Extra 4-wire tow harness - thoughts?

[mishkajb]

I bought a used 21 JL Wrangler. It has the factory tow options, with the 7/4 pin outlet. However, the previous owner installed a second 4-pin (and attached it right above the driver-side tow hook). It makes me wonder what he would have needed a second one for? Any thoughts, or something you have done with an additional power source?

A few thoughts that came to mind - the OEM 4-pin is bad. No, I haven't tested it (my trailer is on loan).
And it's not enough to power another device on a trailer, such as a remote winch or trailer-mounted battery for a winch.
Maybe he towed a float for a parade and used it to power LED lights??

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[Vinman]

Jeep was probably flat towed behind a motorhome and the additional plug was to power temporary tail lights. Check the front of the Jeep for a similar plug that would connect to the tow vehicle.
I know thats exactly how I plan to wire tail lights when I set mine up to flat tow next year.

 

[mishkajb]

Jeep was probably flat towed behind a motorhome and the additional plug was to power temporary tail lights. Check the front of the Jeep for a similar plug that would connect to the tow vehicle.
I know thats exactly how I plan to wire tail lights when I set mine up to flat tow next year.

That's possible, it's tied directly into the OEM harness. Nothing on the front of the Jeep for wiring, but it did have what appeared to be a emergency braking cable if it was towed.

 

[Heimkehr]

I bought a used 21 JL Wrangler. It has the factory tow options, with the 7/4 pin outlet. However, the previous owner installed a second 4-pin (and attached it right above the driver-side tow hook).

I haven't tested it (my trailer is on loan).

Here's an inexpensive tester that would allow you to perform troubleshooting sans a trailer hookup.

 

[mishkajb]

I've never seen one of those before, that's pretty cool!

 

[Heimkehr]

And if you're really feeling froggy, spend an add'l. $2.50 for an inline version.

 

[mishkajb]

Thank you Heimkehr.

Not feeling froggy, but am a little jumpy. Had kangaroo for lunch.

 

[au176]

Jeep was probably flat towed behind a motorhome and the additional plug was to power temporary tail lights. Check the front of the Jeep for a similar plug that would connect to the tow vehicle.
I know thats exactly how I plan to wire tail lights when I set mine up to flat tow next year.

I'll be setting mine up as a toad next year as well, and am researching various options. Are you just running a REALLY long harness from the rear of the jeep all the way to the front to hook directly into the motorhome outlet, then connecting portable AUX lights on the rear?

 

[au176]

And if you're really feeling froggy, spend an add'l. $2.50 for an inline version.

I have this, and plugged it in to a harness extension so I could place it where I could see it from the driver's seat when testing.

 

[mishkajb]

I have this, and plugged it in to a harness extension so I could place it where I could see it from the driver's seat when testing.

That is brilliant!

 

[Vinman]

I'll be setting mine up as a toad next year as well, and am researching various options. Are you just running a REALLY long harness from the rear of the jeep all the way to the front to hook directly into the motorhome outlet, then connecting portable AUX lights on the rear?

Yes, using a kit like this one https://www.amazon.ca/CZC-AUTO-Magn...24f&gad_source=1#immersive-view_1732286833291

Will permanently run the wires through the interior of the Jeep then make a couple of disconnects at the rear bumper to connect the lights when towing. With the complexity of the Jeeps electrical system I have no desire to tap into it to use the stock tail lights when towing.
No need to even have to ignition on this way.

 

[au176]

That is brilliant!

Brilliant? I don't know about that, but I do think better with a partial beer in my hand!

 

[au176]

Yes, using a kit like this one https://www.amazon.ca/CZC-AUTO-Magn...24f&gad_source=1#immersive-view_1732286833291

Will permanently run the wires through the interior of the Jeep then make a couple of disconnects at the rear bumper to connect the lights when towing. With the complexity of the Jeeps electrical system I have no desire to tap into it to use the stock tail lights when towing.
No need to even have to ignition on this way.

Interesting. We plan on having two bicycles on a rack on the back of the Jeep, and mounting something like this to the rack will actually make the lights MORE visible than stock...

Pretty simple- running the jeep like a trailer. Thanks!

 

[houstonstroker]

I bought this when I was setting up my JL to tow behind my motorhome.

Blue Ox BX88368 EZ Light Wiring Kit for Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator

From Amazon. I have used this for 3 years no problems.

 

[au176]

I bought this when I was setting up my JL to tow behind my motorhome.

Blue Ox BX88368 EZ Light Wiring Kit for Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator

From Amazon. I have used this for 3 years no problems.

I've looked at a similar product from Jeep. Do these go in the tailight housings?

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