Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System in 2014 Ford Focus Powers Down After 15 Minutes

Question:

I read your article regarding this same subject and it was very helpful. In my 2014 Focus. When I plug the Patriot module into the vehicles 12V power supply it tests and works fine, but after about 10 to 15 minutes I get a vehicle battery low warning and the system shuts down. I have a Focus with the Titanium package which includes a push button start. Apparently Ford has built in protection to prevent the battery from draining, which automatically shuts down many of the vehicle systems including the power supply. This happens even with the ignition on and the keyless entry FOB in the vehicle. Any suggestions to get around this?

asked by: Roger R

Expert Reply:

First, you will want to use a 12 volt outlet kit, # RM-9332, and connect it to a 12 volt circuit that is hot with the key in the tow position. It has to be hot all the time and not one of the systems that shuts down like you have explained.

To keep a maintenance charge on the battery I recommend using a harness such as # BX88206 with the tow bar wiring you will be using so that you can run a wire from the connector at the front of the truck to the vehicle battery.

There are a couple of ways to do this. First, you can tap into the running light circuit in the tow bar wiring but to provide power to the battery the RV running lights would have to be on all the time. Or if the connector at the back of the RV has a working 12 volt circuit you could use that circuit instead.

Which ever way you choose you would just attach the wire to the appropriate corresponding pin at the back of the connector that will be at the front of the truck and the other end of that wire will go to the positive battery terminal.

expert reply by: Michael H