Fulltime 12 volt outlet?

[Davidjc]

Not sure where to post this. Im towing my 21 ranger 4x4 behind a motorhome. Does great. But I just changed the dinghy braking system and now need fulltime 12 volts in one of the console/dash outlets. Has anyone found a way to do that through settings, and without running new wire? I have the lariat trim if that matters.

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[airline tech]

You may want to rethink this , yes you can adjust the Power Points so they won’t drop power as fast , but you are using the trucks battery for it , if you reference all the posts about transmission damage during flat tow - it leads to one main root cause - The battery drained down so low the PCM dropped memory of what the transfer case position was commanded to be in and it resets to normal- 2 WH the approximated voltage level (minimum) is about 10.5 volts for this to occur, so in short - do not have anything drawing power - when you are in tow mode.
You need a dedicated charge line from the motor home to feed that 12-volt requirement instead

 

[Davidjc]

You may want to rethink this , yes you can adjust the Power Points so they won’t drop power as fast , but you are using the trucks battery for it , if you reference all the posts about transmission damage during flat tow - it leads to one main root cause - The battery drained down so low the PCM dropped memory of what the transfer case position was commanded to be in and it resets to normal- 2 WH the approximated voltage level (minimum) is about 10.5 volts for this to occur, so in short - do not have anything drawing power - when you are in tow mode.
You need a dedicated charge line from the motor home to feed that 12-volt requirement instead

Been towing it since 2022. The truck battery is charged by the motorhome while towing.

 

[airline tech]

BCM (As-Built) - Change the first set to whatever you want, this is for the Front (lighter style) power points.

What new (TBC) is installed? (amperage draw?)
What is the Charge Line (Amperage) Spec (output in amps)

I actually would not rely on the Power Points for the following reason

The Power Points are direct battery feed, BUT are controlled and monitored by the BCM, this means that in addition to the (TBC) draw you will have the BCM still awake and associated Can Bus traffic adding more current draw, that is relying on the RV to keep it awake.

I think the best option is a direct to battery (fused) feed as long as the RV charge line can support the amperage draw from the TBC without lowering the Rangers battery voltage in any way.
You need the understand the (Importance) of maintaining the battery voltage as even a voltage drop minimum of 11.5 volts can cause the truck to come out of neutral tow on its own and you would never know it happened until you try to drive it.

Disclaimer: I have never (Neutral Towed) my truck, I just know that:

The Ranger is VERY SENSITIVE to battery voltage during Neutral Tow because the transfer case neutral position is electronically commanded and retained by the TCCM, so even a brief low-voltage brownout can reset the module and risk unintended transfer case re-engagement while being flat towed.

I would like owners who have flat towed to chime in and note if they have had any issues with using any powered devices while being towed to confirm, yes, I can see it being ok as long as you are direct to the battery and the charge line can support it - but the modules must be allowed to sleep

 

[ranger_n_danger]

You may want to rethink this , yes you can adjust the Power Points so they won’t drop power as fast , but you are using the trucks battery for it , if you reference all the posts about transmission damage during flat tow - it leads to one main root cause - The battery drained down so low the PCM dropped memory of what the transfer case position was commanded to be in and it resets to normal- 2 WH the approximated voltage level (minimum) is about 10.5 volts for this to occur, so in short - do not have anything drawing power - when you are in tow mode.
You need a dedicated charge line from the motor home to feed that 12-volt requirement instead

Thanks Airline tech!!
While I dont have the exact same problem you were responding too, this is good information to have!
I ran into a power issue trying to run my Iceco refrigerator off the 12V ports in the dash of my 21 Lariat Ranger. I brought a Jackery 500 to run my fridge on, and charge it when necessary on the 12V dash ports by driving.

 

[Davidjc]

BCM (As-Built) - Change the first set to whatever you want, this is for the Front (lighter style) power points.

What new (TBC) is installed? (amperage draw?)
What is the Charge Line (Amperage) Spec (output in amps)

I actually would not rely on the Power Points for the following reason

The Power Points are direct battery feed, BUT are controlled and monitored by the BCM, this means that in addition to the (TBC) draw you will have the BCM still awake and associated Can Bus traffic adding more current draw, that is relying on the RV to keep it awake.

I think the best option is a direct to battery (fused) feed as long as the RV charge line can support the amperage draw from the TBC without lowering the Rangers battery voltage in any way.
You need the understand the (Importance) of maintaining the battery voltage as even a voltage drop minimum of 11.5 volts can cause the truck to come out of neutral tow on its own and you would never know it happened until you try to drive it.

Disclaimer: I have never (Neutral Towed) my truck, I just know that:

The Ranger is VERY SENSITIVE to battery voltage during Neutral Tow because the transfer case neutral position is electronically commanded and retained by the TCCM, so even a brief low-voltage brownout can reset the module and risk unintended transfer case re-engagement while being flat towed.

I would like owners who have flat towed to chime in and note if they have had any issues with using any powered devices while being towed to confirm, yes, I can see it being ok as long as you are direct to the battery and the charge line can support it - but the modules must be allowed to sleep

Thank you. A lot to be considered here.

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