Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

March 14, 2021, 11:09:36 pm

I am picking up a 2006 Jeep Wrangler on Tuesday. I need to install a base plate and a Play and Stay Duo brake system in the next few days before towing across country. I am trying to get the RV wiring done soon! I have a 2012 Rear Kitchen. I have a 4 pin flat connector and a 4 pin round connector. I thought I would add a 6 or 7 pin so I have a wire for the brakes and or a charge line. Does anyone know how I change the 4 pin to a 6 or 7? I was under the RV and about 6 feet back the trailer plug wires meet with another unused 4 pin plug (it only has 3 wires). I used a multimeter and found that the orange wire on this plug has power when the key is on. The other two wires have no power so not sure what that means. To add to my confusion, when I was checking for voltage on the current 4 pin, I couldn't get any voltage for the running lights (two pins had voltage for brakes and turn signals). As I continued to try different pins with the meter, I suddenly lost power to the meter. I was able to turn it back on, but now I have no voltage on any of the 4 pins of the flat connector. I will attach a photo of the wire harness and unused plug that is under the RV.
Any ideas?
/Users/ricklarson/Desktop/IMG_4277.jpg

Rick

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #2 – March 15, 2021, 06:52:24 am

I made a mistake trying to add my photo, so I'll try again.

Rick

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #4 – March 15, 2021, 09:49:58 am

Rick, the 4 plug wiring uses one wire for Left turn signal, one for Right turn signal, one for running lights, and one for ground.  Brake lights operate by lighting both turn signal circuits.  I don't know the Stay N Play wiring but my similar US Gear proportional braking uses 2 signal wires.  If you add a trickle charge line, do NOT forget to include the appropriate diode to preserve the flow as from the RV to the TOAD, lest you find yourself trying to charge the rig's battery bank from your TOAD battery.

I see several challenges with installing a 7 pin system.  The connections from the rig to the plug should be fairly simple.  The plug package should include what wire goes where, and the input wires should be easy to identify.  To me, where and how to mount the receiving plug (the TOAD plug) would be a concern.  Then, where and how to run and connect the 7 wires would have me scratching my head.

With the  knowledge I have, I would expect to spend an hour or two to mate the one plug to the rig, with all connections done, the wiring covered in wire loom, and all circuits verified by my multimeter.  I would not even begin the job until I was rock solid certain of all the connections on the TOAD.  Good luck.

Ken F in NM

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #6 – March 15, 2021, 04:05:28 pm

Rick, a follow up...

I assume you will use 4 wires for the turn, running and braking lighting, as per the 4 pin setup that you have now.  I assume that you will use two additional wires for the Stay N Play braking.  You had mentioned adding a charge line, thus the 7th wire.  This is about that 7th wire, a charge line.

Long runs can really cut into power transmission.  To get from your engine battery to below the chassis is 3 feet (all dimensions approximate).  Then, it will be roughly 26 feet to the back bumper.  Add in 6 feet from the bumper to the connection on the TOAD and you are looking at a run of about 35 feet.  Just off the cuff, I think you will need at least #12 AWG and maybe #10.  You will need an in line fuse near the battery to protect the run.  Some wires can stand being in the open, but some need to be inside wire loom.  Finally, to keep it away from stuff that moves and stuff that gets hot, you will need a lot of cable ties.

Ken F in NM

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #8 – March 16, 2021, 06:36:18 am

Rick-

For wiring on those connectors, see page 12 of the "Electrical Wiring" section of the 2012 Ford Body Builder Layout Book (link here).

For a 7-pin connector, I elected to install an "RV ProPlug" (link here) on the face of the rear bumper. A picture is here. The wiring comes into the ProPlug from under the bumper.

Mark H.

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #10 – March 16, 2021, 10:54:20 am

Yes, thanks for that link!

Re: Running out of time to figure out Toad wiring - Looking for help

Reply #12 – March 25, 2021, 09:18:23 pm

i got the baseplate on and wired, and I finished the Stay-in-Play Duo brake system! It was time consuming but not as hard as I thought. I called Roadmaster and Demco for technical help (a few times!) and received quick helpful advice. I was impressed!
Thank also for everyones helpful responses on this site!