charging a toad

Question

I have a Subaru that the battery goes dead when towing, so I just bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/301976566770?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&amp;ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT &amp; have installed it on my car &amp; have run a wire from the active 12 volts that is on the RV trailer lights. I have run a ground wire from the RV to the toad &amp; have checked the continuity that the rv &amp; the toad are on the same ground. When I check the voltage on the toad it is 12.5 volts , if i pull the hot wire from the toad I get over 14 volts. This is just a test to find out what I am missing before I take it on a trip. Thanks.

tenbear · Answer

I am not familiar with the battery maintainer you have, but I have towed my 2010 manual transmission Subaru as long as 2 days and have not had the battery go dead. Maybe you have some other problem.

cdcorpe · Answer

They just replaced the battery under warranty ( but it died 3 times while towing &amp; that is what killed it) If I start the car the voltage is 14+ like it should be .

loggenrock · Answer

You don't say what you have for a supplemental braking system.  I use a ReadyBrake Elite on our Suby Forester, so no battery draw from that.  What position do you leave the key in the toad when towing? There is a "secret" key position to use, so no power is on.  From off position, turn key 1 click clockwise.  Then, turn it back towards off just 1 position.  Power goes off, but steering remains unlocked.  This key position is only accessed by coming back into it from position 1.  Hopefully this might help you!  ST

cdcorpe · Answer

Thanks ,I will try that. The last Subaru I owned , the first clockwise turn did nothing except unlock the steering. This one is a 2014 Impreza &amp; the 1st click is acc. I also us a Ready brake. I just checked what you recommended &amp; it works as someone else wrote, you can hear the steering wheel lock when you remove the key. Thanks again.

loggenrock · Answer

I do leave the key in the ignition while towing, even in that "secret" position.  Just lock the doors with the spare key. Key fob will not work if key is in ignition. Let me know how it works!  ST

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charging a toad

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