Alternative Installation For A Brake Light Switch Relay Kit On A 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid

Question:

Hello, I am installing a base plate, 7 to 6 diode light kit and brake buddy 3 in 2020 ford escape hybrid. The most tricky part of your recommended install is the brake relay light kit rm-88400. It is tricky because it involves a tight space and cutting the brake light wires. Im wondering if there might not be an alternative such as pulling the fuse or using a fuse switch to disable the brake light switch when we are towing? I know that is not plug and play but Im honestly not horribly worried about this as our RVs turn signals are high up and will also be visible when we are braking. As long as the turn signals on the toad work when changing lanes on the highway I should be fine. Am I wrong about not being worried? Would the pulling of the fuse or a fuse switch be a workable option?

asked by: Joe D

Expert Reply:

The point of the brake light relay kit # RM-88400 isn't to disable the lights so you wouldn't want to pull any fuses, it's meant to ensure that the lights in your towed vehicle display the same as your motorhome so that you can properly signal to those around you and remain street legal. The color of the brake light switch wire that you'd need to splice into is purple/white.

You can bypass cutting into the brake light switch wire by installing a universal stop light switch kit # RM-751000 and splicing into it instead of the brake light switch wire.

That being said, you may not need either kit. I listed it as a possibility when recommending the rest of your flat towing setup because you'll have to go through the checklist listed on the product page for the # RM-88400 to see if your vehicle does in fact require this kit.

expert reply by: Kevin C