More towing questions

[BluPhant]

As i said in my earlier post, my wiring was plug and play... I had to remove the rear passenger paneling to get at the connector. Theres a plug to push the wires thru that I had to cut an X in. In terms of professionalism, the only quasi-unprofessional thing about my install is the 12+ wire (12g) running to the battery. It's secured every 6" or so with wire ties, so it seems pretty stable.

-Blu

 

[fritz_monroe]

I fully intend to have a brake controller. Don't know what the law is here in Maryland, but every dealer I've spoken to has said that a brake controller was required. Every pop up that I've looked at has had brakes. I doubt if I'd want to tow a light trailer without brakes. Just not worth it for me. Figure a couple hundred bucks for the controller install versus worrying about the stopping distances and replacing brakes all the time.

I won't be doing the brake controller intstall. Even if I do the wiring harness, I'm not going to wire in the controller. Something that I'm putting my faith in to protect my family is something I'm going to take to a pro.

Thanks again for all the info. Does anyone know how the 2nd fan would connect up?

F_M

 

[Amarony]

http://www.jeepkj.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1691

Hitch/Towing/Controller Fax written by a bored guy last summer...

 

[fritz_monroe]

Yep, read that. Pretty well done. If I decide to tackle the install, I'll definately be using that.

How about that 2nd fan? Is there a How To for that?

 

[tgh117]

Well they must have decided finally and got the brakes on the pop-ups. I think the rule is the same in MD as it is in Pa, which is if your trailer is voer 2,995 lbs gvwr, then brakes are required. Of course you could have brakes on anything if you wanted to. I will try and crawl around under my jeep tonight and see if I can find the second connector. I have not had any heating up problems towing the trailer yet, and mine doesnt have the second fan. The wire has to be somewhere under there, might just be wrapped up inside some casing or something. If I can find it I will let you know.

 

[fritz_monroe]

No need to track down the wire. My guess would be that it connects in with a y cable to the current fan connection. I'm just wondering if the fan itself mounts to the front of the radiator.

 

[JeepJeepster]

fritz_monroe, I myself have been looking at getting the "engine driven" fan. It mounts to the water pump pully, behind the radiator. Currently your jeep only has an electric fan, which is fine for towing, but is not always on. What I like about the Mechanical fan is its always pulling "some" air, no matter if its engaged or not. Which will keep the ****** cooler, ac working better, and engine cooler when sitting in traffic. This is when the ****** gets really hot b/c the electric fan doesnt stay on all the time, it comes on for awhile, then shuts back off. From the dealer, these things go for alot. Something like $250 for the clutch, and $150 for the fan. I found them much cheaper on the internet. I do believe this is a dealer install only part b/c you must have some kind of special tool to install it. Do not buy it from them. Ive check auto parts stores and everything and no one else has it but mopar. Heres where i found it for cheap.

http://www.moparsupercenter.com/

Go to Liberty, whatever year you have, miscellaneous, Transmission coolers&engine cooling upgrade. This comes as a kit from mopar, its &280 from the dealer, $252 on that site.

I believe it comes with the ****** cooler also, but its still cheaper.

Here it is from mopar.
http://www.justforjeeps.com/trcoandencou.html

Hope I helped!

 

[JeepJeepster]

Ohh, and i want to clear up, this is not another electric fan, its driven by the engine. Thats why its called a mechanical fan.

 

[Y-Guy]

Great thread, sorry to drag it back up. I am wondering if anyone has done the 7 pin wiring themselves or just jobbed it out? The 4-pin kits I see online won't cut it for me since I need a brake controller.

Thanks!