Country Coach Owners Forum

Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: Stan Canaris on March 31, 2013, 09:50:26 pm

Title: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Stan Canaris on March 31, 2013, 09:50:26 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 86812 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86812)
I have purchased the Lincoln MKT because it can be easily towed. My mechanic has hooked up my braking system with the motorhome and the MKT. He indicated that he has set up a condition that the battery will be bering charged.
The Problem -------- The towed MKT has had a dead battery every time we towed.

Any Suggestions

2005 Inspire
51406
Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Melvin H Shapiro on April 01, 2013, 11:37:24 am
Yahoo Message Number: 86819 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86819)
We tow an Escalade. In order to tow the key must be in the on position so that the wheel lock is NOT engaged. Turning on the key turns on the electricity and also records milage (unwanted!), etc., all of which discharges the battery. To overcome that problem I installed a knife-switch on the automobile's negative battery terminal (available at Napa and similar auto stores). Now, before hooking-up I lift the hood and move the knife-switch to the disconnect position. Voila, problem solved.

Cheers, Mel Shapiro
'03 LEXA

Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Earl Densten on April 01, 2013, 01:17:32 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 86826 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86826)
With the car connected to the M/H and the M/H engine running, check the voltage at the M/H chassis battery and then check the voltage at the car battery. They should both be just about the same voltage. If the car battery voltage is lower than the M/H chassis battery you are definitely not charging the car battery. If that's the case I would take it back to whom ever installed the setup and have it corrected.

Earl Densten

03 Intrigue 11554
Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Ppedersen1944 on April 01, 2013, 02:32:54 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 86828 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86828)
We have a Ford Edge tow vehicle (similar to Lincoln MKT) and have to leave the accessories on while towing which will discharge the battery. We installed a "Toad Charge" device (search on Internet) and have never had a dead battery.
Good luck
Paul

'01 Affinity, #5951, 40' tag
Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Stan Canaris on April 03, 2013, 05:42:40 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 86866 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86866)
Thank You all for the information you have provided me, regarding how to keep my Tow Vehicle battery charged.
Many have indicated they have no problem or they have some kind of device that allows you to remove some fuse while towing.
Several CC owners have given me the name of a product called " Toad Charge ," that for about 100 dollars can be installed in the tow vehicle and never have a worry again. I am tired of the dead battery after 2-4 hours of driving and would like to go ahead and purchase this product.
If anyone can share why I should or should not purchase " Toad Charge "as a remedy, please share.

Thank You
Stan

2005 Inspire 51406
Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Barneym5 on April 03, 2013, 07:38:01 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 86874 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86874)
Hi Stan,

I just ran a wire from the coach chassis battery through the electrical connector for the towed lights and to the towed battery with a 20a fuse on each end. This way everything is connected when the towed is plugged in. Been working great for the last two years. I guess I saved about $100 this way?

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Quote from: Stan Canaris \[br\
] >

> Thank You all for the information you have provided me, regarding how
to keep my Tow Vehicle battery charged.
Quote
Many have indicated they have no problem or they have some kind of
device that allows you to remove some fuse while towing.
Quote
Several CC owners have given me the name of a product called " Toad
Charge ," that for about 100 dollars can be installed in the tow vehicle and never have a worry again. I am tired of the dead battery after 2-4 hours of driving and would like to go ahead and purchase this product.
Quote
If anyone can share why I should or should not purchase " Toad Charge
"as a remedy, please share.
Title: Re: Consistent Dead Battery on Towed Vehicle
Post by: Mikey Drives on April 04, 2013, 07:46:08 am
Yahoo Message Number: 86883 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86883)
A charge line from the coach to the toad is the same thing. You can do it yourself for about 20 bucks material.

Mikee