Flat towing a 2007 Honda Civic, with no problems except one.The running lights stay on and the battery goes dead after about two hours.Any ideas..on how to prevent this? The ignition must stay in accessories potion, and in neutral.I have heard of a tow charge? How muchThank you

Toad ChargeThis is what we use. I'm sure there are cheaper ways to make your own set-up but this works for us.

What are you using for the aux brake system.. The US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator system includes a link between the coach battery (Chassis) and the towed, Heavy wire breakerd at 20 amps (Coach) and 40 (Towed).Invisible brake (Roadmaster?) also has a charge provision.The Towed charge system above with other brake systemns.Second, there should be a fuse or two you pull, or you remove the fuse, install a way overpriced adapter (like 50 bucks) with leads and a switch, and plug the fuse into the adapter.. Flip the switch and it cust off the battery killers. The running lights should NOT come on in the accessory position.

I didn't think the lights came on in the "Acc." position. If they do, can you pull a fuse to disable the daytime running lights when towing?Lou05 Travel Supreme EnvoyLooks like wa8yxm beat me to it !!!

Do you have an electrical pigtail that goes from the coach to the toad .... most coaches do. There should be a "HOT" terminal. From the toad inlet socket run a # 10 wire to the battery using an alligator clamp at the battery side. Also solder in a diode so the power only goes in one direction .... from coach to toad. This will keep the battery charged.

wa8yxm wrote:What are you using for the aux brake system.. The US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator system includes a link between the coach battery (Chassis) and the towed, Heavy wire breakerd at 20 amps (Coach) and 40 (Towed).Invisible brake (Roadmaster?) also has a charge provision.The Towed charge system above with other brake systemns.Second, there should be a fuse or two you pull, or you remove the fuse, install a way overpriced adapter (like 50 bucks) with leads and a switch, and plug the fuse into the adapter.. Flip the switch and it cust off the battery killers. The running lights should NOT come on in the accessory position.If you look in your owners manual, it will tell you which fuse to pull, anyway it does on the newer ones. I installed the switch on my Equinox, which I agree was way over priced. But, it may be the best money I've ever wasted. This poster is right, though, the outside running lights should not be on with the ignition switch in the aux. position. I have a friend who has a 2012 Honda CRV and he refuses to pull the fuse like his manual says, but he does make sure his radio is off, and he doesn't seem to have any problems. If it was me, I'd put in the overpriced switch, which you could probably make yourself, if you saw one.

Tow vehicle battery going dead | Good Sam Community

2ndhom
Explorer
May 27, 2013
Do you have an electrical pigtail that goes from the coach to the toad .... most coaches do. There should be a "HOT" terminal. From the toad inlet socket run a # 10 wire to the battery using an alligator clamp at the battery side. Also solder in a diode so the power only goes in one direction .... from coach to toad. This will keep the battery charged.
sailor_lou
Explorer
May 27, 2013
I didn't think the lights came on in the "Acc." position. If they do, can you pull a fuse to disable the daytime running lights when towing?

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Looks like wa8yxm beat me to it !!!
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 27, 2013
What are you using for the aux brake system.. The US-Gear Unified Brake Decelerator system includes a link between the coach battery (Chassis) and the towed, Heavy wire breakerd at 20 amps (Coach) and 40 (Towed).

Invisible brake (Roadmaster?) also has a charge provision.

The Towed charge system above with other brake systemns.

Second, there should be a fuse or two you pull, or you remove the fuse, install a way overpriced adapter (like 50 bucks) with leads and a switch, and plug the fuse into the adapter.. Flip the switch and it cust off the battery killers.

The running lights should NOT come on in the accessory position.
2chiefsRus
Explorer
May 27, 2013
Toad Charge
This is what we use. I'm sure there are cheaper ways to make your own set-up but this works for us.

Forum Discussion

Tow vehicle battery going dead

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Vehicle batteries

Tow Vehicle Nissan Armada

Vehicle insurance

Tow Vehicle Overkill?

Tow Vehicle