Pigkisser
West Texas
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Joined: 07/29/2007
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I used the CoolTech wiring harness for my 2008 Wrangler. Super easy and clean installation. However, I do pull the IOD fuse and brake light fuse prior to towing. The good thing is that the JK's are designed for easily disconnecting the IOD, so it has "ears" on it which allow for easy and quick disconnect/reconnect. No problems with battery running down, and it still provides power to the cigarette lighter/power point if you are using a portable supplemental brake system that requires 12 volts.
2007 Jayco Seneca 33SS
2008 Jeep Wrangler 4 door 4X4 toad
Ready Brute/Ready Brake tow bar/brake combination
Igloo Ice Chest
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Gary Franks
Fulltimer from Newport Beach, California
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Joined: 02/24/2008
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Just to clarify the reason for pulling the fuse: The '08 Wrangler does not have a key position that unlocks the steering column without powering up accessories (unlike most cars that I have had). When you unlock the steering column for towing, you have powered up everything in the car.
As with any car, if you leave the key turned on for a long period of time, you'll run down the battery. It really has nothing to do with how the lights are wired - diodes or no diodes.
I'm not really sure what is powered and not powered when the fuse is pulled. I discovered yesterday that the alarm is still powered, but the key fob didn't seem to work (I fumbled to get the horn to stop honking).
The CoolTech wiring harness, as 'Pigkisser' mentioned, would have been helpful to me if I didn't already have the factory tow package.
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Comment added to clarify remark on the CoolTech wiring harness:
Since I already had the factory tow package, I didn't need the CoolTech harness. I merely ran a 4-conductor wire from my BlueOx baseplate wiring connector to the trailer socket on the rear of the Jeep and plugged it in. I did not intend to diminish the usefullness of the CoolTech harness for others.
* This post was
edited 09/05/08 12:23am by Gary Franks *
'05 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel 39Z | Datastorm F2 Satellite Internet | Toad1: '03 Lincoln Town Car | Toad2: '08 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4WD
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BillArf
New York & Florida
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Gary Franks wrote:
The CoolTech wiring harness, as 'Pigkisser' mentioned, would have been helpful to me if I didn't already have the factory tow package.
This info is misleading. FACT is the Cool Tech LLC, Inc. harness can be used on a new Wrangler with or without the factory trailer tow package. Installing the Cool Tech harness on a vehicle with the factory tow harness requires a very simple wire slice that is not required if you do not have the factory trailer tow package.
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* This post was
edited 08/28/08 05:30pm by BillArf *
Bill in NY & Fl
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32VS
Ford/V10
'07 Jeep Wrangler/Blue Ox
Overbilt Lifts, Inc. bike lift / '01 Harley Fatboy --> Look at my lift setup HERE
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BillArf
New York & Florida
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I have always advocated removing the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) fuse before flat-towing a 2007-2008 Wrangler JK and here's the data to support why you should follow this recommendation:
Testing by Cool Tech LLC, Inc.:
The objective was to measure the current draw of the JK with the key in the first click position which unlocks the steering wheel but is also the accessory position. I tested using a precision Fluke 77 ammeter. Here's what I found:
JK Key-off position = .01 amps draw
JK Key-off position w/underhood light on = .96 amps draw (just a reference)
JK Ign 1st Click = 2.45 amps draw!!! (Also, in this mode there is a relay that cylces every 50 seconds tht briefly draws more current)
JK Ign 1st Click; IOD Fuse Pulled = .17 amps draw
OK, so these are the results which are a little suprising. With the IOD fuse left in place, 2.45 amps/hr x 12 hours = ~30 Amp/hrs which is probably about 1/2 (or more) of the total battery capacity of the JK battery.
Recommendation: If you're flat-towing the JK, lift up the cover on the fuse panel immediately in front of the battery. Lift up the Ignition Off Draw (IOD) Fuse. It is a 60A fuse and it has a holder with white "ears" to help you lift it up.
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Freightguy
River Ranch, FL
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Joined: 09/29/2004
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I have the cooltech harness for my 07 JK. I dont have it in yet but the instructions dont tell you what each of the 4 wires are for. Anyone know? like is the brown the ground?? This info would be helpful in the instructions.
Aaron@luxuryrvlots.com
2005 Tiffin Phaeton 40QDH
2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
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BillArf
New York & Florida
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Install paperwork with the info you seek, click here.
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Freightguy
River Ranch, FL
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Thanks, looks like the instructions I have. maybe I just didnt see the color coding.
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BillArf
New York & Florida
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Freightguy wrote:Thanks, looks like the instructions I have. maybe I just didnt see the color coding.
Top left corner of page 1.
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evanvalk
Tampa, Fl.
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Joined: 03/18/2004
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Don't pull fuse, dont't disconnect neg.battery cable, Install a blade disconnect on the battery neg.side.$8.75 at camping world.Happy RVing. Ed. & Rose.
ED. & ROSE.
THOR FOUR WINDS 31P.CLASS C 31FT.
FORD E 450 V-10 6.8 GAS.
TAMPA, FL.
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Pigkisser
West Texas
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Joined: 07/29/2007
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The only disadvantage to using a battery disconnect is that you don't have power to the cig lighter, if you need it to power a floor-mounted supplemental brake system (like a Brake Buddy).
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