Trail EVIC

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

What is an EVIC and how do you tell if you hane one?

I just read Aramoy's post about hitches, brake contollers and wiring and he says you need a wiring harness for your brakes if you do not thave an EVIC and plan to tow a RV.

I had the dealer intall a Class III hitch and seven pin connectetor in preparation to pull my small 1,200 lb. Coleman pop-up camper and want to hook up the brakes. I'm be taking it to the RV dealer, the same one who put the brakes on the camper.

Any experienced trailer towers know if I need brakes for my folding camper?

Scoob

Scoob

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:51 pm

The EVIC is that cool computer thingy (I'm very technical) up front between your sunvisors. The OTIS is the same but different.

Even though it's a small and light trailer, to get a brake controller on your KJ. Being able to be more responsive when braking is a good thing.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:56 pm

I pull around a 2k boat and the libby brakes do great. I would be surprised if that trailer even had brakes. Do u have rear disc brakes, that helps alot.

roadrunner · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2005 2:15 am

I don't think the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) has anything to do with towing.

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

Yes my Libby has disc brakes alll the way around. I think the RV Dealer put the brakes on the small Coleman folding Camper so he could sell me something else. It is the smallest model camper Coleman makes and can't weigh over 1,200 lbs. The brake controller is in my old 93 Ford Ranger, which pulled the canper with only a ball on the bumper. The brake controller did let me slow my Ranger with the camper brakes though.

So I don't need to wire for brakes? Just brake and turning lights? That'd be groovy.

Hoovy

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

I've towed up over 2k without brakes on moutain grades and never really had a problem. Towed up to 3k accross county w/o them and not problems either.

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

You give me confidence Eddo. I guess you just braked slowly and made no quick stops? eh?

sstenner · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2005 7:35 pm

Get the trailer brakes! Then when that little bitty trailer starts swaying back and forth behind you, you can use the controller to stabilize it. They are also a big help on steep downhill stretches and will help save the brakes on the libby.

Granted, my coleman pop up is more like 4000lbs... but the added safety of trailer brakes is worth every penny.

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

Thanks for cashing my reality check Sstenner.

I think I will have the brake controler installed in the Jeep. I already have them on the camper. Where would I--or where did you-- install the brake controller box?

Better safe than sorry

Hoover

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

William Hoover wrote:

You give me confidence Eddo. I guess you just braked slowly and made no quick stops? eh?

You definitely notice the increase in stopping distance and need to plan accordingly, but it is not really unsafe either. If I had the option I would probably get brakes on anything above 2k. But the KJs brakes are quite beefy.

MikeD0106 · **Posted:** Sat Oct 15, 2005 1:08 am

Brakes?!?!?!

What are those for?!?!?! :twisted:

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

Breaks or brakes are for people who have committed to going forward always but straight never. "Be cool" says the gimpy Jeep driver.

I'll find out Monday how much my RV dealer wants to transfer my brake controller from my 93 Ranger to my 2005 Liberty. From all I've heard I think I might as well pay to hook up my trailer brakes since I already own all the equpment and just need to pop for labor for the install. My RV dealer, Crestview RV in Selma TX, said brakes were always a good idea and they could make the transfer "No problem."

Groovy to own a Libby.

Hoovy

MojaveDesertKJ · **Joined:** Sun Jul 31, 2005 1:18 pm **Posts:** 17

Contollers aren't that expensive. Just buy a new one for the KJ and leave the one in the other vehicle.
Just my .02

Mango~Ridge · **Posted:** Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:37 am

William Hoover wrote:

Thanks for cashing my reality check Sstenner.

I think I will have the brake controler installed in the Jeep. I already have them on the camper. Where would I--or where did you-- install the brake controller box?

Better safe than sorry

Hoover

I installed mine on the panel right below the steering wheel, to the right on the panel which will put the brake controller near your right knee. That panel pops loose at the top and pivots down. When you pivot the panel down, there is a metal brace which runs the length of the panel which gives it support since it's plastic. I bolted it through that brace. It worked out great.

sstenner · **Posted:** Sun Oct 16, 2005 11:18 am

Mine is installed in the same location as Hoover's, although, if you are a south paw, you might want it on the other side. I'm also pretty short, ao my knees don't bump into it, but if you are taller, that may also be a consideration.

Have Fun!

VTNomad · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:26 am

I think the only reason the EVIC was mentioned is because if you have an EVIC, then you already have the wiring in place for the tow package. If you don't have an EVIC, you may/may not have the trailer wiring. I know on some of the 02-04 Sports w/o powerseats or power locks, they used a different 'basic' wiring harness. With one of these you can't even add the EVIC.

William Hoover · **Joined:** Sat Sep 24, 2005 12:09 am **Posts:** 45

I'm only 5'8 so under the dash it (the brake controller) goes. Thanks for the great feedback from those of you who were serious.

Hoover

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