Does the Braking System Control the Brake Lights On a Flat-Towed Vehicle

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford Fiesta SES hatchback with automatic transmission push-to-start. I am going to be installing the Patriot II Braking System and am wondering how the turn signals work when the vehicle is hooked up and being flat-towed. I know the brake lights will come on when the braking system engages and depresses the brake within the car, but I am wondering if/how the turn signals in the toad car are engaged when using the turn signals in the RV. Thanks!

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

In order to engage the turn, brake, and running light signals on a flat-towed vehicle you will need to obtain these from the motorhome and then carry the signal from this to the tow vehicle. The supplemental braking system is actually not responsible from the brake lights but does use this circuit as a trigger in some cases.

In order to transfer the lighting signals from the motorhome to the towed vehicle there few different ways to do this. You can use magnetic tow lights like the Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Lights part # TL21RK or you can use a diode kit like the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit part # RM-15267. The diode kits are far more popular and what I recommend since you don't have to worry about wires or lights hanging off the vehicle. The diode kit will use the factory tail lights on the tow vehicle which makes for a seamless design.

expert reply by: Conner L