Does Hopkins Brake Buddy BB54FR Toad Charger Need Ground Ran to Towed Vehicle Battery

Updated 03/28/2024 | Published 01/14/2021

Question:

No installation instructions in the box for this 3 wire unit. I assume that the white wire goes to - Batt terminal and the black wire to the + Batt terminal. The fused red wire provides the + current from the motorhome to the toad. QUESTION IS: There does not appear to be any provision for a negative - connection from the motorhome to the toad vehicle, other than what current the might flow thru the tow bar and connections to the toad frame ? Does this unit not need a separate ground wire from the coach, negative - Batt terminal in order to work properly ?

asked by: Richard M

Expert Reply:

The BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Kit # BB54FR that you referenced does not need a ground wire ran to the tow vehicle's battery. The charger needs power and ground but similar to an alternator in a vehicle just the power wire from the charger would need to run to it.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Kevin C.

3/20/2024

I just got done installing this charger, I found it did need a ground wire from the MH to operate. The Blu Ox tow bar does not pass current very well.