Community Forums

Superrv · 12-12-2019, 02:49 PM

Hi everyone, Well last minute we found a great deal on a JK and decided that this will be our new toad. Im in a pinch to get it set up and Im seeing a LOT of different opinions.

I already have tow bar and base plate.

Im seeing a lot of people like the cooltech wiring harness or the hopkins 56200. The issue Im running into both is that they are both only four pin. How do i factor in the charge line for my patriot axiliary braking. The hopkins wires to the flat four pin and the cooltech goes to the round four pin.

Also I read the jeep manual and it seems like all I need to do is put the transfer case in neutral.

However Im reading that some people disconnect the negative cable....other people pull a fuse. Can some one please outline it for me simply. I am on short time line to get it done. I'd do more reading but IM going in circles
Thanks in advance

ivykrewe · 12-12-2019, 03:26 PM

I put transfer case in neutral, put in reverse to make sure it in neutral, turn ENGINE OFF and put trans in park. Don't try to put in park with engine running. I don't remember what harness i have , that was seven years ago. I tow from Rock Hard 4x4 bumper and have M&G air brake. I don' pull a fuse or disconnect a cable. JK is so easy to tow.

**Lt Dan** · 12-12-2019, 05:04 PM

I don't think you'll find a light harness that has an extra wire for the charge line. I have the Mopar harness on my Wrangler but I cut their plastic connectors off and put in a six pin round trailer wiring plug instead. That will give you the extra line you need for the 12v connection. As said, you don't have to pull any negative cables, just hook and go.

wildtoad · 12-12-2019, 06:23 PM

For my setup I turn the key on but don’t start the engine. Put the trans in neutral, transfer in neutral, trans in park, release the brake. All after hooking up the towed to the MH. Turn the key off and put it in my pocket. Get out and give the Jeep a push. If it rolls, all is good. I have no need for power to the Jeep as I use a Ready Brake that only requires a cable from the brake pedal to the Ready Brake attached to the hitch/towbar. Easy to setup easy to hookup, fairly fool proof.

38Chevy454 · 12-16-2019, 02:08 PM

I do the easy solution, a 12v jump pack to operate my brake buddy. Just plug the lighter plug of the brake buddy into the jump pack lighter receptacle. Then no issues with needing a charge line. Especially since I have three vehicles I can flat tow. The jump pack has plenty of power for the brake buddy. Just charge it up each night for a couple hours (or less) and it's ready to go the next day.