Suggestions on wiring 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee for being Towed by the Bird?

[mbulriss]

Liz,

Just looking at the photos, it appears that Jeep made some design
changes in the 05 tail light assembly that are not necessarily
improvements in my mind. On my 1995 GC, and moved over to my 2004, I
used the Blue Ox kit Jay referred to. Easy and simple install, no
cutting into the factory wiring - too many electronics to mess up on
new vehicles. The tail light assemblies on the 95 and 2004 GCs had
another housing portion of the tailights assembly that had no bulb in
it. According to the literature, it was originally for emergency
vehicles to add lights. You drill a 1 and 1/8 inch hole and insert
the light socket. Looking at your pictures, I do not see the extra
lighting compartment for emergency vehicle usage any more. However,
it looks like you should have room to install the extra bulb in the
top red light enclosure, if you measure the clearances carefully. You
may have to mount it from the side to match up with that hole in the
body panel. It will become clearer if you check out the installation
instructions on the Blue Ox site for the BX8869 Bulb and Socket Tail
Light Wiring Kit http://www.blueox.us/Accessories/wiring.htm
As they say: Does not tap into vehicle existing wiring, simple to
install, fits most vehicles with *clearance* in taillight housing,
operated by the towing vehicle.

It's a very simple installation really. I think it was about $20 for
the kit.


Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX





--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jack and Liz Pearce"
wrote:
>
> Howdy, Jay.
> <<<<<--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Darst"
> wrote:
> >
> > Liz/Jack,
> >
> > Get the kit that requires you install a 2nd bulb in the taillight
> > fixtures. This method completely isolates the Jeep's 12V system from
> > that of the Bluebird.
> >
> > Many, if not MOST, Grand Cherokee owners use this option. It is
> > simple and certainly non-invasive.
> >
> > I used a kit from Blue Ox that supplied everything you need.
> >
> > BX8869
> > Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit
> > instructions:
> > http://www.blueox.us/PDFS/BX8869.PDF
> >
> > Blue Ox Accessories
> > http://www.blueox.us/Accessories/wiring.htm
> >
> > I have used this method in a Grand Cherokee for 3 years, werks Grate!
> >
> > Jay Darst
> > 85PT40
> > Springfield, IL where the tornado sirens are blasting. Storm will
> > hit here in about 23 minutes, so gotta find some shelter- this
> > should be a biggy! 1 1/2 inch hail! Sure am glad the Bird is stored
> > INSIDE! Later....
>
> Wooow!!! Are you OK? Family OK?
> Thanks for the reply. I don't see how to fit another light bulb in my
> Jeep's tail light assembly. I am uploading some photos of the tail
> light assembly. I think that I'll nname the album "2005 GC tail lights".
> Suggestions and/or ideas are welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Jack
> Regards,
> Jack and Liz Pearce
> Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40
> Homesick Texans in SE. FL
>