Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System Power Draw

Question

Question:

How many amps does this unit use? It keeps draining my Jeep battery dry. Plan using a portable power station while towing. Need to buy the best match, Thanks!

asked by: Dean J

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR has a 2 amp max draw on your 12v power. It keeps the internal battery charged so you have function if the main battery fails.

For your vehicle battery to fail, there must be another draw on your battery. My recommendation for you is to use a 7-way to 6-way connection like the Hopkins Nite-Glow Tow Bar Extension Cord w/ Socket - Coiled - 7-Way RV to 6-Way Round # HM47054 if you don't already have it, and then using the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25. This will keep the vehicle battery charged while towing so not only will you have braking, but you will be able to start your Jeep without concern and reduce the pre-mature wear on that battery.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

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Bob

9/4/2025

Jason, I do not have wiring for the battery charger. I need to use a power station. Will a 300 watt run my patriot 2 for a 6 hr trip? I do have a dedicated 12 V eight amp to my battery. Will that be enough? I would still get the power station for a back up.

Jesse M.

9/4/2025

@Bob So technically a power station could work for this, but I really can't recommend it. I would be worried about the power station dying and you losing your braking. If you keep the trips short it might be fine, but I would strongly encourage you to just go ahead and install the wiring for a battery charger and power the brake system with a 12v outlet wired directly to the battery. What kind of tail light wiring kit are you using currently?

Bob

9/4/2025

@JesseM I have a magnetic wireless light kit (agreyes) seems to work good. To run any wiring I need to take the front of the jeep off ( lot of work ) trying to avoid that.

Jesse M.

9/5/2025

@Bob I gotcha. Yes I suppose using a power station would make sense for that. Just be careful and keep the trips short if possible.

Answer 1

Hey Greg! None of the kits specifically come with a diode to stop backfeeding. All you need to do is get a charge line kit like #RM-156-25 and then add in a simple diode #RM-690 on that circuit to prevent this issue. What are you setting up to flat…

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Answer 2

Hi Kenneth, I'd be happy to help. The first thing to verify is that your 2026 Ram 2500 is a 4WD model equipped with a transfer case that has a neutral position, since those are the configurations that are generally approved for flat towing. If…

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Answer 3

Hi Arthur, I took a look at your list of parts to flat tow your 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and it looks like you have almost everything you need! For the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System part #BLU37TR, it plugs directly into a 12V outlet…

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Answer 4

Hey Dan, we usually install battery disconnects like the Blue Ox Battery Disconnect for Towed Vehicle w/ Flat Tow Brake System #BLU58HR which provides an easy way to disconnect the battery. This works on diesel engines like what you have unlike some…

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Answer 5

For a 2013 Honda CR-V we have the Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms #BX2258 that will work well with your Blue Ox Tow Bar. I recommend using Loctite Threadlocker #LT37420 for this installation. For your vehicle wiring, I recommend the Hopkins…

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Answer 6

Hi Jim, good question, and you’re on the right track with your thinking. Electrical issues like that aren’t at all common with the Roadmaster Nighthawk #RM-676, but what you’re describing does line up with a backfeed or short, not a failure of the…

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Answer 7

The Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes #RM-156-75 uses a 12 gauge wire and circuit breaker to route to the positive battery post in your motorhome and the number 4 pin in the included 7-way photo. The Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit…

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Answer 8

Hi Robert, Diodes like the Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode #RM-690 you were looking at simply get spliced inline with whichever light function you're wanting to prevent feedback on using the included spade terminal connectors. You'll want…

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Answer 9

Yes, you will want to use a single function diode, like part #RM-690. You will need to wire it in between the breakaway battery and the trailer battery to stop the backfeeding from the battery to the breakaway system.

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Answer 10

There are several vehicles that require you to disconnect the vehicle battery when flat towing. The solution then to power a braking system like the Blue Ox Patriot #BLU37TR is to use an outlet kit like the part #RM-9332. This wire directly to the…

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Answer 11

For your 2018 Jeep JL Wrangler, I recommend the Roadmaster EZ5 Base Plate Kit #RM-521453-5. This base plate kit is confirmed to fit your Jeep with the factory bumper and will work perfectly with your existing Falcon 2 Tow Bar. When installing the…

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Answer 12

Hi Scott; to flat tow your 2024 Ford Maverick you will need a base plate, tow bar, safety cables, wiring, and a supplemental braking system. In addition to the Demco Tabless Base Plate Kit #DM77YV and Stay-IN-Play Duo #SM99251 or #DM86VR (with…

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Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System Power Draw

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