Considering a 2012 Jeep Liberty toad.

[BeachDude]

I have been trolling the historical posts, and they all mention that the old or new style Liberty makes a great toad. Some folks opt for the surge brake solution, a permanent mounted hidden invisibrake type setup, various portable brake controllers, or "gasp" don't mention brakes at all.

However, there are generally no specifics as to how the electrical is ultimately setup.

I plan to use a Blue Ox baseplate, and a Blue Ox tow bar, and the Patriot portable brake controller. That's the easy part! The electrical taillight setup is the confusing part.

I discovered that Blue Ox has no wiring suggestions but is more than willing to sell three different options including the diode kit that requires splicing, the separate taillight kit where new bulbs are cut into the taillight housings, or a pre-wired plug in kit that utilizes all existing bulbs and wiring. None of these solutions provide 12V power/charge from the motorhome to the toad.

The 2012 Jeep Liberty 12v dashboard power plug does not supply power when the ignition is turned off. However, the portable Blue Ox Patriot requires that it be plugged into a 12V plug. Hmm? Blue Ox technical support had nothing to say other than the Patriot is rechargeable and should last dependably for at least 6 hours between charges.

If the portable brake controller presses down on the brake pedals, the toad's own brake lights will be activated, (but no turn signals or tail lights). How does that work with the different wiring options? I can smell burning wires already!

Then, I see that some folks are using new portable wireless tail lights that require no wiring to the toad whatsoever.

I realize that most folks simply dropped off their toads at a shop, presented their credit card or cash on the counter, and then everything just worked. But, I'm a little more curious.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

BeachDude-

Each vehicle is different, and each wiring option brings its own pros and cons. I don't have a Liberty. It shouldn't take long for a Liberty owner or two to post.

Let's take the 12V power first. If your ignition switch (or, if you have to install a battery cutoff switch) prevents you from getting 12V from the toad's battery, you can run a properly-sized and properly-fused 12V line directly from the battery to a location near the Patriot.

If you want the Liberty battery to maintain its charge, then you can run a "toad charge" connection between the coach and the toad. Again, it should be properly-sized and properly-fused.

On which wiring kit works best, it's a matter of opinion. Manufacturers make custom "plug and play" kits for popular toads, and I chose one for our Honda Fit. I see at least two offered for the Liberty. Because you have that choice, I'd recommend against the "universal" diode kits, leaving the custom kits, the "add-a-bulb" kits, or portable lights for your options. Again, that's an opinion.

If you elect not to use portable lights or to install separate bulbs in the Liberty rear lamp housings, you can have a situation where the coach signals and the toad brake signals conflict. A brake relay can take care of this. On this page from etrailer, they describe what circumstances will require a brake relay, in the section "Is a Relay Required?"

This is just a brief outline, but it should help you advance your research.

[SuperGewl]

Here is what I did. First install a 6 pin Trailer connector (female) to the front of the Jeep. Also add a Toad Charge or Charge Line Kit or Hopkins 39332 BrakeBuddy Towed Vehicle Battery Maintainer (this is what I used)to the Jeep hooked up thru that 6 pin connector pulling off of the 12 vdc charge pin. The other connections will be for your lights.
For the lights you will need BX88279, cut the four wire connector off the end and hook it up to the 6 pin connector. Install your Brake System and you are good to go.