Installing an Even Brake Supplemental Braking System in 2013 Ford Edge V6 FWD

Question

Question:

Have been told I need a Roadmaster tow bar, base plate and Trailermate wiring harness along with a brake assist. Is the Brake Even compatible with all the above, and if the MH is using the exhaust brake to slow down, will the BE still be supplying braking power to the Edge? Additionally, will this cause the Edge Edge key must be in accessory position for towing so power is being supplied to something - possibly to the brake lights if the brake pedal is actuated brake lights to turn on? Lastly, when the MH brakes are applied a signal will be supplied through the Trailermate wiring to the Edge brake lights. At the same time, I assume a brake light signal will also be generated when the BE depresses the Edge brake pedal. Will this double signalling cause any problems?

asked by: Rick F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct a braking system is required for flat towing. The Even Brake # RM9400 receives signal from wireless transmitter in the motorhome when the motorhome is braking. This signal is then sent to the Even Brake ICX receiver in your 2013 Ford Edge and the brakes are applied proportional to the braking of the motor home.

The Even Brake power is supplied either through your vehicle 12V accessory port, or an accessory 12V Outlet like # RM-9332. You can either run this additional 12V accessory outlet off your battery in your Edge with the key in the accessory position, or run a separate 12V line from your motorhome to power the Even Brake.

If you choose to run the Even Brake off your Edge Battery, please note that Roadmaster recommends that you start your towed vehicle after towing for more than 6 hours and let it idle 15 to 20 minutes to re-charge the battery. The included monitor will also notify you when the battery power is low.

The Trailermate wiring harness that you mentioned will receive signal from the 4-way that connects your motorhome and Edge. This will run the turn signals, and running lights of the towed vehicle, but the brake lights will be activated from the Even Brake.

We have had some customer feedback that the diodes on the Trailermate wiring harness do allow some power backfeed, I recommend using the Hopkins # HM56001, instead of the Trailermate version. The installation is the same process, but we have not had negative feedback related to power back feed with the Hopkins version.

For flat towing your specific 2013 Ford Edge, I recommend checking your owners manual to see if there are any additional restrictions, or special procedures required for flat towing your Edge. It looks like there are particular engine models that indicate that a tow-dolly should be used, or if the vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Please confirm with your manual, for your specific configuration.

If you do not have them already, for a complete flat towing kit you will need the following items: Base Plates, Tow Bar, safety cables, tow bar wiring, and a supplemental braking system (the Even Brake). I have included several helpful articles about these flat towing components, please let me know if you would like additional recommendations.