Owner`s manual

1. ALWAYS CHECK THE ROADMASTER WEB-
SITE — www.roadmasterinc.com — for vehicle-specific
information which may not have been available when
these instructions were published. This information
is located in the “Tech Support” section, under “Brak-
ing Systems” — “9700.”
2. If fuse(s) must be removed from the vehicle
before it can be towed — verify that removing the
fuse(s) will not disrupt power to the 9700, or other-
wise affect the installation or operation.
3. Check the towed vehicle’s 12-volt outlet for
correct power — The 9700 is powered through the
12-volt outlet, with the ignition key turned to the “tow”
position. However, some vehicles only have power
at the 12-volt outlet when the engine is running.
Before you begin the initial installation, verify that you
have power at the towed vehicle’s 12-volt outlet with
the ignition key turned to the “tow” position.
If there is no power, you can install ROADMAS-
TER’s optional 12-volt outlet kit (part number 9332).
When installed, this kit will provide power to the 12-
volt outlet even when the engine is off.
4. Check the 12-volt outlet socket to make cer-
tain that: a) the socket has been wired correctly; and
b) the socket is not corroded.
a. Make certain that the socket has been wired
correctly — the contact point at the bottom of the
socket should be positive, and the outer shell around
the top of the socket should be negative.
If the socket’s positive and negative connec-
tions have been reversed, the fuse in the 9700
power cord will blow when the cord is plugged
into the 12-volt outlet.
b. Make certain that the socket is not corroded
or otherwise damaged — a corroded socket may not
provide constant power to the 9700, which may
cause intermittent operation.
If the socket is corroded or damaged, you can
install ROADMASTER’s optional 12-volt outlet kit
(part number 9332). When installed, this kit will pro-
vide constant power to the 9700.
If the towed vehicle has a single 12-volt outlet
which has been used to heat a cigarette lighter
plug, install the optional 12-volt outlet kit for the
9700 power supply.
Using a cigarette lighter plug in a 12-volt sock-
et will corrode the contact points. The socket will
not supply sufficient voltage to be used as the
9700 power source — the 9700 may not operate,
or may only operate intermittently.
Before you begin the initial installation…
3
5. The circuit at the towed vehicle’s 12-volt out-
let must be rated at NO LESS THAN 15 AMPS to
power the 9700. Check the fuse at the outlet — if the
fuse is rated at 15 amps or higher, the circuit is ad-
equate to power the 9700. If the fuse is rated at less
than 15 amps, install ROADMASTER’s optional 12-
volt outlet kit (part number 9332). When installed, this
kit will provide power to the 9700.
If the circuit at the 12-volt outlet is rated at less
than 15 amperes, install the optional 12-volt out-
let kit. Depending on the available current during
towing, the 9700 may not function, or may func-
tion incorrectly, without at least 15 amps.
If the circuit is rated at less than 15 amps, do
not simply replace the outlet’s fuse with a higher-
amperage fuse. This will cause the wiring to over-
heat, which can cause wiring damage, an electri-
cal fire, or other consequential, non-warranty
damage.
Failure to follow these instructions may cause
property damage, personal injury or even death.
6. Check the towed vehicle’s brake lights — The
9700 must function with the ignition key turned to the
“tow” position. However, some vehicles’ brake lights
only operate with the key turned to the “on” position.
Check to see if this is the case: turn the ignition key
to the “tow” position, apply the brakes, and check to
see if the brake lights illuminate.
If the brake lights do not illuminate, a two-prong
stop light switch and 10-amp fuse must be installed.
ROADMASTER manufactures stop light switch kits
for a number of vehicles; check online at the
ROADMASTER website — www.roadmasterinc.com/
products/braking/stoplight_switch.html — for a list of
available kits.
Note: check the owner’s manual to see if the
vehicle is equipped with an “automatic shut down”
feature. If this is the case, ensure that the vehicle is
not in automatic shut down mode before performing
this test.
7. If the towed vehicle has a magnetic tow light
system — modifications will be necessary, in order
to permanently attach the brake signal wire. Refer to
Step Three under “Initial Installation” — “Attach the
brake signal wire,” step 2c.
8. An optional Brake-Lite Relay may be re-
quired. See page six for instructions on how to de-
termine if the relay must be installed.
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION