Community Forums

lifguardct · 01-17-2021, 08:06 PM

We have never had a toad before and are looking at a 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk. It already has what looks like Blue Ox base plates, a light plug and break away connection.

Where would I look to see if it has a brake system already?
How does the break away work, (where does it connect to the brakes)?
Is it easy to tell if there is a diode kit installed?

ByeTheWay · 01-17-2021, 08:15 PM

Where would I look to see if it has a brake system already?
Under the hood or up under the dash.

How does the break away work, (where does it connect to the brakes)?
I have Air Force One. The break away does not connect directly to the brakes

Is it easy to tell if there is a diode kit installed?

Diode's are used with existing bulbs. I don't use diodes, thus I have an extra bulb installed for tail lights, brakes, turn signals.

Steve-W · 01-17-2021, 09:00 PM

If it is a permanently installed system there will be either a cable or air cylinder attached to the brake pedal. The control unit will be under the hood or drivers seat. If it was a portable system most likely it was not left with the vehicle. The breakaway switch will either connect to the permanently mounted controller or connect directly to a portable unit, in that case you will most likely find a 2 pin connector near the front of the drivers seat.

If a diode lighting kit was installed the diodes will most likely be behind the taillight assembly's.

Every installer does things differently so it’s hard to tell without out inspecting the vehicle.

Also you will most likely need or may have a brake light relay, charge line, and remote brake actuator switch.

When I setup my 19 Trailhawk I installed an Invisibrake system, Blue Ox baseplate, brake light switch, charge line, lighting diode kit, & brake applied switch with remote indicator in the coach dash.

vsheetz · 01-17-2021, 09:24 PM

Appears there is a lighting connector. So lighting (diode kit) is already done.

The breakaway activates the brake should the toad become disconnected.

Can't tell for sure from the picture. But appears an air connection exists. Likey AF1 system or similar.

Arch Hoagland · 01-17-2021, 09:31 PM

If it has a U.S. Gear braking system there will be a cylinder under the drivers seat of the toad.

Shadow5501 · 01-18-2021, 06:13 AM

I have a 2020 Cherokee towed with blue ox base plates. I did my own install and wiring.

The picture is a bit grainy but it does look like blue ox attachments.

The tail lights don’t have room to install an additional bulb, so diodes are the only option. It’s very easy to remove a taillight - open the hatch, remove two torx screws, and give it a tug.

I don’t see an attachment to an air brake system on the coach, so I think you have something else. Look under the dash at the brake pedal for an arm bolted on that can push it. If nothing, then likely it used a portable system. The breakaway cable should come through a rubber grommet in the firewall almost directly behind the brake pedal. Lift up the floor mats and have a look-see.

If they were using a portable braking system, it needs an always on 12 volt power source. The Cherokee does not have one standard, so you should find an add-on 12v lighter outlet or similar under the dash.

**Spdracr39** · 01-18-2021, 06:21 AM

I have a brake buddy portable system and it has a 4 prong connector in the cab for power and the breakaway. Your breakaway connection does not look like a brake buddy.

dezolen · 01-18-2021, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spdracr39

I have a brake buddy portable system and it has a 4 prong connector in the cab for power and the breakaway. Your breakaway connection does not look like a brake buddy.

Breakaway switch is generic. Same as mine with Brake Buddy system. Is there a plug near footwell? If it’s a banana plug it was plugged into Brake Buddy Classic, if more like a plug it would have been a newer Brake Buddy.