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05-31-2017, 06:29 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
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Towing
Hi. I am a new member and also new to rvs. I am purchasing a 2017 Ford Focus to tow behind a Thor 29G class C. The Ford handbook instructs me to disconnect the battery. Question - with no battery, what powers the Focus lights? The Thor electrics? Thanks for any help to this novice!
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05-31-2017, 07:13 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ontario, California
Posts: 2,429
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The coach powers the stop/tail lights. You'll need to accomplish this by wiring your tail lights via diodes to a plug on the front end of your car. In my case, I was able to remove the tail light assembly and drill a hole to contain a separate light socket containing a 1157 bulb. (dual element) That way I didn't need to splice into the existing car wire loom. Power from the coach is transferred to the car via a patch cord between the car and the coach.
You'll also need auxiliary brakes for the car. (Most every state requires brakes on towed vehicles over 3,400 lbs.) There are several devices that will activate the brakes on the car when you apply the brakes in the coach. Some auxiliary brake systems even come with a break-a-way option that will apply the brakes in the car should it leave the coach. In addition to all of that the basics are a tow bar and a base plate for the car as well as safety cables or chains.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]2016 Newmar Dutch Star 4369
Newmar Owners Club
USAF 1966-1969,- Law Enforcement 1969 - 2003, Retired since March 2003
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05-31-2017, 07:32 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
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Towing
Many thanks. You have confirmed that the coach powers the car lights. Great. And yes I am installing a brake buddy.
Jeff
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05-31-2017, 07:43 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Western NY
Posts: 6,150
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Agree...and highly recommend the separate bulb approach. It avoids porential complications.
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Don & Marge
'13 Newmar Ventana 3433 - '14 CR-V TOAD
'03 Winnebago Adventurer 31Y - SOLD
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05-31-2017, 08:17 AM
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#5
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,794
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Hi !  Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang! 
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!  
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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05-31-2017, 08:28 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: May 2012
Location: DFW, Tex-US
Posts: 6,196
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Devonjeff
Many thanks. You have confirmed that the coach powers the car lights.
Jeff
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It will, but ONLY if it is wired correctly 
__________________
'11 Monaco Diplomat 43DFT RR10R pushed by a '14 Jeep Wrangler JKU. History.. 5'ers: 13 Redwood 38gk(junk!), 11 MVP Destiny, Open Range TT, Winn LeSharo, C's, popups, vans, tents...
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05-31-2017, 08:31 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Lakewood Ohio
Posts: 568
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Devonjeff
Many thanks. You have confirmed that the coach powers the car lights. Great. And yes I am installing a brake buddy.
Jeff
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FYI you can also purchase wireless battery operated magnet mount lights. plug a transmitter into your motorhome tow light connector and it sends a signal to the lights magnetically mounted on the toad. Im currently using these on my latest toad and find they work great. Much brighter than adding 1157 bulbs, only drawback is they do use AA batteries and if you forget to shut them off when you stop for the night the batteries do run out. I got mine from Blazer on Amazon. About $100.00. Also using a Brake Buddy.
__________________
WIT# 34347
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