Troubleshooting 2021 Jeep Gladiator Dead Battery with Brake Buddy Stealth Installed

Updated 03/29/2022 | Published 03/27/2022

Question:

Last October your shop installed flat-tow braking on my new 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Diesel and braking control on my 2013 Chevy 3500 diesel van. I have successfully towed for 6-8 hours without having Jeep battery drainage to the point of no-start. Today after driving my Jeep for a few miles and the hooked up to my van. I towed for 11 hours. When I unhooked the Jeep battery was sufficiently drained as to have a ‘no start’. No turnover’ condition. I subsequently got it started with jumper cables. To tow I went through the complicated sequence to disengage auto brake. Transmission in Park, Transfer. case in Neutral. Ignition in Stop mode. What did I do wrong and how do I avoid this in the future? Thanks

asked by: Michael F

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Brake Buddy Stealth Supplemental Braking System # HM39530 that's installed on your 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a built-in battery protection that helps to keep the battery on your Gladiator charged as you're towing so you definitely shouldn't be having this issue.

I would start off by checking the connection to your battery as well as all the wiring from the all in one connector back to the main unit. Make sure that everything is securely connected and nothing has damaged the wiring or connections.

If all of that looks get let me know and I can help you troubleshoot further.

expert reply by: Jon G