and your warranty may be voided.
Is Any 2020 Jeep Renegade Trim Flat Towable?
No trim or drivetrain option in the 2020 Renegade lineup is approved for flat towing. This includes Trailhawk and 4WD models.
What’s The Best Way To Tow A 2020 Jeep Renegade?
The safest way is using a full trailer for all trims. For FWD models, you may use a tow dolly with the front wheels up.
Are Other Jeep Models Flat Towable?
Yes, some models like the Jeep Wrangler and some Cherokees are flat towable, but always check the manual first.
Flat towing is a great way to bring a car along on trips, but not every vehicle is ready for it. The 2020 Jeep Renegade is not designed for flat towing, so use a trailer or dolly to protect your investment.
Always follow the manufacturer’s rules to keep your travels smooth and your vehicle safe.
