Supplemental braking question

MetalGator wrote:

Off Pavement wrote:
Without a way to isolate the brake lamp circuit, the supplemental brake system will override the turn signals in your Jeep. Some supplemental brake systems account for this by isolating the brake light switch and some folks pull the brake light fuse. I've seen lot's of towed vehicles that don't worry about the turn signals.

You are right as I tested this last night. When I hook up my Jeep to my truck (don't have the motorhome yet) and turn on the turn signal, the Jeep turn signals work just fine. However, when I get in the Jeep and press the brakes (like a portable braking system would do), the brake lights stay on but no blinker. I guess I will have to pull the brake light fuse in the Jeep or figure out a way to put in a switch that will disable the brake lights on the Jeep when towing.

I am not sure what model/year Jeep you own but you should be able to make the lights work just fine. There are many ways to make it work but, here is a thread over on FMCA.com that will give you good info.

On our '05 TJ, I installed a separate bulb in the Jeep's tail light housing as many owners of Jeeps do. Problem solved. My braking system plays nicely with my lighting.

There are other methods too as others have already mentioned. You want your toad's lights to work-don't sacrifice your safety (and others) by not having all of your lights communicating with your tow vehicle correctly.

Off Pavement wrote:
Without a way to isolate the brake lamp circuit, the supplemental brake system will override the turn signals in your Jeep. Some supplemental brake systems account for this by isolating the brake light switch and some folks pull the brake light fuse. I've seen lot's of towed vehicles that don't worry about the turn signals.

You are right as I tested this last night. When I hook up my Jeep to my truck (don't have the motorhome yet) and turn on the turn signal, the Jeep turn signals work just fine. However, when I get in the Jeep and press the brakes (like a portable braking system would do), the brake lights stay on but no blinker. I guess I will have to pull the brake light fuse in the Jeep or figure out a way to put in a switch that will disable the brake lights on the Jeep when towing.

mfinnerty wrote:
What you need for the brake lights are a pair of diodes to prevent feedback from the toad system to the MH.

That's part of what the Mopar wiring harness does. It prevents feedback and isolates the MH from the toad system.

What you need for the brake lights are a pair of diodes to prevent feedback from the toad system to the MH.

Or mechanical system like Ready brake surge brake setup. Aluminum tow bar and brake for about the price of a tow bar. I have had mine 15 years. No wiring, no electrical.

MetalGator wrote:
Hello

I am in the process of getting my Jeep setup for towing. I just installed the mopar wiring harness on Friday. I am now looking into portable braking systems. The two I am looking at are the Blue Ox patriot and the RVIbrake3. When I hit the brakes on the motorhome with the Mopar wiring harness, the brake lights come on and are powered via the motorhome. With the supplemental braking system, the brake petal is being pushed inside the Jeep which will also turn on the brake lights. I'm no electrician but will power coming from both the motorhome and the Jeep to the brake lights cause problems?

MetalGator, you might also want to consider a built in braking system, as there is nothing special to move around or carry. In my gas powered motorhome, I used a SMI Stay and Play. You simply hook up the hitch and wiring, flip a small switch under the dash and off you go. Mine was trouble free and easy to use. On my Diesel Pusher, I have the M&G system and love it. You just connect your hitch, plug in your wire and a flexible air hose. Fast and simple and it works great. I also considered one of the bulky boxes for my Wrangler Unlimited. The bulky box idea was voted down due to hook up/set up time, needing a place to put it when not being used, etc. Some people have them and love them, to each his own. JH

Without a way to isolate the brake lamp circuit, the supplemental brake system will override the turn signals in your Jeep. Some supplemental brake systems account for this by isolating the brake light switch and some folks pull the brake light fuse. I've seen lot's of towed vehicles that don't worry about the turn signals.