Do Both Wires on ETBC7 Need to be Installed on 2018 Jeep Compass if Trailer Doesnt Have Brakes

Question:

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass with a 4-pin connection. I have a camper that does not have brakes. So I only need the trailer camper lights to function as well as keeping the battery charged on the camper. Can I use this kit/harness and only connect the black wire to the battery and leave the brake controller wires disconnected. If so, if my camper is connected and I shut my vehicle off, will the vehicle battery continue to charge the camper battery and potentially drain my vehicle battery?

asked by: Dale Y

Expert Reply:

You are correct. If you don't have brakes on your trailer then you can just use the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 as an adapter and then only connect the 12V power to the battery on your 2018 Jeep Compass to help maintain your battery level. I do recommend routing the brake controller wire from the 7-Way at least up to the engine compartment though since this is duplex wiring. This will make it easier to install a brake controller if you need to do so in the future.

To keep your trailer battery from pulling power when you turn your Jeep Compass off you can simply install the Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 on the 12V power wire. This connects to your ignition switch power source and cuts power to your trailer battery when you turn your vehicle off which prevents it from draining your start battery.

It is worth noting that when drawing power from your vehicle battery to charge your trailer battery you may not see much of a charge as this tends to be a "trickle" or maintenance charge. Essentially all this does is keep your trailer battery from draining and unless you have a charging device in-line it probably wont be as effective as what you're expecting. Because of this I recommend using something like the BCDC # 331-BCDC1225D if you're relying solely on your vehicle (and possibly solar) to charge your trailer battery, or the NOCO # 329-GENIUS10 to charge your trailer battery when a wall outlet (AC power) is available.

If you'd like more info on either of these systems just let me know! I've attached some review videos for each that give you a basic overview of what they do that you can check out.