Installing an Indicator Light for Dinghy (Flat) Towing

Updated 11/25/2019 | Published 11/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Braking Indicator Light for Roadmaster BrakeMaster Systems

(54)

$20.99

Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit

(676)

$119.14

Demco Wireless Coachlink Braking Monitor for Flat Tow Brake Systems

(107)

$285.00

Question:

I purchased a use motorhome which has a roadmaster indicator light on the dash for when the dinghy brakes activate. I am using the ReadyBrute system bought my Blue Ox base plate and other parts from you over the years which has a similar light that I never hooked up. I suspect the two systems are not compatible although they are both one wire to the brake. The reason I believe this is your other responses indicate the Roadmaster light is activated by power from the roadmaster brake being activated, whereas the ReadyBrute does not use electricity at all. Any thoughts on this? It would be nice to make this work for my Toad, but may not be possible.

asked by: Jeffrey R

Expert Reply:

The long and short of it is that you need to route wiring from the cold side of the stop light switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed) on your dinghy up to the location that you are mounting the RoadMaster Replacement LED Display Monitor # RM-300065-00 in your motorhome. The red wire is for power and the white wire is for ground.

If you are able to add an extra wire from your towed vehicle and route it up to your motorhome then you are more than welcome to do so. Otherwise if you'd like something that is a little easier to install I recommend using the SMI CoachLink 900 Wireless Transmitter and Receiver Braking Indicator Set # SM99945. This installs by connecting the red wire to the cold side of the stop light switch and then the white wire to ground for the box. Once that is done you simply plug the monitor in to a 12V outlet and you are good to go since it is a wireless connection!

Please note that in either situation for towed vehicle needs to send power on the cold side of the brake signal when the vehicle is off (if your manual calls for that). If your brake lights don't come on then you'll need to also install a stop light switch kit like part # RM-751000.

expert reply by: Jon G