Battery dies while flat towed

[gbendavid]

I have a 2024 Rubicon X, with the Mopar flat tow harness (82216358AB).
I also have the Airforce One brake system installed.
When flat towed, there is no charge to the Jeep's battery

Does anyone have this set up and how was the charge line installed?

The picture is of the connectors between the Jeep and motor home, which are part of the Mopar flat tow harness.

Thank you in advance.

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[roaniecowpony]

I have a 2024 Rubicon X, with the Mopar flat tow harness (82216358AB).
I also have the Airforce One brake system installed.
When flat towed, there is no charge to the Jeep's battery

Does anyone have this set up and how was the charge line installed?

The picture is of the connectors between the Jeep and motor home, which are part of the Mopar flat tow harness.

Thank you in advance.

I just disconnect the batteries on the jeep and the Mopar harness runs the tail lights, I have a direct power wire from the tow vehicle (thru the plug) to the compressor of my RVi brake actuator. My installation cut the Mopar connector off and uses a standard 7 pin to the tow vehicle.

 

[roaniecowpony]

As you likely know, the battery will run to full discharge while towing, due to the system in the jeep "waking up" constantly, causing a draw. Rather than "feeding the beast", by charging it, I chose to just disconnect the batteries (dual Genesis).

 

[houstonstroker]

My motorhome has a charge wire. I ran this to my Jeeps battery. I ran a wire from the Jeep's battery to a cigarette socket under my driver's seat. I plug the RVi brake into this.

 

[gbendavid]

I just disconnect the batteries on the jeep and the Mopar harness runs the tail lights, I have a direct power wire from the tow vehicle (thru the plug) to the compressor of my RVi brake actuator. My installation cut the Mopar connector off and uses a standard 7 pin to the tow vehicle.

Thanks,
I should have probably done same.

 

[B&ZRubi]

I only had this problem on trips where I did not start the Jeep for a few days while towing. You can run power from your tow rig to the battery to keep it topped off or just get in the habit of starting it daily to top off the battery. You might also want to check to make sure the brake lights are not on more than they should be. Disconnecting the battery seems like a lot of work especially if you need to disconnect the jeep and move it quickly.

 

[Mike M]

2023JL , I had road master put in our system, they installed a Brake light relay that prevents it from waking up. It hooked into the brake lights. They sell that assembly separately.

 

[operator22]

Not sure what the 4xe procedure is but in my 2.0L, the engine must be turned on and off a couple of times during the flat tow prep. The first few times, I left the ignition in the accessory position afterwards and had a dead battery.

 

[gbendavid]

2023JL , I had road master put in our system, they installed a Brake light relay that prevents it from waking up. It hooked into the brake lights. They sell that assembly separately.

Thanks,
From what I read, the 2024 are different than the 2023 in the manner of how they wake up.
I purchased the Road Master charge harness, and spoke to RM support, but they cannot help as they have no knowledge of the Mopar flat to harness. You would think that Mopar would make charging part of their harness, as they are getting the charge line from the motor home.

 

[garykk]

After reading all the problems with the wiring of auxiliary taillights and batteries going dead, I opted to install a completely separate light system to the rear on my 2022 JLURD,I also installed a charge line just in case. No problems . I’ve been towing for years and this is the way I’ve always done it.

 

[azjl#3]

I just disconnect the batteries on the jeep and the Mopar harness runs the tail lights, I have a direct power wire from the tow vehicle (thru the plug) to the compressor of my RVi brake actuator. My installation cut the Mopar connector off and uses a standard 7 pin to the tow vehicle.

You are my hero, simple and elegant. Time is correct based on GPS, nice. Going to buy a battery cutoff switch, what did you use?

 

[roaniecowpony]

You are my hero, simple and elegant. Time is correct based on GPS, nice. Going to buy a battery cutoff switch, what did you use?

10mm combination wrench on the negative terminal, plus a leftover plastic shipping protective cap for the terminal. It may be too long for some. For me, it's probably a couple minutes at most.

 

[azjl#3]

what about that extra small ground wire to body? Thinking on that

 

[gbendavid]

After reading all the problems with the wiring of auxiliary taillights and batteries going dead, I opted to install a completely separate light system to the rear on my 2022 JLURD,I also installed a charge line just in case. No problems . I’ve been towing for years and this is the way I’ve always done it.

Hi Gary,
What is the charge line source and what is the set up? Because I have the Mopar tow harness, I do not have the typical 6 pin connector.
Thanks,

 

[garykk]

This is what I have been using for several vehicles.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/TOAD-CHARGE-p/toad-charge-40.htm
I don’t know if it’s still available or not. The line runs right off one of the chassis batteries.
the other end is connected to the main battery
i think you can get a kit with shorter wiring. But with the 40, I had enough wiring to do the last two vehicles.

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