Forum Discussion

JCat's avatar
JCat
Explorer III
Dec 02, 2020

Best Toad Brake controller Battery

On my trip last week I drove my Tahoe around for the week once I got to the destination in Sedona.

When I went to depart on Saturday the Tahoe battery did not have enough power to pump up and maintain my brake buddy.

This is the first time this has happened.
I have 2 brake buddies, a primary and a spare and both said no go.

So I figured I need a new battery.

I was thinking I should get more of a deep cycle so it would last during my trips of 6 to 8 hours. Or go back to harbor freight and get the cheap solar panel to charge the battery while going down the road.

Anyone tried a different type of battery for this application ?

Thanks for the feedback.
Class A
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Dec 08, 2020
    If you drove your toad for a week and the battery went dead, you might want to have the alternator checked.

    Richard
  • crawford's avatar
    crawford
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2020
    This depends on how many time the brake system is deployed every day If in city you my be using it a great deal using up battery more then you think. Get a charging line be safe.
  • FunTwoDrv's avatar
    FunTwoDrv
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2020
    Just food for thought...we use a Brake Buddy and tow 5-6 days without starting the Jeep. In the 4 years we have been doing this, we have not had any battery issues. I suspect replacing the Tahoe battery will resolve your issue.
    And yes, a charge line will certainly eliminate future problems.

    Gary
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2020
    If your Towed is in the key OFF position why would the battery discharge ?
  • willald's avatar
    willald
    Explorer II
    Dec 02, 2020
    I'd go ahead and get whatever starting battery your vehicle requires. Then, wire in a 12V charge line from your Motorhome to the Tahoe so this won't be a problem anymore with the new battery.

    That way, you won't be using your vehicle's starting battery like a deep cycle battery, and ultimately shortening its lifespan as a result. Cars really need a starting battery, not a deep cycle. If you use a starting battery like a deep cycle and deplete it low regularly....Welll, you shorten its lifespan and end up in the spot you're in now.

    Find a way to run a charge line to your Tahoe, is my vote.
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Dec 02, 2020
    Can I assume there is no 12v charge line connected from the motorhome to the toad. That will keep any battery charged while driving the rv.

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