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joecolmav's avatar
joecolmav
Explorer
Mar 18, 2017

wiring for flat towing

I'm new to flat towing.I just got a 2003 Tracker 4x4 2dr 5speed. I installed a blue ox base-plate with a Aladdin tow bar and a Patriot braking system. I will be towing it behind a 25ft Class C MH.
I need help with the wiring!!! Trying to figure it out is enough to make a guy drink!!!
I have 4 wires coming out of the MH. ground,park,lt turn/brake & rt turn/brake. My tracker has separate turn signal lights and brake/park light combos. I saw a system that uses 4 diodes, the diagram show that I would only use my brake/park on the tracker as brake/park&turn signals. I think I have that figured out. please tell me that this sound right/wrong.
Now what about my Patriot braking system? It will also try to put power to the brakes? Will that cause a problem?
Do I need to disconnect the battery? I need power to the Patriot.
Do I need a brake light relay?
Please someone tell me in simple terms what to do..

9 Replies

  • haydoracin's avatar
    haydoracin
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2017
    Hopkins wiring solutions has this universal dinghy wiring kit.

    I used their specific application kit for my HHR and it was easy to install.

    http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/dinghy-towing-harnesses/universal-towed-vehicle-wiring-kit.html
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2017
    enblethen, you beat me to it, it is amazing the details that are missed when scanning a post, IIRC, California does not require a braking system.

    Just checked and I did remember correctly, California uses a Performance Test Law.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2017
    when I towed my tracker, before 2002 by a number of years, it could not be towed 4 down unless it had manual hubs, don't know what year that changed.
    bumpy
  • traveylin's avatar
    traveylin
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    I bought a std trailer wiring harness and lite set. Plug connection tucked in behind front grill when not in use. Lites mounted to rear bumper with disconnect capability when not in use. The three months a year I tow takes 15 seconds to hook up MH tail lite. Trouble shooting is very simple, no need to understand functionality of resisters, diodes, switches etc. Keep it simple
  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    My tracker has a separate brake light added in between two of the other lights and a 4wire plug from the RV.
    BTW, I find NO NEED for brake assist with my 3500 Freightliner.
    Harbor Freight light kit has very weak magnets so if you use them tie a string around to keep off the road when the fall off. BTDT
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    just spend $9.95 at harbor freight and buy a paid of magnetic lights. lighting up the brake lights won't activate the brakes.
    don't know what a Patriot is but I had a brake buddy and just powered it with a jumper/starter battery pack that I wanted along anyhow.
    I assume the owner's manual covers how to tow 4 down?
    bumpy
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 18, 2017
    Many states do not require auxiliary braking devices.
    OP has a Patriot braking system.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2017
    Now get yourself a braking system, similar to the Brake Buddy Vantage Select that has worked perfectly well for me.

    If I remember correctly, only Arkansas does not require one.

    Also, get in the habit of looking at your rear view camera monitor because you can easily forget your toad is back there, and make sure you always know what the towing speed limit is for the state in which you are towing.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Mar 18, 2017
    Good little toad!
    I used this wiring diagram from Roadmaster. It uses the red lens for the turn signals is correct.
    I ran a four conductor cable to the rear of the Tracker into the left side taillight. You will need to add a jumper across the back to feed the taillights as shown in drawing.
    Wiring diagram
    No you do not need to disconnect battery or install a relay. The relay could be installed but not necessary.

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