Keeping toad battery charged
Hello All, Getting things set up to hit the road. I have the 'Patriot' aux brake system set up in a Subaru Forester. I would like to disable the steering lock thus no key and minimize battery draw. N...
Forum Discussion
Mike,
No, your toad and coach battery both accept/work with the same charge voltage so no voltage-reducing isolator is necessary or even desired.
Here is how to do it:
In-line fuse at both coach chassis battery and toad battery. 8 gauge wire from each battery to either separate plug or incorporate it into a toad plug with more prongs.
You will also run an 8 gauge wire from coach chassis ground to toad battery negative. Can use a heavy gauge separate 2 wire connector or as mentioned above incorporate it into a male/female toad plug with more prongs.
If you often dry camp and sometimes do not disconnect the toad electrical connection, the above set up can continue to drain chassis battery. An easy modification is to use a 40 amp relay (under $10 at any auto parts house). Come off the chassis battery, through the in-line fuse to the relay. Use an ignition hot source to close the relay to send power to the toad. Now, it will only charge when the coach ignition is on.
If you do it yourself, total cost should be under $25.
No, your toad and coach battery both accept/work with the same charge voltage so no voltage-reducing isolator is necessary or even desired.
Here is how to do it:
In-line fuse at both coach chassis battery and toad battery. 8 gauge wire from each battery to either separate plug or incorporate it into a toad plug with more prongs.
You will also run an 8 gauge wire from coach chassis ground to toad battery negative. Can use a heavy gauge separate 2 wire connector or as mentioned above incorporate it into a male/female toad plug with more prongs.
If you often dry camp and sometimes do not disconnect the toad electrical connection, the above set up can continue to drain chassis battery. An easy modification is to use a 40 amp relay (under $10 at any auto parts house). Come off the chassis battery, through the in-line fuse to the relay. Use an ignition hot source to close the relay to send power to the toad. Now, it will only charge when the coach ignition is on.
If you do it yourself, total cost should be under $25.
