Flat towing with RV1 brake

[Donald]

I read over some of the flat towing threads. I read on one that the 12 v lighter plug turns off after 90 minutes. I need 12 volts to operate my brake system. Anyone can confirm this is true?

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[Xbbqpitmaster]

To get around that, (we are flat towing a Honda CR-V while still waiting on our Maverick), I wired in a lighter receptacle into the “hot” connection on the umbilical cord so that it is always “hot” when we are towing.

 

[Donald]

To get around that, (we are flat towing a Honda CR-V while still waiting on our Maverick), I wired in a lighter receptacle into the “hot” connection on the umbilical cord so that it is always “hot” when we are towing.

Do you think I could wire 12v to the jumper posts under the hood?

 

[SuperDave71]

That would trickle charge the battery just like it would on a trailer with a battery, but that wouldn’t solve your problem.

 

[Donald]

That would trickle charge the battery just like it would on a trailer with a battery, but that wouldn’t solve your problem.

I’m talking about wiring a lighter plug to the jumper posts to power the brake system. Like you did to the umbilical.

 

[capo99]

My understanding is once the ignition is off no power at all to the factory 12 volt plug. You can install a stand alone 12 volt plug in the cab through a large grommet on the drivers side beside the foot pedals. Roadmaster and Demco sell kits or you can find what you need online. You run a power supply from the red jumper terminal in the engine compartment and the ground to a grounding nut at the back right hand side of the engine compartment. You will also have to run a hot wire from your motorhome plug to your red jumper terminal to keep your truck battery charged.

I’m going with the Blue Ox Patriot BRK 2022. Less intrusive than the systems that need to be permanently installed under the hood. Still requires 12 volt to operate but, signal diodes and the plug for the break away switch are the only extras needed and the charging line and break away are easy installs.

E-Trailer has all kinds of good youtube videos showing how its done.

 

[icegradner]

I’m talking about wiring a lighter plug to the jumper posts to power the brake system. Like you did to the umbilical.

I think those posts are for jumping only. Could be wrong. Best bet is to tap from the fuse box inside, since there are unused plugs.

 

[capo99]

I think those posts are for jumping only. Could be wrong. Best bet is to tap from the fuse box inside, since there are unused plugs.

Seen a few videos on E-Trailer where they use the jumper post for power.

 

[Xbbqpitmaster]

Do you think I could wire 12v to the jumper posts under the hood?

You could, but I don’t see how it it keep the stock lighter socket “hot” all the time. You would be better off just routing a dedicated circuit like I did so that it will stay “hot” all the time while plugged into the MH.

 

[Donald]

Got it done. Double nutted the jumper post with the connector in between. Was going to piggy back a fuse in the passenger side but couldn’t find one to use with constant power. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Palms]

Which tow plate did you use and how was the install? Also understand there is currently no kit for the rear brake/turning lights? Mine scheduled for March 6.

 

[Xbbqpitmaster]

Which tow plate did you use and how was the install? Also understand there is currently no kit for the rear brake/turning lights? Mine scheduled for March 6.

I am still awaiting my hybrid. I will be going with the Blue Ox baseplate as we already have all the equipment as we are presently towing a Honda CR-V. From what I have read and seen, you will need to go with the diode “kit” for the lights, or, there is an LED lit by Roadmaster the looks rather interesting, auxiliary lighting kit 157. It does not attach to the existing wiring but instead is dedicated wiring directly to the motor home via a 4-way flat plug. I myself am highly considering this route.

 

[Palms]

I’m towing my Cherokee with all BlueOx and I self installed the base plate. Quite a job 6 years ago. Today at 75 not sure I’d want to do it on the Mav when it arrives. Did the diode kit but understand could be a challenge on the Hybrid. The new Roadmaster wiring kit sounds interesting and will follow.

 

[BradnChristine]

Got it done. Double nutted the jumper post with the connector in between. Was going to piggy back a fuse in the passenger side but couldn’t find one to use with constant power. Thanks for all the help.

Perfect. I'll be doing the same for my BrakeBuddy. That is also where I attached my Toad-Charge on my C-Max, to keep its battery up.

 

[Donald]

Which tow plate did you use and how was the install? Also understand there is currently no kit for the rear brake/turning lights? Mine scheduled for March 6.

I used the Blue Ox plate from etrailer. For wiring I used the generic harness. Their video show how to cut and splice the harness in. Very easy.

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