Community Forums

FredBet · 08-17-2011, 11:42 AM

We're new to the forum but have picked up a lot useful information here. We are presently installing a Blue Ox wiring harness which is an extra bulb and socket installation on a 2011 Jeep, which will be our toad behind our Tiffin QBA. But the tail light on the Jeep appears to be sealed from the front and the only access is thru the present bulb hole or drilling a hole in the plastic casing on either side of the bulb hole. I would like to know if anyone has done such an installation on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler (2dr) and has pictures or suggestions on how to install the extra bulb light and where. We really were not interesting in wiring directly to the Jeep harness because of possible warranty issues.

Submustang · 08-17-2011, 04:29 PM

I have not done it on the jeep, but I did go that route with my Tundra. I found a spot that had adequate clearance for the socket and drilled a hole through the back of the tail light housing of the correct diameter for the new socket and bulb using a hole saw. I put a little RTV around the socket to help hold it in. Its been 7 years and it still works great. I think there are a lot of good reasons to keep the toad lights separate and will go that route in the future. I was a cheapskate and bought some universal tail light sockets for about $3 a piece instead of the Blue Ox or Roadmaster kits. I think the important steps in the process is to make sure you have space behind to light housing for the sockets and make sure you drill the right sized hole. Depending on the design of the housings interior reflectors you would also want to make sure you are drilling through in a relatively flat area. Its a bit intimidating to drill a hole in these things, but worse case you just go down and buy a replacement.

ditto · 08-17-2011, 07:07 PM

Try these folks...their system is VERY easy to install...no drilling custom made for jeep" Cool Tech LLC. JK Winch Fairlead License Plate Bracket

Dutch Star Don · 08-17-2011, 10:25 PM

FredBet......It may be too late, but teh diode system is much easier. You say that you don't want to void the warranty, but you're drilling holes in the housing and hope it doesn't leak/rust.

With the diodes, you cut two wires on each side and install the diodes. The diodes keep the power from feeding back. Add one more diode to the license plate and your done.

Rmblaster · 08-17-2011, 10:41 PM

another vote for the cool tech harness its easy Cool Tech LLC. JK Tow Harness Kit

H. Miller · 08-18-2011, 04:55 AM

Wouldn't there be more and possibly better answers if this were in the "TOAD" area??

bluefox · 08-18-2011, 11:16 AM

I have a 2010 Wrangler I order the tow harness from mopar #82211156AB $162.00 does not void your Warranty. You must have a 12volt power and a ground coming from you MH. It's all plug and play.

DFR · 08-18-2011, 11:29 AM

I installed the exact harness you are looing at. Drilled the hole for the socket right next to the OEM. Works great.

InfinityJim · 08-18-2011, 11:38 AM

Install A tow daddy wiring kit

FredBet · 08-18-2011, 12:58 PM

Thank you all for the helpfull suggestions. We decided to push on with the blub and socket install. It went smoothly. Using a drill press to drill the hole in the tail light assembly was a lot easier than we thought, although Jeep does not provide much material to work with between the OEM holes there still is enough. Took a few minutes and we were done. Wiring the lights should go just as easy. Next the SMI Plug and Play brake system, then we're on the road. This is our first MH, prior to that we were camping in a two man tent off of our motorcycles. So thank you all for this forum and keep up the helpful tips.

Cruzer · 08-20-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfinityJim

Install A tow daddy wiring kit

Ditto on the TowDaddy.

www.towdaddy.com

rebelone · 08-20-2011, 11:53 AM

I did the same, drilled holes in tail light lens, no problem. First was on my 2000 Jeep GC.
Last time on my 2008 Jeep GC. Have been towing 4 down now for about 5 years. I also did not want to trust the diodes. I have several diodes on hand if any one near me on the road needs them.
Rebel