Flat towing ignition mode?

[dan1000]

I also installed the Cooltech product. Took about 5 minutes. Completely effective, and elegant.

Dan

@TTraut

No way to do that with a JL...

While there are other sources of constant on 12v in a JL, you will find this way works well... used by many JL owner's. Installing of the power port is easy easy...

@CoolTech is a forum sponsor..

https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/111-jl-powerport-kit.html

Sponsored

 

[TJDave]

Thank you. Question about your RVi. Does the hub need to be near the tablet to pair? I tried to mount mine in the back of the RV coach in a cabinet with 12v, but pairing is troublesome. Thoughts?

I have never had a problem pairing. Our class A is 31' long. Hub is stuck on the bedroom wall about 3' from the end.

 

[Oldbear]

Mine didn’t want to pair either. Wound up with the hub on the dash near the tablet in our 29 ft unit. Works great. Power in the Jeep is from the outlet in the cargo area on drivers side. Use a Towmate 38” light bar for running, turn and brakes as well.

 

[TTraut]

You don't want to leave the Jeep / toad in ACC mode, it's not necessary and would just drain the Jeep battery. To power a supplemental braking system, folks on this forum have done as you noted - a long cord to the rear "always hot" 12v outlet and some just added an "always hot" 12v outlet under the dash. I added the outlet under the dash and have read many others have done similar setups. I like the simplicity and convenience of locating it there, but it's personal preference. Also add a battery tender/charger under the Jeep's hood to keep that battery topped off while towing; it draws it's power from the towing vehicle umbilical connection. I used RVI parts as I have an RVI Brake, but other options / brands work, too.

i wonder if anyone has bought a USB to 12V adapter? The USB in the front console appears to be always hot.

 

[LazyJL]

I have towed Jeeps for 20 years and over 100,0000 miles, our 2020 Wrangler is the easiest Jeep to tow yet.
I use a Demco tow brake that is wired directly to the Jeep's battery, with a battery charge line coming from the motorhome's alternator, using an RVI charge controller, mounted under the Jeep's hood.
https://www.demco-products.com/rv-towing/supplemental-brakes/stay-in-play-duo
https://rvibrake.com/products/towed-battery-charger-plus?variant=13115309260823

There is a light on the MH's dash that glows when the Jeep's tow brake is activated. Instead of wiring directly the Jeep's brake switch, which has no power after a few minutes, I used a Roadmaster infrared switch that detects when the brake pedal is pulled by the Demco actuator.
https://www.amazon.com/Roadmaster-751000-Universal-Brake-Switch/dp/B07MQ3FHR9

Since the Jeep does not have a locking steering column, there is no need to leave the ignition or accessories on.
Hook up the towbar, safety cables, umbilical cable, and break-away cable, turn the brake unit on and go.

The Jeep's taillights are wired with Roadmaster diodes, it does not require an aftermarket adaptor, a method I have used for years. Make sure to solder and secure the taillight wires so they do not move.
A 'test' button is located on the MH's dash and it provides power to the Jeep's breakaway switch to simulate a braking event while parked or when moving.
7-pin plugs and umbilical cord are used to provide enough circuits.

I run a Roadmaster baseplate and Sterling towbar.
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Roadmaster/RM-521453-5.html
https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar/Roadmaster/RM-576.html

On my other Jeeps (XJs), a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 is used.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar/Roadmaster/RM-501.html
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603323570942/

 

[jeepixel]

i wonder if anyone has bought a USB to 12V adapter? The USB in the front console appears to be always hot.

fwiw. . . the RVibrake specs indicate it can pull up to 8 amps, which might be a bit much for the USB.

 

[Down South]

I have towed Jeeps for 20 years and over 100,0000 miles, our 2020 Wrangler is the easiest Jeep to tow yet.
I use a Demco tow brake that is wired directly to the Jeep's battery, with a battery charge line coming from the motorhome's alternator, using an RVI charge controller, mounted under the Jeep's hood.
https://www.demco-products.com/rv-towing/supplemental-brakes/stay-in-play-duo
https://rvibrake.com/products/towed-battery-charger-plus?variant=13115309260823

There is a light on the MH's dash that glows when the Jeep's tow brake is activated. Instead of wiring directly the Jeep's brake switch, which has no power after a few minutes, I used a Roadmaster infrared switch that detects when the brake pedal is pulled by the Demco actuator.
https://www.amazon.com/Roadmaster-751000-Universal-Brake-Switch/dp/B07MQ3FHR9

Since the Jeep does not have a locking steering column, there is no need to leave the ignition or accessories on.
Hook up the towbar, safety cables, umbilical cable, and break-away cable, turn the brake unit on and go.

The Jeep's taillights are wired with Roadmaster diodes, it does not require an aftermarket adaptor, a method I have used for years. Make sure to solder and secure the taillight wires so they do not move.
A 'test' button is located on the MH's dash and it provides power to the Jeep's breakaway switch to simulate a braking event while parked or when moving.
7-pin plugs and umbilical cord are used to provide enough circuits.

I run a Roadmaster baseplate and Sterling towbar.
https://www.etrailer.com/Base-Plates/Roadmaster/RM-521453-5.html
https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar/Roadmaster/RM-576.html

On my other Jeeps (XJs), a Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000 is used.
https://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bar/Roadmaster/RM-501.html
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603323570942/

WE are running almost identical setup's. Difference is, I'm using a Roadmaster tow bar.

 

[Marine2146]

I’m about to order a JLUR with proximity keyless entry. Does anyone know if you lock the door via the button on the handle will the alarm go off while towing the Jeep?

 

[Jmonroe]

No worries. Hook up and go.

 

[LazyJL]

The newer Jeeps, without an ignition lock, are simpler to tow, no need to leave a key in the ignition. You can set the alarm with the FOB, good for when away from the rig while shopping, eating or sightseeing.

 

[TTraut]

@TTraut

No way to do that with a JL...

While there are other sources of constant on 12v in a JL, you will find this way works well... used by many JL owner's. Installing of the power port is easy easy...

@CoolTech is a forum sponsor..

https://www.cooltechllc.com/2018-jeep-wrangler-jl/111-jl-powerport-kit.html

Thank you. Just installed this and it was very easy...5 minutes tops...

 

[JeepinJason33]

Thank you. Just installed this and it was very easy...5 minutes tops...

Bringing this one back from the dead. Just upgraded from the RVi2 to the RVi3. Seems to move around a bit on the floor board so I am going to buy their phantom bracket. My question is on the 12v outlet. They are saying not to use the rear port as it is not consistent enough power. Has anyone had a problem with using one of the factory 12v ports? Not sure I really want to wire something else through the fire wall if I don't need to.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

Can someone please reiterate how to keep a JLU in ACC mode when flat towing? Mine keeps timing out after 20-30 minutes, thus turning off 12v power to the RVI brake.

We use a Brake Buddy for flat towing and I just purchased a 12V extension cord so I can connect in to the rear 12V plug as it is constant power. AND it was cheaper than the cooltech thing.

 

[roaniecowpony]

Bringing this one back from the dead. Just upgraded from the RVi2 to the RVi3. Seems to move around a bit on the floor board so I am going to buy their phantom bracket. My question is on the 12v outlet. They are saying not to use the rear port as it is not consistent enough power. Has anyone had a problem with using one of the factory 12v ports? Not sure I really want to wire something else through the fire wall if I don't need to.

You want to hardwire in a new power port. I leave mine coiled up in the glove box. You need enough wire gauge to handle the power requirement of the compressor in the RVi brake. Those factory sockets are lightly wired. The front ports are not hot with the ignition/accessory switched off.

Also, you need to wire in power from the tow vehicle for extended towing. I learned the hard way that the RVi brake will suck juice like a 50lb toddler leaving your jeep battery dead in short order and giving you weird brake phantom issues as it dies.

 

[JeepinJason33]

You want to hardwire in a new power port. I leave mine coiled up in the glove box. You need enough wire gauge to handle the power requirement of the compressor in the RVi brake. Those factory sockets are lightly wired. The front ports are not hot with the ignition/accessory switched off.

Also, you need to wire in power from the tow vehicle for extended towing. I learned the hard way that the RVi brake will suck juice like a 50lb toddler leaving your jeep battery dead in short order and giving you weird brake phantom issues as it dies.

I found a thicker gauge direct wire socket on Amazon for $17 and ended up installing it. Prior to that I was getting the "low voltage" warning with the extended socket running from the rear outlet. After installing it, that warning immediately went away. So, for my rig it did make a difference using the hardwire kit.

I already have the RVi charger hooked up to power from the RV. That seems to work fine. Biggest hassle was the Maximus fiasco with the tow mounts...

Sponsored