Comparing Portable And Fixed Supplemental Braking Systems For A 2010 Jeep Wrangler  

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Expert Reply:

There's going to be two main styles of supplemental braking systems; fixed or portable. If you want a system that's going to permanently install in your Wrangler and will be ready to go with no setup after the initial installation then you'd want to go with a fixed system. If you don't want to have a permanent installation and would rather have something you'd install each time then you'd want to go with a portable system.

Fixed systems tend to be quite a bit more work upfront since they're integrating into your vehicle's systems, whereas portable systems will typically only require a power line and breakaway switch ran, making the installation pretty easy. The trade off is that with a portable system every time you want to tow your vehicle you'll have to setup the system, which adds time and work to your list of things to do for every trip.

For a fixed system I recommend the Roadmaster InvisiBrake Supplemental Braking System # RM-8700. This system will most install in the engine bay but will have a few components that have to sit inside of the cab of the Jeep. It utilizes a pulley system to activate the brake and is ready to at a moments notice after the initial install.

To get the brake signal for the indicator light you'll also need to install a stop light switch kit # RM-751452.

For a portable system the Blue Ox Patriot # BLU37TR you were looking is a great portable option that doesn't require much setup but will require a you to run a 12v outlet # RM-9332 directly to your battery to power the the system.

Since the battery has to be disconnected while towing I do recommend also install the Roadmaster Battery Disconnect # RM-766. This will make disconnecting the battery as easy as pressing a button.

If you haven't already gotten the rest of your flat towing components then I have the following recommendations for you:

Baseplate: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit # RM-521448-5. This baseplate fits standard factory bumpers, if you have an aftermarket bumper I'll need to know brand and model number to see if there's any confirmed fitments.

Tow Bar: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar # e74ZR. This tow bar comes with safety cables bracketed to the arms so you don't need to purchase them separately or worry about them dragging on the ground. The head and shank have a bit of adjustability to help keep the tow bar level between the motorhome and Wrangler without having to purchase an additional high/low adapter.

Tow Bar Wiring Kit: Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267. This diode kit will splice into the factory wiring to display your motorhome's traffic signals through the tail lights of your Wrangler.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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