I read about folks having dead batteries on their toads because the ignition is in the acc mode while towing. Some people start the toad about every two hours or so when they make a pit stop. Does anyone use a small (5 watt) solar panel in the dash of the toad and plugged into the cigarette lighter to maintain a trickle charge? It seems like a simple solution. Would like to hear from others who use this or have tried it. Thanks.Mark

How effective a low output solar panel might be would depend on both the size of the current draw and the available sunlight. If an auxiliary brake system for instance, is powering a vacuum or air compressor from the toad battery, the solar panel may not be able to maintain the battery charge well enough to do much good. A more reliable solution is a charge line from the coach, with suitable protections, to keep the toad battery charged.

I randomly checked the charge current on my toad. Runs about 7 amps. That is not to say it isn't higher or lower at times. That is approx 100 watts. I run a charge line from my MH and a diode in a box to isolate it. Cost me about $6. All available from Radio Shack. I think a 100 watt solar panel would be quite large.

Also, some automotive windows have UV protection which will reduce the effectiveness of a solar panel on the inside of the cabin. I would go with a charge line from the RV. We use the Toad Charge set up.

The toad charge works well from several posts I have seen..I just hated to spend $110 for a $1 diode in a $2 box. I said $6 because I got 4 diodes for $3 plus the box and couple of terminal strips. I soldered all the diodes in parallel. Fused my charge line at 10 amps and all ok after about 8000 miles. I've done this for years. I should have gotten a patent back in the late 60s. Used diodes to isolate camper batteries back in the 60s.

Used this method the last two yrs and zero problems....$25.00http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_top-mount-battery-terminal-quick-disconnect-switch-autocraft_6280536-p

Dead battery on toad | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

WyoTraveler
Explorer
Nov 12, 2013
I randomly checked the charge current on my toad. Runs about 7 amps. That is not to say it isn't higher or lower at times. That is approx 100 watts. I run a charge line from my MH and a diode in a box to isolate it. Cost me about $6. All available from Radio Shack. I think a 100 watt solar panel would be quite large.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Nov 12, 2013
How effective a low output solar panel might be would depend on both the size of the current draw and the available sunlight. If an auxiliary brake system for instance, is powering a vacuum or air compressor from the toad battery, the solar panel may not be able to maintain the battery charge well enough to do much good. A more reliable solution is a charge line from the coach, with suitable protections, to keep the toad battery charged.

Forum Discussion

Dead battery on toad

12 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

batteries dead

Toad Battery Charger

Dead batteries

Dead...

dead battery on toad