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Thunder_Mountai's avatar
Thunder_Mountai
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2021

Question about 12V charging on Jeep JL while flat towing

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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  • 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.
  • Why not install a dedicated 12V outlet for the Brake Buddy charged from the MH?
  • 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.
  • Yes. Otherwise the Brake Buddy will eventually kill the JL's battery. I reccommend simply connecting the charge line in the 7 way connector.