Thanks, SpudRacer. That sounds like a interesting alternative for setting up tow lights.

 

I also decided to use a TOAD-Charge to provide the 12V auxillary power from the RV to the JK while towing. I will run the power through the center pin of the 6-way Blue Ox coiled wire. This will eliminate the JK's battery from being discharged to the RV's battery in the unlikely event I leave the RV's lights on and drain the RV's main battery.

It works as a battery isolator, and provides a max charge to the JK's battery of 5 amps, about double that of a trickle charger. It also slows down the charge once the JK's battery is fully charged to prevent overcharging the JK's battery and boiling off the battery acid. Seems a much safer solution than just wiring a hot 12V from the RV's battery to the JK's battery, makes it more of a one-sided affair!

Tom
Bryson City, NC

 

I ended up going with the Bue Ox BX8869 wiring kit. The kit adds an additional socket and bulb to each taillight housing. No diodes, no taping into the stock wiring. The installation was fairly straightfoward.

Devin

 

Someone has to say it...

 

I'm already doing my own... Will post pics when done.

Tom
Bryson City, NC

 

Anyone know why the manual says to disconnect neg side of the battery? Is this just to keep the bat from going low or is there some electronis gadget that needs ro be disconnected not to cause a problem?

 

I assumed it was to just keep the battery from going dead. We are towing and not disconnecting the battery. We have the US Gear Brake System and a power lead comes from the motorhome to the Jeep to keep the Jeep battery charged.

Devin

 

Sorry for the long delay. We were preparing for a trip to Baja and are there now. Here are some pics of the taillight installation. It does not require diodes and does not touch the Jeep wiring at all. The fit is tight for the bulb but was actually very easy to install.

 

For those seeing the pics of the tail lights drilled for the additional bulb... do know that this is not necessary! A simple non-invasive addition of a wiring harness (no diodes used) and you can set-up your JK lights for toad duty. Yes, you can go the additional bulb route but again not necessary.

Go here http://www.cooltechllc.com/servlet/C...ngler+%2707%2B for the harness.

 

It's a shame to see all these holes being drilled unnecessarily. You do NOT need to drill holes and install extra bulbs, nor do you need to use diodes. Please see the write up section for Blue Ox baseplate and wiring writeup.

Tom
Bryson City, NC