Roadmaster Base Plate for '02 Trailblazer

[rjjastone]

Wondering if anyone out there has installed a Roadmaster 3109-1 XL Base Plate Kit to enable towing a 2002-2009 Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, or Buick Rainier?

I'm about to pull the trigger on this as a DIY project, and would appreciate any comments or insight regarding the installation process. I've read the instructions, and installation seems fairly straightforward, although certainly not a trivial task. I'm particularly interested in just how much trimming is required of the grill and bumper fascia.

FYI, I'll complete the setup with an existing Roadmaster Falcon All-Terrain tow bar, and Brake Pro actuator that lived its previous life in a '04 Jeep Liberty. I may need some help when connecting the T-Blzr turn lights to the RV trailer plug, but we'll cross that bridge when I get to it, I guess.

Thanks in advance for any advice shared.

Russ

[rjjastone]

So I finally got the Roadmaster Base Plates installed on our '02 T-Blazer, and now I'm reaching out to all you experienced iRV2 electrical experts out there for opinions as to the best practices for charging a Toad battery using a 6-way trailer connector. I'm planning to use the connector's +12VDC center connection and the ground connection to supply charging voltage to the Toad battery, and the circuit will only be "hot" when the RV's ignition switch is in the "Run" position. It'll be primarily supplying power for the Roadmaster BrakePro (10.8A max.), along with the brake lights. Beyond that, the dingy battery should only experience it's normal parasitic current draw, with the ignition switch remaining in the "OFF position during towing. Running lights and turn signals will be illuminated by the RV circuits.

I'm planning to use a 15A in-line fuse to protect the +12VDC wire at the Toad battery in the event of a dead short in the circuit, but other than that, what else is necessary, or desired?

1. Isolation Diode?
2. Isolation Relay?
3. Would I be better advised to install a battery charger such as the RVi charger to regulate the charge current, as opposed to just supplying unregulated +12VDC during the time the RV is running?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.