Solution for Powering 3 Camera Trailer Observation System with 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I would like to install a 3 camera system to my new travel trailer. I have a 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve as my tow vehicle. Its my understanding that all three cameras are powered by the trailer running lights, which means that the running lights need to be on in order for them to work. On my Jeep, since its so computerized, whenever you turn on the running lights, it automatically switches all of the screens inside to Night mode, making them unreadable during the day. I was thinking that I would be able to jump the running lights and 12V Aux line on the trailer side of the 7 pin harness with an on/off switch so as the running lights were always on whenever the switch was engaged, but I am concerned as to what ramifications this would have on the tow vehicle. Will the running lights backfeed to the Jeep and make my running lights turn on? Would there be any risk of damage? I figure that I could install a diode in-line on the tow vehicle side of the running light wire, but Id rather not have to do that unless it was necessary, but the only way for me to know if it was necessary would be to try it without the diode and risk damaging the Jeep...

asked by: Richard S

Expert Reply:

Trailer camera systems like the Furrion Vision S part # FCE48TASL-05 do draw power from the running light circuit like you mentioned so yes this circuit would need to be activated. I don't have a way to know if running a jumper cable to this circuit on your trailer wiring would cause any issues but a diode like the part # RM-690 would ensure this does not happen and installs really easily so it would be what I would recommend.

expert reply by: Jameson C