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Flat Towing Hookups with Bill Johnston
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 When
flat towing, the vehicle basically becomes a trailer, so you only have to
have lighting out back (like a trailer). A standard 4 wire trailer lighting
kit can do the job. but depending on your needs and state laws, you can make
it more complex with additional wires. Many states require an additional
braking system on vehicles/trailers of over 2-3000 lbs. Check your local
laws for exact figures. Wire bundles of six or seven wires can be used to
allow for a braking system or onboard power. In this installation we will be
using a six wire bundle set up like the diagram below. |
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 Not
only does it have the four wires required for standard lighting, but it also
has the power and control wires that can take care of many of the auxiliary
brakes systems out on the market. The six wire round plug is a common plug
found at most auto parts stores. |
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  We
start at the front bumper where the connection to the tow vehicle is. A
protected connector plug is a good alternative to coiling the cable up under
the hood. There is nothing to fall out and get caught under a tire while on
the trail. |
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  The
cable between the vehicles can be removed and stored in the tow vehicle for
safekeeping.
For those interested in the tow bar arrangement, it is a Reese tow bar attached to a set of Currie CJ Tow Shackles. |
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  Removing
the bulb assemblies from the trailer lighting kit will net you a nice pair
of three-way bulbs. Three-way? Yup, they will serve as you tail light
(parking light), brake light and turn signals. There is plenty of room
inside the stock housing to add the bulbs as shown. Run the wires along the
frame to the front bumper, just like a trailer. |
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 Take
a look at the diagram to the left to give you an idea as to how the wires
are traditionally run for a single bulb (left and right). You could probably
go a little farther and add small bulbs to the side marker lights on the
ends of the rear bumper. These could be tied into the tail light (brown)
wire. The wires that are not shown are the brake actuator (blue) wire and
the aux power (black) wire. They would run into the cab. |
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 I
use this setup to tow my little Zook behind the motor coach when out on
trips. Although this setup is shown here on my daily driver/stocker, it can
easily be done on a trail rig. Aftermarket lighting may be a little harder
to adapt, but use your imagination and anything is possible. |
07/08/10 21:59:42
