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Topic: Dead Battery in Toad (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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Dead Battery in Toad
Yahoo Message Number: 135585
Hi All, on my current trip I had a dead battery twice in my toad. I have a 2001 MB and tow a 2005 Subaru Forester, manual transmission. I have an Add-A-Brake auxillary braking system that is made by RoadMaster. On my trip from Washington State to Arizona I discovered that after going through the Siskiyou Mountain range and parking that night I had a dead battery. Again it happened on a trip from Borrego Springs through LA and on to I5, that night the battery was dead again. I realize that it is the compressor for the Add-A-Brake doing all the braking through the mountains that is taking all the energy. My question is: is this normal or is there another braking system that works better or, can I run a lead from the alternator from the motor home to the car to keep the battery charged? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know that Ken Fears tows a Forester and if Ken does read this, what do you do. Ken I met you last year on your way from the Washington coast. We had just pulled in as you were ready to leave but waited for us so we could meet.

thanks, Kevin Hannah
Re: Dead Battery in Toad
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135587
Most toad braking systems, whether permanently installed (U.S. Gear, SMI, etc) or "brake in a box" (Brake Buddy, Add a  Brake, etc.) draw significant electrical current which normally comes from the toad's battery.  It can kill a toad battery in a day or less.  The more you use the brakes, the faster the toad battery gets depleted.  The only way to prevent it is to regularly run the toad engine to recharge the battery or install a charge line from the motorhome to the toad.  The charge line needs to be a heavy gauge wire and should be installed by someone familiar with the application.
It needs to include the appropriate components (circuit breakers, isolators, etc.) to protect the electrical systems of both the motor home and the toad.

Experienced the same issue a couple of  times,

Doug

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Dead Battery in Toad
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135588
Several here have installed a Toad-Charge that provides power from the LD to the toad's battery.
http://www.rvupgradestore.com/TOAD-CHARGE-p/toad-charge.htm It comes with its own umbilical cord or can be incorprorated into the towing light's umbilical and plugs. The toad's battery is charged only when the LD's voltage rises above 13-VDC, when the engine is running and producing electrical power.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Dead Battery in Toad
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135594
Thanks Doug and Larry. I appreciate your responses. It looks like I need the Toad-Charge system to charge my toad battery while towing. Looking back it happened when I used the brakes quite a bit
Re: Dead Battery in Toad
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135597
Quote
Thanks Doug and Larry. I appreciate your responses. It looks like I need the Toad-Charge system to charge my toad battery while towing. Looking back it happened when I used the brakes quite a bit in mountain driving. I enjoy this form and the knowledge of all the members.
Kevin
> Kevin, I have used the ToadCharge on Honda CR-V for several 1000 miles now and it works great.

Chris 2002 30' IB
Formerly: 2002 30' IB