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toad battery going dead

Yahoo Message Number: 78546
I have a roadmaster evenbrake. The battery in the toad goes dead after a day or so of towing. The manual says when you get the alert that the battery voltage is low to charge the battery with a charger or by running the engine. Does anyone have a workaround way of keeping the battery charged while going down the road? I could just charge the battery every night when we stop but was looking for an easier way. :)

-Dennis Holmes
2006 Intrigue 530
#12055

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78551
First, why is your toad using electric while driving? Do you have to have the key on to allow the steering wheel to turn? If so you may want to investigate which fuse(s) to pull to eliminate the electrical draw. Now you can also run a 12v hot wire from the motorhome via your connecting cord, especially if you have an unused wire in it, that goes to the toad battery to charge it while you are connected. You will need to properly fuse it and probably add a diode in case you forget and start you toad while its still plugged in. You don't want the toad alternator fighting against your motorhome alternator.

bill n barb, poconos of pa, 1998 cc prevost 40'xl #30365

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78553
Dennis,

Does your toad manual advise to remove a certain fuse while towing? If so you can remove the fuse and shunt a fused switch under the dash for manual disconnect. easy fix. I had a tech do it at the same time when he installed my tow bar.
Daron Hairabedian 98 Allure 30226, 2006 Chev Malibu Max toad.

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78558
Yes, I have to have the key on so the steering wheel isn't locked. The manual says to charge the toad battery when you stop at the end of the day either by running the vehicle or using a battery charger. I got into trouble when I went for 2 days without doing either. I drained the battery. I was boondocking for my stop the second day so just started the generator and used a battery charger to recharge it.

Dennis

2006 Intrigue 530
#12055

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78559
I will still have to have power in the toad to run the evenbrake so maybe I will look at running a wire back from the coach to charge the battery.

-Dennis

#12055 2006 Intrigue 530

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78562
Dennis, we tow an Escalade with the key on. So as not to run up the Odometer and drain the battery I've installed a very simple knife switch on the negative side of the battery terminal. It is a simple "throw" switch that in installed directly on the battery terminal and has it's own "terminal" that the heavy negative battery wire attaches to. Very simple install, easy no fail operation, no "tech" needed. Works flawlessly. Available at any Napa store (or similar auto parts supply).

Mel Shapiro
'03 LEXA

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78565
One thing you failed to mention, what is your toad?

bill n barb, poconos of pa, 1998 cc prevost 40' xl #30365

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78586
Are you leaving the key in because the manual says to do it? You might try jacking up the front of the car sometime and see if the steering will turn without the key in the ignition. Many larger, and smaller Jeeps, no longer have the steering wheel interlock thereby there is no need to leave the key ON. Try it and save problems.

bill 'n barb, poconos of pa, 1998 cc prevost 40' xl #30365
 

Re: toad battery going dead

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 78589
2011 F250 ford pickup. I don't think just disconnecting the battery would work. I need power to run the evenbrake which plugs into a 12v power outlet in the toad.
-Dennis