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Old 04-10-2017, 11:58 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Arkansas
Posts: 277
THOR #4986
Dead Toad Battery Advise

I have battling this issue for a year now without success. Using the Patriot supplemental braking system after 2/3 hours towing our Chevy Equinox battery is dead. Talked to my dealership and the Chevy service folks and came up with two options. Option 1: install a direct charging wire from the mh to the toad battery. Option 2: Install a Towed Battery charger (I believe RVibrake makes one) that charges the battery during towing. I'd like to get some recommendations or advice from the pro's here on the forum. Thanks and stay safe.

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Old 04-11-2017, 12:09 AM   #2
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THOR #2485
I ran my Honda CRV battery dead a few times because I either left the key turned to ACCII rather than ACC1 or I left the keys in the ignition while parked with the car still attached for too long. I ended up carrying a lithium battery booster pack that has saved my butt on numerous occasions. My honda requires running the engine through the gears every 250 miles (towing) to keep the transmission lubricated. That seems to help keep the battery charged as well.

The simplest solution might be to install a battery switch at the terminal and save a picture of your radio activation code on your phone to get it up and running again after being disconnected.
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Old 04-11-2017, 12:13 AM   #3
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THOR #1020
Jerry - had a similar problem with our 2013 Ford Explorer. Started carrying a 12 volt jump starter (similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Booster-ES500.../dp/B000JFHNQA). BUT I changed the battery (came in the SUV and was 40 months old) and have not used the jump starter since.

Just our experience.

PS: the problem with the battery going dead was I lost the brakes applied by my Brake Buddy.
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Old 04-11-2017, 02:46 AM   #4
gmc
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THOR #2829
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry B. View Post
I have battling this issue for a year now without success. Using the Patriot supplemental braking system after 2/3 hours towing our Chevy Equinox battery is dead. Talked to my dealership and the Chevy service folks and came up with two options. Option 1: install a direct charging wire from the mh to the toad battery. Option 2: Install a Towed Battery charger (I believe RVibrake makes one) that charges the battery during towing. I'd like to get some recommendations or advice from the pro's here on the forum. Thanks and stay safe.
Certainly charging from the MH is an option... A properly wired 7 pin connector has a hot 12v lead - sometimes labeled charge - sometimes aux. (Some have found their harnesses 'improperly wired')
In my case it is hot all the time - so 'charges' the toad even when RV is not running.

My braking system (Invisibrake) includes the charging function. A charger of some sort is probably a better choice than just a direct lead to toad battery if something were to go wrong, but I expect either would work. At least include a suitable fuse based on wire size used.

Also be sure you aren't powering more than needed on the toad when towing... That will of course add drain to the battery.
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