Can a Supplemental Braking System be Powered from the RV 12 Volt Circuit on a 2009 Jeep Wrangler

Question:

I just purchased a new coach with the 7 blade connectors... in the past I have used 4 pin connectors for towing. I have not had a supplemental braking system, but am looking to purchase one. I am wondering if I could use the 7 blade connections 12 volt, Aux or Brake wiring to wire this 12 volt outlet and use the Coach power rather than the toad battery. I worry about the battery going dead and since the toad already has the lights and brakes wired, the 3 extra blades are not used. I have a 2017 HR Endeavor and a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Supplemental braking systems need to be powered by a power source in the actual toad, in this case a 2009 Jeep Wrangler. This is because if the toad becomes separated from the RV the power to the braking system would be disconnected from the RV and if the braking system was wired to the RV there would be no emergency breakaway braking.

What I recommend is to use a lighting kit such as # RM-15267 if you do not already have one. Then you could use the 12 volt power from the connectors in this kit to run a trickle charge to the Jeep battery so that the braking system does not drain it. In this kit, the center pin on the 6-Way end carries the 12 volt circuit.

The battery does have to be disconnected to flat tow your Jeep (consult the owner's manual to confirm) so this method is ideal. The battery will still be getting some power and the braking system can still be wired directly to the Jeep battery via outlet kit # RM-9332.

You may need some additional wire, # 12-1-1, sold by the foot, and ring terminals such as # DW05705-1.