Community Forums

Bryan H · 08-23-2012, 09:40 AM

I don't know if this experience will be the same for everyone, but I think it may be for a lot. I have the CoolTech harness for my JKU (the harness is great by the way). There's a LOT of discussion on this board about the need or lack thereof for a battery disconnect on newer JK's since they don't require a key in the ignition. My 2011 does not require a key. HOWEVER, I still use a battery disconnect because if I don't, the Jeep's brake lights will backfeed into the motorhome and override my signal indicator.

I'll explain further. If I'm coming to a stop and have one of my signals on, when the ReadyBrake pulls the Jeep's brake pedal and the Jeep's brake lights come on, it will override the turn signal flashing on the motorhome (i.e. the brake lights on the jeep and motorhome will be fully illuminated without flashing). As soon as the ReadyBrake lets go, the flashing will re-initiate. The problem is eliminated when I disconnect the Jeep's battery because it then no longer has any brake signal to backfeed into the motorhome. I could install diodes in the motorhome trailer wire harness, and I may do that, but for now, I just twist the battery disconnect knob (also supplied by CoolTech).

Anyway, just thought I'd post my experience. Maybe newer mothorhomes with separate brake and signal lights don't have this problem?

HabitatGuy · 08-23-2012, 11:36 AM

Two other solutions. First is a brake light relay. I put one of these on our Wrangler TJ just for the situation you describe. It removes power to the brake light switch unless the key is on. I'm sure they are available lots of places, mine came with the Roadmaster Evenbrake system. Worked great. Secondly, I just set up our new '12 Jeep Liberty as a toad. I purchased the Tow Daddy Plug N Tow system for it. Mainly because it is a direct plug in system that doesn't require diodes and it doesn't require a brake light switch relay as the electronic control box has that programmed into it. Slick system and very easy to install. Look it up, it might do the trick for you as well.

ditto · 08-23-2012, 01:36 PM

I pull the break light fuse on my 08 per cooltech manual.

wa8yxm · 08-23-2012, 06:31 PM

IF the jeep brake lights backfeed into the motor home your harness is NOT working as it should or it is installed wrong. There should be no way for either system to backfeed the other, that is the Jeep can not backfeed the motor home and the motor home feeds only the tail lights, license plate lamp, turn and stop on the jeep.

I would like you to imagine a water system layed out like this

Pump 1---- Check valve-----T fitting
Pump 2-----Check vlave-----T fitting

T-ffitting------ Tank

Now, all three are the SAME T-fitting

Pump one can pump water into the tank

Pump two can pump water into the tank

Neither pump can pump water into the other well.

Pump one is the JEEP's system
Pump two is the Motor home's system

The tank is the tail/stop/turn'/license plate light. .

The reason you pull the brake light fuse is so the turn signals work on the jeep, should not affect motor home.

Bryan H · 08-24-2012, 08:41 AM

Right, but the key point in your analogy are the check valves. Ive got the impression (right or wrong) that many owners of newer jeeps are not disconnecting their batteries OR pulling the appropriate fuse. My point was that, in my case, that may not be the best idea. That's all I'm trying to pass along.

BFlinn181 · 08-24-2012, 09:59 AM

Disconnecting the battery is a solution that you won't forget to reset when you use the Jeep since it won't start. Pulling a fuse, you could forget and drive off and have no brake lights, which you wouldn't know until you get cited or rear-ended. The battery disconnect cancels radio presets, clock, etc. Wouldn't one diode in the brake light trailer harness stop the feedback? I'm assuming the RV has combined brake/turn signals and the Jeep has separate lights for each function.

Bryan H · 08-24-2012, 10:38 AM

Yes, the diode approach would work (as mentioned in my original post). I haven't tried it yet bc the battery disconnect isn't too much work. And my factory radio only loses the equalizer settings. Station presets and clock are not lost. But maybe I'll motivate myself someday soon to get out there and add the diodes.

SarahW · 09-19-2012, 10:28 PM

I notice that the CoolTech rep is posting on the board again. Maybe he will weigh in on this topic.

phranc · 09-20-2012, 08:10 PM

Is there room in the tail light housing for an additional socket and bulb ? Thats what is on my Jeep Liberty and all the wiring is completely separate from the car system.. Therefore no feedbacks ,, no diodes and simple

go6car · 09-21-2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW

I notice that the CoolTech rep is posting on the board again. Maybe he will weigh in on this topic.

That would be great because in my experience, the company does not return phone calls or respond to emails, or pick up the phone during what I assume are traditional business hours for their time zone. The product, however, is a good one. After hours of troubleshooting, there was an actual wire issue within the harness, itself, that we had. Thank goodness my other half knew enough to be able to resolve that. If it was me attempting to fix it, I'd still be out there trying...

BTW, thanks for your prior comments on the product, because it helped us to choose it in the first place (as well as the ReadyBrute!). At the end of the day, we're very happy with both.

Rich and Cork · 09-21-2012, 06:23 PM

Personally, I do not find it hard to pull the fuse and put it back in. I put it in my pocket so I know it is there. I would guess I have pulled our '08 25,000 miles. That includes one trip around the country and a trip to Alaska, and lots of shorter trips. Once it is in your mind, it becomes part of the routine: hook up, pull the fuse, start engine, put transfercase in N, put transmission in D to verify transfercase in N, engine off (In Acc in my case, '09 and later don't need to do), transmission to P. Then reverse everything when you get to where you are going.

palehorse89 · 09-21-2012, 06:29 PM

I installed a cooltech harness on a 2011 sahara and have no problems, all my lighting works as it should when towing it. maybe give them a call.....

SarahW · 09-21-2012, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go6car

That would be great because in my experience, the company does not return phone calls or respond to emails, or pick up the phone during what I assume are traditional business hours for their time zone. The product, however, is a good one. After hours of troubleshooting, there was an actual wire issue within the harness, itself, that we had. Thank goodness my other half knew enough to be able to resolve that. If it was me attempting to fix it, I'd still be out there trying...

BTW, thanks for your prior comments on the product, because it helped us to choose it in the first place (as well as the ReadyBrute!). At the end of the day, we're very happy with both.

Thanks, I'm glad I could help in any way. Lots of folks chimed in to help when we were deciding which setup to buy. That's the beauty of this forum!