JLUR battery flatlining when flat towing

[CoolTech]

CoolTech, if I order your wiring harness will it include the “fix” for the LED issue or will I have to order something else?

Hi Fred. It is a fair question. After having isolated the problem, of course we tried to determine a way in which we could incorporate a fix into our current harness. However, we are just maxed out on the number of circuits that we can switch (4) with our solution. Additionally, none of know when/if Jeep is going to be able to resolve this problem. It could be a week, a month, or years... As such, the "fix" will remain independent although it certainly is MUCH easier to install at the time of the main harness install.

Sponsored

 

[dapipp]

@CoolTech
Will you be offering a bracket that will allow you to mount both the original switch and the "fix" switch side by side?

 

[CoolTech]

Will you be offering a bracket that will allow you to mount both the original switch and the "fix" switch side by side?

Yes, absolutely. We have plenty of the new brackets on hand. When someone orders the battery drain fix kit, we look to see if they have previously purchased a harness from us. If so, we include the double switch bracket, otherwise we include the single switch bracket. It's easy when both kits are ordered together - we just ship with the double switch bracket.

 

[Gaffer]

This is a very interesting thread. I am used to towing my TJ with RVI3 brake plugged in to an accessory 12 volt socket. Never a problem with battery drain. This thread has given me some apprehension about ordering a new JL.
If I read this correctly, the problem is only with the LED light package equipped JL's?

Can I expect to be trouble free with the following:
No LED package
Old school diode harness
RVI3 brake
No charge line
Advantage of Cooltech harness for non LED JL's?

I generally tow 6 to 8 hours and will most times run the Jeep on arrival.
Thanks

 

[CoolTech]

There are many, many JL owners who are using it as a TOAD so I wouldn't let this anomaly deter you from considering the upgrade to the JL. This problem that has been described only presents itself on models with LED REAR lights. In some Wrangler trim levels, you can choose the LED package and will only include the LED Headlights. In higher trims, it seems that the LED Package is more expensive and includes LED tail lights. Making matters more confusing, the LED rear lights are also packaged with the Safety Group package... so presumably you could get rear LED lights (with the Safety Package) and not have the LED headlights.

Many JL owners also choose to use a aux braking device that uses the JL's power system to operate. Most of these owners will have a charging system and these will typically mitigate the problem with the harnesses "waking up" the Jeep via the rear LED lights.

 

[Zandcwhite]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/casc...yjyv-IrR0T_VRcgdNAUaAmFNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Keeps the Jeep charged Wether towed, parked for long periods, or out in the back country.

 

[Gaffer]

There are many, many JL owners who are using it as a TOAD so I wouldn't let this anomaly deter you from considering the upgrade to the JL. This problem that has been described only presents itself on models with LED REAR lights. In some Wrangler trim levels, you can choose the LED package and will only include the LED Headlights. In higher trims, it seems that the LED Package is more expensive and includes LED tail lights. Making matters more confusing, the LED rear lights are also packaged with the Safety Group package... so presumably you could get rear LED lights (with the Safety Package) and not have the LED headlights.

Many JL owners also choose to use a aux braking device that uses the JL's power system to operate. Most of these owners will have a charging system and these will typically mitigate the problem with the harnesses "waking up" the Jeep via the rear LED lights.

I found this link very good to explain the cooltech install and thus eliminate the diodes.

 

[CoolTech]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/casc...yjyv-IrR0T_VRcgdNAUaAmFNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Keeps the Jeep charged Wether towed, parked for long periods, or out in the back country.

Looks like that may be a great solution for maintaining a battery in lieu of a traditional float charger for when the Jeeps is parked for a long period of time. However, it would NOT be a viable alternative to a traditional TOAD charging system to run an aux braking system, etc.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Looks like that may be a great solution for maintaining a battery in lieu of a traditional float charger for when the Jeeps is parked for a long period of time. However, it would NOT be a viable alternative to a traditional TOAD charging system to run an aux braking system, etc.

I don’t flat tow, but the OP was having battery flatlining issues every 3-4 days, a 30 watt charge current for 10-12hrs a day seems like it would be enough to keep up? Obviously an integrated charger from the tow vehicle is probably the way to go, but this panel seems like a multi-use potential solution?

 

[CoolTech]

I don’t flat tow, but the OP was having battery flatlining issues every 3-4 days, a 30 watt charge current for 10-12hrs a day seems like it would be enough to keep up? Obviously an integrated charger from the tow vehicle is probably the way to go, but this panel seems like a multi-use potential solution?

It's a 30-watt panel and if like other panels, will deliver 1.6 amps in ideal conditions. Ideal means optimum sunlight - so it is probably not good to assume you'd get 10-12 hours at this rating - and certainly a lot less while towing. Nevertheless, as you say, it might be a good multi-use solution. It's not clear from the description if the solution is comprised of just the panel or if it also includes a solar controller. You'd want a controller to detect the state of charge of the battery and to ratchet the current down so as not to overcharge and damage the battery. (I'd imagine at that price point a controller is included, but in quickly browsing their website, I didn't see it.)

 

[ekim]

For flat towing the best charging solution would be to get a charge line from the coach. Solar will have issues when cloudy and at night. Many have success with using just a diode for the charge line or you can get a little fancier with a small charge controller. The hardware is pretty inexpensive and even if hooking it up is farmed out it should not be expensive, especially if doing it at the same time as installing the rest of the towing system. I would run a 10 or 12 gauge wire from the tow plug to the battery as part of an install just because it's so much easier to do at that time. Just leave it unhooked as insurance in case you decide you want it later.

 

[Jmonroe]

I've used this on multiple toads now. Simple installation, safe for the battery, has eliminated any battery drain issues.

 

[Gaffer]

On the Sport Altitude LED option you get headlights and fog lights. Need to order the Safety Group to get LED tail lights. If I go this route I should be okay. Probably without a charge line. The tow group gives me a bigger battery. Question though, is the 12 volt socket in the rear off the main battery or the little battery? If off the little one, I guess I will add a 12 volt socket off the battery on one of my aux switches.

 

[CoolTech]

Question though, is the 12 volt socket in the rear off the main battery or the little battery? If off the little one, I guess I will add a 12 volt socket off the battery on one of my aux switches.

The batteries are connected together in parallel. When one drains, the other will drain. FYI - we sell a product that will make your front Cigarette lighter always-on so you don't have to use the rear plug. You can see that product HERE.

 

[Gaffer]

The batteries are connected together in parallel. When one drains, the other will drain. FYI - we sell a product that will make your front Cigarette lighter always-on so you don't have to use the rear plug. You can see that product HERE.

You have some cool products some of which will find there way into my new JL. What would be useful to me as a consumer is a link to the installation instructions for your products on your website.

Sponsored