Just traded toads. Have a 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with 20 miles on it. I'm in the process of installing bracket, tail light kit and Even Brake. All's going well, but one thing disturbs me. The manual tells me what to do to prepare it for "four-down" towing, but here's the rub. It says to disconnect the negative battery cable. If I do that I have no power for the Even Brake, and the two fuses that I have to connect the Even Brake to will be useless! Talked to Jeep and they acknowledge that you have to disconnect the negative battery cable or the battery will be run down, as there are things on when the key is in the "on" position. The problem is no "Accessory" point on the ignition switch that will unlock the steering wheel. Bummer! I explained to the Tech rep at Jeep that this negates being able to install an auxiliary braking system in the new Jeep. Needless to say, he failed to see my point....which I have found to be not unusual when dealing with manufacturers. However, since Jeep has always been a favorite of towables, I'm surprised there isn't another fix for this, like removing a certain fuse, etc.
Needs some help here guys...fast. Leaving on a trip in about two weeks.
Hi We have the same jeep, bought the blue ox hitch and tow bar, we have the brake buddy braking system, and we had to put a 12 volt direct plug right to the battery, so as not to wear down our jeep battery. Twice on the road this summer we had the key in the wrong setting and when we unhitched the battery was dead, just had to jump start it. Once you get it down pat it works slick, and you don't even know the jeep is behind you. just bought a new class a winnabago,35a, voyage, haven't toad it yet. Do not go by what the book says by jeep, it won't work that way. Barb
Sorry forgot to tell you the 12 volt plug that we have in the jeep which are 2 of them do not have enough juice to run our braking system, that is why the direct 12 volt to the battery, also jeep already has the tail lights ready for you , you just need to put in the bulbs, and wire, the little plug is already there. hope it helps you
bathurst wrote: Just traded toads. Have a 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with 20 miles on it. I'm in the process of installing bracket, tail light kit and Even Brake. All's going well, but one thing disturbs me. The manual tells me what to do to prepare it for "four-down" towing, but here's the rub. It says to disconnect the negative battery cable. If I do that I have no power for the Even Brake, and the two fuses that I have to connect the Even Brake to will be useless! Talked to Jeep and they acknowledge that you have to disconnect the negative battery cable or the battery will be run down, as there are things on when the key is in the "on" position. The problem is no "Accessory" point on the ignition switch that will unlock the steering wheel. Bummer! I explained to the Tech rep at Jeep that this negates being able to install an auxiliary braking system in the new Jeep. Needless to say, he failed to see my point....which I have found to be not unusual when dealing with manufacturers. However, since Jeep has always been a favorite of towables, I'm surprised there isn't another fix for this, like removing a certain fuse, etc.
Needs some help here guys...fast. Leaving on a trip in about two weeks.
wilanddij gave you a great link. I used that site to prep my 07 Wrangler Sahara 2 door - even used that wiring kit that's recommended on the site.
Use the right side cigarette lighter to power your even brake. Pull the IOD fuse as suggested. Put the key in turn it one position. Check that your steering is unlocked. Follow the remaining steps outlined in your owners manual. Don't forget to release the parking brake (blush). By pulling the IOD fuse, you negate the need to disconnect the negative battery cable.
I used the Even Brake in our Jeep, and found it very simple to use. After the first few times, you'll be able to install it in under 5 minutes.
I also used the wiring kit recommended in that link. I found it easy to install. It took me awhile to find a path along the frame rail that protected it from the exhaust. I was probably be overly cautious. The only thing I've noticed with that wiring setup is that when the brakes fire on the Jeep by the Evenbrake, if a turn signal is on, it is overridden by the brake signal from the Jeep. Not a big issue, as the turn signal is still visible on the motorhome, and the brakes aren't applied for that long on the jeep.
I threw more info at you than you requested; hope you don't mind. Since I just went down the same path you are on, I thought the extra info might be helpful.
WOW!! Thanks guys, that post by Bill is one of the best and most thorough I have seen on this website.....cudos to Bill, and to you guys that posted here as well. I am about to start on the job. I took the tail light wiring kit off my last toad (04 Ford Ranger), and have already wired the JK. This kit used diodes so I just reinstalled it on the JK. I didn't see the need to buy a new kit since this one worked great for four years. I've already tested them and they work great. Now for the Blue OX Bracket and the wiring for the Even Brake, and I'll be set for this long trek out west in two weeks. Again, thanks much!
You could also add one of those battery switches to the negative terminal. When you want to tow you could flip the switch disconnecting the negative terminal to the jeep and connecting the negative terminal to the brake system. Actually it may be better to use the + terminal incase the brake system touches any metal.
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