Toad wiring 2012 Wrangler Unlimited

rjncat · 11-22-2011, 10:34 AM

Want to wire brake/running lights on our new Jeep. Our last toad was a '98 Wrangler. On the '98 I tapped into the taillight loom by the left kick plate under the drivers door and used Roadmaster diodes. What is the best way on a 2012 to activate brake/turn signal/running lights?

Texas TC · 11-22-2011, 11:00 AM

I set up three Wranglers for towing, '06, '07' and '11. In each case, I added a separate light bulb into the taillight housing so that it would run off the coach system and never integrate into the Jeep wiring. Blue Ox makes the kit I always used. I do believe that there are some aftermarket harnesses that allow you to hook into the Jeep wiring. When I bought my '11, I asked Chrysler dealer about it and they said I would have to go aftermarket and they did not recommend going in that direction.

Good luck,

TxTC

MDPD · 11-22-2011, 11:01 AM

I had an 07 JK Wrangler that I towed over 25000 miles. I found the best way to wire the tail lights was to purchase a light kit from Blue Ox that included two light sockets and wire to run to the front of the vehicle. There is enough room in the tail light housing to drill holes for the sockets and add the additional bulbs and I ran the wire through the frame rails to the socket on the front of the Jeep. This way there is no direct attachment to the toad lighting, no need to install diodes, and no chance of disturbing the vehicle electronics.

FlyingDiver · 11-22-2011, 11:10 AM

If you don't want to use the Blue Ox kit with separate bulbs, this is a good option:

Cool Tech LLC. JK Tow Harness Kit

joe

Rich and Cork · 11-22-2011, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

If you don't want to use the Blue Ox kit with separate bulbs, this is a good option:

Cool Tech LLC. JK Tow Harness Kit

joe

That is what I used on my 2008 JK.

FlyingDiver · 11-22-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich and Cork

That is what I used on my 2008 JK.

When you use the Cooltech harness, does it use the Jeep battery for the lights? They bundle it with a battery disconnect, and I'm wondering if it's really needed. We used the Blue Ox kit on our 2010 JK. I need to find out if this harness works on a KK (2012 Liberty) or if we're going to go with the Blue Ox kit again.

joe

dashdriver · 11-23-2011, 07:51 AM

No, it uses MH power for lights if you use the Cooltech harness. I use it and it works great. Very easy to setup IMHO.

Campingman · 11-23-2011, 07:59 AM

I bolted two 1 1/2" 6"x6" galvinized angles to the rear light housing and use the magnetic lights.

Rich and Cork · 11-23-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

When you use the Cooltech harness, does it use the Jeep battery for the lights? They bundle it with a battery disconnect, and I'm wondering if it's really needed. We used the Blue Ox kit on our 2010 JK. I need to find out if this harness works on a KK (2012 Liberty) or if we're going to go with the Blue Ox kit again.

joe

The other thing you do not need to worry about that those of us with '07-'08 Wranglers do, is that you do not have to use your ignition key to unlock your steering wheel. That is the reason for the battery disconnect. I have the US Gear brake on mine and that connects my coach battery to the Jeep battery.

Have fun.

FlyingDiver · 11-23-2011, 04:07 PM

Yeah, no steering wheel lock on the '09 and later models is a huge plus, IMHO.

joe

ditto · 11-23-2011, 09:31 PM

I too used cooltech ...easy to install...works great.

oralei · 01-29-2012, 07:30 PM

I purchased a wiring harness from MOPAR and while it reall work neat it is a little difficult to install. You have to take off the front passenger side fender and drill a hole in the fire wall. Finding the right connector was a little difficult as there are two of them, the one way up was the one you need. Also you must have a hot wire (battery) connection in the MH plug to make it work.