Thunder Mountain
Lost in the Four Corners
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Joined: 02/09/2005
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I've flat towed a Jeep a TJ and a JK behind the MH with zero problems. Now I'm getting ready to flat tow my 2018 JL Jeep Rubicon. It is a whole new beast as far as the electrical system goes with it infamous stop/start system and two batteries.
I'm using the Cooltech wiring harness and a Brake Buddy II braking system. I'll power the Brake Buddy from the 12V outlet in the back cargo area since it is live all the time.
So, here is the question. Do I need an axillary charging system to keep the battery up for the Brake Buddy on the JL? Cooltech is pushing their charger. Is it a real need or just revenue enhancement? On the TJ and JK I never worried about the Brake Buddy draining the battery on a one day tow. If I towed for two or more days, I would just let the engine idle for ten minutes or so first thing in the morning to top off the battery.
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sch911
Rochester Hills, MI
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Joined: 04/13/2003
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Yes. Otherwise the Brake Buddy will eventually kill the JL's battery. I reccommend simply connecting the charge line in the 7 way connector.
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Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor, Wa
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We trailer the jeep. 2019 Rubicon..... we can back up.
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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I vote no since the BB has low usage for a day and as long there are no other drains. Some jeep models have the EPS running when towing and that answer would be yes.
My jeep has no loads when towed and the aux brake is air operated.
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Bob
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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Why not install a dedicated 12V outlet for the Brake Buddy charged from the MH?
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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dodge guy wrote:Why not install a dedicated 12V outlet for the Brake Buddy charged from the MH? Connection to the toad battery is required for a break away situation. The voltage drop from the MH might be to great for proper operation of the brake.
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Horsedoc
Dixie --- N. Georgia
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On a previous coach I ran a fused line to the Jeep battery to the coach battery. Nothing complicated and worked fine
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Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor, Wa
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our 2019 JL does not have a steering wheel lock, thus it doesn't need a key turned on to be towed.
we use a separate wire harness for lights on the jeep, there are many way to wire these.
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dodge guy
Bartlett IL
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CA Traveler wrote:dodge guy wrote:Why not install a dedicated 12V outlet for the Brake Buddy charged from the MH? Connection to the toad battery is required for a break away situation. The voltage drop from the MH might be to great for proper operation of the brake.
The Brake Buddy has its own battery just for this reason.
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bighatnohorse
Gig Harbor - Cave Creek
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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Instruction manual:
The Manual wrote:Problem: I’m experiencing frequent battery drain on my towed vehicle.
Solution: Battery drain can depend on your braking style and vehicle type. We recommend
recharging the car battery once every three days to maintain optimum battery
condition. Another solution is to install the Towed Vehicle Battery Maintainer
(#39332). This accessory item continuously maintains the towed vehicle’s battery
charge. Contact your local dealer or BrakeBuddy to order.
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