2011 CRV batt dead after towing

[Effy]

We have a 2011 CRV that we tow and have never had an issue before. On the return leg of our last trip, we stopped more than usual for dinner etc so it was an unusually long day. When we got home the battery was dead. All the research I did prior to setting it up to tow told me that I didn't need to hookup a battery disconnect or pull a fuse because our model does not have Nav. I checked prior to towing and nothing was left on (fan, radio, interior lights, etc). So is this a common problem with long days of towing? Should I install a disconnect or pull a fuse from now on? How does that affect the radio and computer etc? I'd rather not get into running a charging cable from the MH, I usually look for less invasive methods. The tow lights are not run through the CRV, they are extra and run directly from the MH so no issue there.

[univmd]

We are still on original battery. But we do have a charge line that came with our braking system.

[timjet]

You might try this much cheaper and effective alternative than a battery disc.
http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/26-racks-hitches-towing/51441-towing-crv-build-switch-pull-fuse.html

[Wrong_Lane]

I just discovered that during long trips (8 hours) my battery was drained. I use a Brake Buddy so battery drain should not have surprised me. I normally don't drive more than 4 hours +/- in a day and never had a problem.

I took the least invasive route and bought a solar panel with a cigarette lighter attachment and charge controller at Northern Tool. Total investment under $100.00 which included a flat plastic tool box that everything fits in when not in use.

I am in the middle of a return trip from Florida right now and just finished two 8 hour stints. With the solar panel the battery remains charged.

The panel sits on the shelf inside the back window and it gets lots of light. Works during overcast too.

So before you hack into your electrical system think about solar.

[rondeb]

We have a 2012 crv. We had a toggle switch installed that turns off the fuse 19 which will drain your battery while towing with the key on. These fuses are so tiny, we kept dropping them in the box and losing them. The toggle makes it very easy to turn it off and on.

[GrampaR123]

I know I keep repeating myself, but I only have 2 words to say about this issue. CHARGE WIRE!! It's not expensive to have someone do it, and it only takes maybe a half hour or so. We tow a 2013 CRV with navigation, we use a brake buddy which takes it's power from the cigarette lighter so we definitely have plenty of electrical draws going on. All we do is plug in the harness and go!! Battery is charged from the motorhome alternator.
Couldn't be more simple.

[WILDEBILL308]

Effy, if you are going to have a long day towing I would start the car when you stop for lunch. I use to do this but now my long day is about 6 hours.
Bill

[Stutch]

I have a 2011 CRV that I tow. Spent $90 extra for a cut off switch when getting it prepared for towing. I use a Brake Buddy.

That said, the $90 was a waste of money. The radio fuse that the switch controls also cuts off the accessory jack. I had to rewire. I know you don't use a powered braking system but I went months without using the switch. I turned off the radio, made sure the fan was off and I would go 10+ hours with no issues.

My 2011 had very few miles on it when we bought it so I will assume the batt is "less used" than yours. Point is, go get a good battery and forget about everything else. Don't waste your time with a switch!

[Effy]

Dale.Traveling wrote:
I think this was a one off and it was just the battery's time to go.

But also consider that when the Ready Brake activates and pulls on the brake pedal, even with the engine off and such, the toad brakes lights will be active. Normally this would not be a problem considering the short time the lights are powered. Get caught up in heavy stop and go traffic along with a marginal but functioning battery could be just enough to send it over the edge.

I'm pulling around an 05 CRV (No Nav) with a Ready Brake. The CRV comes along on any outing that isn't just a weekend trip. Battery hasn't been a problem, yet. Key to unlock the steering and the radio off is all I do.

Good point, we were in a lot of stop and go traffic.

[Big_Katuna]

I have towed two Elements and a CRV since 2004 and agree that the small batteries need replaced every few years.

[Dale_Traveling]

I think this was a one off and it was just the battery's time to go.

But also consider that when the Ready Brake activates and pulls on the brake pedal, even with the engine off and such, the toad brakes lights will be active. Normally this would not be a problem considering the short time the lights are powered. Get caught up in heavy stop and go traffic along with a marginal but functioning battery could be just enough to send it over the edge.

I'm pulling around an 05 CRV (No Nav) with a Ready Brake. The CRV comes along on any outing that isn't just a weekend trip. Battery hasn't been a problem, yet. Key to unlock the steering and the radio off is all I do.

[Effy]

mfox20 wrote:
Roadmaster 76511 FuseMaster Harness. About $64.00 on Amazon Prime. I also have the Ready Brute Elite setup.

Ordered it as well as the fuse socket connection kit. Thanks for the info.

[Effy]

Sam Spade wrote:

Effy wrote:
We have a 2011 CRV that we tow and have never had an issue before.

With a 5-6 year old battery, PLEASE don't waste your time with other stuff until you get the battery tested or replaced.

Listen to what you said "have never had an issue before" and don't ignore the evidence.

Actually the battery is only a year old. Replaced it last year.

[Sam_Spade]

Effy wrote:
We have a 2011 CRV that we tow and have never had an issue before.

With a 5-6 year old battery, PLEASE don't waste your time with other stuff until you get the battery tested or replaced.

Listen to what you said "have never had an issue before" and don't ignore the evidence.

[mfox20]

Roadmaster 76511 FuseMaster Harness. About $64.00 on Amazon Prime. I also have the Ready Brute Elite setup.

[Effy]

mfox20 wrote:
Even though you don't have Nav you still have power on to the display screen when the key is in the position to tow. On my 2013 I installed the roadmaster disconnect switch that just kills the power for the display screen. Doesn't affect the radio settings. I have not had any issues towing all day with this setup. Very simple to install yourself. I mounted my switch in one of the blank plates on the lower left side of the dash. PM me if you need more info or help with the install.

I'll check into that. Thanks!

On edit, the only one I found was the battery disconnect for $179.. Is that the same one? Looks like a complete disconnect and batt charger solenoid.