Roadmaster Even Brake w/2009 Jeep Wrangler as Toad

[Old Rv'er]

Hello all,

I am installing the Roadmaster Even Brake system in my 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. I would like to know from those members whom have this unit installed where you or the installer put the ICX transmitter?

Additionally, RM’inc website says I don’t need the brake relay, because I have a separate lighting system, which the coach will run. So when later in the instructions is says to connect the cold side of the brake light switch, what happens to the other end of the wire I cut? Am I tapping into this circuit, or breaking this circuit permanently? The directions are not very clear on this point. But still it seems I need to cut and splice into the cold side of the brake wire in the Jeep itself for the ICX transmitter to operate correctly.

Here is my plan, I need to drill a hole through the firewall, since I cannot find any suitable existing penetration, so I am going to push through the brake away switch wiring to the inside of the Jeep. Then take the red and white wires for the ICX transmitter back through this same hole and toward the fuse box.

So, why cannot I put use the included 10A fuse holder, come right off the positive + side of the battery for the hot lead, and use the negative - side of the battery for ground? This way I would always have power for the Transmitter. If I am reading the instructions correctly, they want me to use any cold side of a fuse in the box, but that fuse is supposed to be hot all the time, not a switched connection, so what is wrong with my modification above?

I have already verified that one of the Power Points is hot with the IOD relay disconnected. I also know I am going to pull the 15A - M-1 Fuse as part of my towing setup of the Jeep. That way I won’t have a conflict with the Even brake putting the real brake lights on when it thinks it needs to stop the toad. I am going to start out with low sensitivity on the unit to “less” and the sensitivity to “less” as well to start out.

I don’t like the fact I have to cut a hole in the firewall, and also having to cut the white wire, and the directions don’t specify what happens to the other end of the wire, nor is the diagram (showing the relay installation) clear on what happens to the white wire.

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you have concerning this installation.

[takepride]

Tap only!

You should be able to piggy-back the wire through the firewall where the main loom passes through a rubber hub and into the cabin. A crochet needle would work, if your wife will allow it. A manly idea is to push a dull awl and follow it back through the rubber hub with the wire. It's not very easy since the location is difficult, but it might beat a second hole.

You can use an existing fuse slot or your own fuse. If existing, just be sure it is switched or not-switched as desired.

[Algoma]

Mine is probably not typical as I tried to permanently modify my Forester as little as possible. The ICX sits in the glove box and the power cable plugs in to the dash outlet when I need it. Similarly the power for the brake unit plugs into another outlet under the center armrest. The good thing about this is that nothing works until I turn the ignition switch to the aux position (and unlock the steering).
The only permanent connection is the wire that connects to the cold side of the brake switch. I used an insulation displacement piggy back connector and ran the wire to the glove box to connect to the ICX.
Like you I did not connect to the cars lighting system but added 2 LED units to the rear bumper and ran a cable all the way to the front of the car. I was able to squeeze the wires alongside the main harness where it went through the firewall so I didn't have to drill any new holes.

[OldForester]

I ran a separate wire from the battery for the + connection and put a fuse in the wire, and found a good nearby bolt for the ground connection , and connected both to the brake controller with a couple quick-connect plugs, tapping into the wires leading to the cigarette-lighter type adaptor for the Even Brake. I have a Brake Pro (preceded the Even Brake), but it works the same. I have used this for 50,000 towing miles in my Toyota 4Runner toad, and it works fine. That way there is no other draw on the batteries while I'm towing.

[jhlady]

Monty,

You shouldn't have to cut a hole in the firewall. I installed an SMI Stay-N-Play braking system and ran my wiring from the brake light switch through a pre-existing hole in the firewall. It isn't easy to get at or see, but on the drivers side kickplate on the far side on an aluminum brace and then up you will see a group of cables that goes through the firewall. I pushed a wire chase through from the underhood side, attached my wires and pulled them through. Afterwards just tape up the area so water doesn't get inside and the wires don't chaffe on anything.

Hope this helps and good luck. My back and sides were killing me for days after working under the dash of this Jeep.

John

[Old Rv'er]

I could not find the location you speak of. And I was looking at doing this job one day last week, and my sides hurt for two days and I did not get it even close to done. I think the easiest way will be to drill the hole high up on the firewall, not that I want to, but I need to get this done. This way if I do take the jeep out into some water it at least won't come into the passenger compartment. I really don't want to do it that way, but cannot find but one other entry point, and I am not sure I can get the wire into that place. If I can, it will have to be cut, and the spliced back together, because there is no way I am going to try to push that plug throug the little place I found. Thank you for your assistance.

[Old Rv'er]

Thank you for the tip. I think I am going to do it this way, as I see no reason why I need to tap a fuse, when it can come off the battery just as easy. I left Roadmaster Service a message, but never got a call back.

[paz]

Old Rv'er -

If you tap directly off the battery, install an in-line fuse to protect the circuit. Otherwise, a short in the wire could cause a fire.

If you drill a hole in the firewall, use a rubber or plastic grommet to protect the wire. Otherwise, the sharp edge of the metal will eventually wear through the insulation on the wire, and you will have the short I mentioned above.

[Old Rv'er]

All,
I never was able to find a penetration through the firewall I could get through, so I drilled a hole and ran my wires that way. I installed the ICX unit and tomorrow I am going to setup the even brake inside the car, and use another car as the "Fake Motorhome" so I can see if all is well, but the ICX unite has not lights which indicate it even has power or anything. I am going to assume it needs the even brake plugged into it first. I then need to run through the setup several times so I can imprint my old brain cells with the process. I am going to set the sensitivity and brake settings to low or 1 because I don't want to stress the Jeeps brakes. I will report one more time and let all know how it works.