Does Brake Pedal Activation of Supplemental Braking Affect Flat Tow Lighting Solutions for Toad
Published 09/30/2016
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Question:
What will happen whens the toad vehicle supplemental brake is stopping the toad and feeding brake light current to the same tail lights that are lit up because the tow vehicle RV has brake lights on too? double current to the lights? Or being in parallel there will not be any damage? I have a 2017 Jeep unlimited coming in two weeks and need to fix up for towing right away. I looks like there are no changes to the rear area from 2016.
asked by: Mark J
Expert Reply:
If you use a supplemental braking system that applies the brake pedal of the vehicle and the taillights come on with the key in the off position there are a couple solutions for this but it really depends on a few things. Does the vehicle require the battery be disconnected when flat towing? If so then the problem wouldn't be an issue. Does the vehicle have turn signals that operate separately from the brake lights? If so that typically isn't a problem.
In some cases a brake lite relay part # RM-88400 is required to keep everything between the taillights and supplemental braking systems working properly. Here's how to determine if one is needed:
Are you using a supplemental braking system that depresses the brake pedal in your towed car?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Do the brake lights on your towed car illuminate while the engine is off?
No - You do not need a brake light relay.
Yes - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Do your towed car's brake lights act as both the brake signals and the turn signals?
No - You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Yes - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of its signal lights.
Does your towed car have separate brake lights and turn signals?
No - Your towed car has a combined lighting system. You will need a brake light relay.
Yes - Your towed car has a separate lighting system. You may need a brake light relay. Continue on to the next question.
Are you wiring your vehicle with a six-diode kit or a TowDaddy custom wiring harness?
No - You will need a brake light relay to ensure proper activation of your towed car's signal lights.
Yes - You do not need a brake light relay.
By the way this is an excellent question that most people don't even consider when picking out flat towing parts. Typically we see people deal with this issue after they have installed everything since it's not something most people even think about.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Flat Tow Wiring Harness
- Plugs into Vehicle Wiring
- Wiring Harness
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
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