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ereadingrv · 08-20-2016, 11:11 PM

We have a 1999 Monaco Diplomat and a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for our tow vehicle. Our tow bar is the Sterling 576 All-Terrain by Roadmaster, and our supplemental braking system is the Roadmaster InvisiBrake.

After installing and running the wiring for the InvisiBrake, things seem to be working...HOWEVER, our Jeep battery seems to die in just a few minutes if the lights are left on.

The Jeep battery is almost completely dead, and when we try to turn over the ignition, the dash lights flash weakly and we get a rapid clicking noise.

Any suggestions?

BobGed · 08-20-2016, 11:40 PM

I don't have an InvisiBrake but it's my understanding it is only activated by the brake light signal from the coach.

Which lights are you referring to that you're turning on? If it's the Jeep then I can understand the battery drain, but even then, not in a matter of minutes, unless of course you have a bad battery.

If you're referring to turning on the coach running lights then that shouldn't have anything to do with the InvisiBrake.

I would suggest double checking your wiring and make sure the InvisiBrake is being activated by the brake light signal.

ereadingrv · 08-20-2016, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobGed

I don't have an InvisiBrake but it's my understanding it is only activated by the brake light signal from the coach.

Which lights are you referring to that you're turning on? If it's the Jeep then I can understand the battery drain, but even then, not in a matter of minutes, unless of course you have a bad battery.

If you're referring to turning on the coach running lights then that shouldn't have anything to do with the InvisiBrake.

I would suggest double checking your wiring and make sure the InvisiBrake is being activated by the brake light signal.

The lights I'm referring to are the Jeep.

We're leaning more and more toward a bad battery, so that's our first replacement. It does look like it needs to be replaced. Hopefully that will fix the issue.

dons2346 · 08-21-2016, 12:31 AM

I have the Invisibrake and have towed the Jeep GC for a number of days without unhooking and the Jeep battery has never run down.

I don't understand the "lights being left on" thing. You should not be leaving the lights on in the Jeep. The Invisibrake is powered from the coach

ereadingrv · 08-21-2016, 06:08 AM

"I don't understand the "lights being left on" thing. You should not be leaving the lights on in the Jeep. The Invisibrake is powered from the coach[/QUOTE]

Just wasn't clear; we were disconnecting the tow bar to go somewhere tonight and it was just dark enough to need a little extra light. We turned on the lights for just a few minutes so we could see, and after that is when we realized the battery was completely dead at that point.

2 Stroker · 08-21-2016, 04:51 PM

My understanding with the Invisibrake the tow battery is charged when the coach has the marker lights or head lights on. I never had a problem with my battery pulling our Honda Accord after 5 hrs.
2 stroker

ereadingrv · 08-21-2016, 09:16 PM

Turns out, the problem was the battery first, and a secondary issue is a failing alternator. Battery issue will keep the car running, but if we don't replace the alternator, it will obviously fail and likely cause some damage to the battery over time. So once that's done...the InvisiBrake will be a complete "win" for us. We just towed 32 miles over a modest grade in Los Angeles traffic with no difficulties, coach overheating, etc.

Thanks for everyone who kicked in with info and questions!