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Old 11-14-2013, 07:13 AM   #1
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Wiring for Toad. What do I need?

Hello RVers!

I recently purchased an awesome new-to-me motorhome and a Toad to go with it.

What do I need wiring wise?

I already have the Blue OX Aventa Tow Bar and the appropriate base plate. (1994 Geo Tracker)

I've looked at wiring kits that tap into the original electrics of the Toad and others that seem 100% independant of the Toad. Which is preferable?

Also, I have 2 connectors on the back of the RV with different pin patterns. Are they for different things?

(Note: I do not intend to put in a braking kit right as yet, but I would like the ability to install one for the future in case I go to Canada.)

I was looking at purchsasing the Blue Ox BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail Light Kit with the Blue Ox BX8862 6-Wire Coiled electric Cable.





Am I on the right track? Is that all I need?

Many thanks!
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:36 AM   #2
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I have set up both our vehicles as toads... a 2013 Chevy Cruze (stick shift) and a 2010 Chevy Tahoe 4wd.

I did the "add a bulb to the brakelight assembly" by Blue Ox on the Cruze.

I did the www.towdaddy.com wiring kit for the Tahoe.

Overall I prefer the TowDaddy kit. No Splicing just plug and play. It is more expensive, but I can return the Tahoe to stock configuration when needed.

The Blue Ox kit was probably a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 to install, the Towdaddy was a 1.

Mal
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:45 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maladjusted View Post
I have set up both our vehicles as toads... a 2013 Chevy Cruze (stick shift) and a 2010 Chevy Tahoe 4wd.

I did the "add a bulb to the brakelight assembly" by Blue Ox on the Cruze.

I did the www.towdaddy.com wiring kit for the Tahoe.

Overall I prefer the TowDaddy kit. No Splicing just plug and play. It is more expensive, but I can return the Tahoe to stock configuration when needed.

The Blue Ox kit was probably a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 to install, the Towdaddy was a 1.

Mal
The TowDaddy Wiring harness found here? Tow Daddy - The Best Designed RV Products on the Planet

How do you connect it to the RV itself? What do I need to connect the Toad to the RV?

Thanks!
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:51 AM   #4
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That's it.

You'll need an "umbillical cord" to connect the toad to the RV...

Blue Ox - 4 Wire Electrical Coiled Cable Extension

They make them in several configurations... 7 wire to 4 wire, 6 to 4, 6 to 6 etc.

Make sure you get the plug receptical for toad. Sometimes they come with the umbilical cord as a kit... sometimes not.

I was able to get mine (the 4 way plug) at NAPA.
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Old 11-14-2013, 09:01 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maladjusted View Post
That's it.

You'll need an "umbillical cord" to connect the toad to the RV...

Blue Ox - 4 Wire Electrical Coiled Cable Extension

They make them in several configurations... 7 wire to 4 wire, 6 to 4, 6 to 6 etc.

Make sure you get the plug receptical for toad. Sometimes they come with the umbilical cord as a kit... sometimes not.

I was able to get mine (the 4 way plug) at NAPA.
Cool. Thanks!
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Old 11-14-2013, 12:46 PM   #6
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Oh...I forgot. What's with the 2 pin patterns? Which one should I use?
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Old 11-14-2013, 05:17 PM   #7
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Honestly.... I am not sure. I know the 7 pin round connector has wiring pins for electric trailer brakes.

I would pull out your trusty 12v light tester and test thw pins at the 4 round connector on the back of the MH. Left/Right turn, brakes and tail lights.

Maybe someone else can chime in with 6 pin connector knowledge?

Mal
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:02 PM   #8
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Don't forget a ground.
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:12 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BamBoom View Post
Oh...I forgot. What's with the 2 pin patterns? Which one should I use?

Chances are the 7 pin connector is ready to go. Simple way to go is buy a magnetic light kit from Harbor Freight, Walmart, or Amazon. Buy an adaptor plug for the 7 pin plug to a flat 4 wire, plug in the lights and you are done. And you did not modify the car.
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:25 PM   #10
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If you are towing anything over 1500 lbs. most states require
that you have brakes on the towed vehicle.
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Old 11-14-2013, 07:43 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by macadnphyl View Post
If you are towing anything over 1500 lbs. most states require that you have brakes on the towed vehicle.
Not true.
SOME states require add'l braking on a towed, but not "most". Why? Because a motorized vehicle being towed is not a "trailer".
HOWEVER, there is no reciprocity on braking laws like there is on drivers licenses or insurance. This means you must comply with each states laws when in that state not just your home state's.
But it's also a "law" of physics. More weight takes more braking to stop it.
That said, I can pass WA, OR and CA towed braking tests without anything but the DSDP's service brakes, but I still want to stop in the shortest time/distance I can so I have a braking system whether towing on the dolly (surge brakes) or four down (RoadMaster BrakeMaster), both with breakaway units.
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Old 11-14-2013, 08:00 PM   #12
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My understanding for supplemental braking is that in the case of a breakaway, it will stop your towed car. Can't do that without a braking system.
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Old 11-14-2013, 09:15 PM   #13
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I used the Roadmaster RM155 taillight wiring kit. Came with everything I needed(you may need a 7pin round to 4pin flat adapter). You need room to add an extra bulb in the taillight fixture, but it was easy and didn't require any modification to the toads tail/brake light wiring what so ever.

Have to agree with the supplemental brake should be on your list argument. While not required in many states, I kept seeing visions of my toad smashing into a carload of innocent people if it broke away.
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Old 11-14-2013, 10:39 PM   #14
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Thanks for all of the info everyone! I'll definitely look into the breakaway and other braking systems.

Regarding pins...some of you have mentioned a 7 pin connector. I have a 6 and a 4 on mine. Shouldn't I just get the 4 pin round adapter to 4 pin flat and then I'd be done? I could do a 6 to 4 too, but what would be the advantage of that without a brake assist system?

Thanks!
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