Forum Discussion

Snomas's avatar
Snomas
Explorer
Aug 24, 2014

Toad Battery going dead!!

I tow a 2012 Explorer 4-down. I installed a Brake Buddy "Battery Maintainer" to keep it charged. My battery still goes down after 4-7 hrs of towing. I get 12.5 V meter reading @ the Maintainer wire that connects to the positive side of the toad battery when connected thru the 7 pin RV plug. I have a RVi Brake system that has 12V current draw and the Ford touch screen is still drawing some current (auto key is in accessory position to tow)even thought I turn off the a/c and radio. Anyone have an idea why the toad battery is still going down and what I can do to fix it?
Class A
  • docj's avatar
    docj
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Gonzo42 wrote:
    If one were to add a dedicated +12V line for battery maintenance, would it not make sense to include a similarly sized extra ground wire?


    That's correct; I added a pair of heavier gauge wires to mine.
  • fcooper's avatar
    fcooper
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    Many of the "umbilical" cables suffer from loose or corroded pin connectors within the connector. Remove the cover from each connector and check the screws for tightness and look for corrosion.

    Fred
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2014
    If one were to add a dedicated +12V line for battery maintenance, would it not make sense to include a similarly sized extra ground wire?
  • RognBon's avatar
    RognBon
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    Posted By: Snomas on 08/24/14 10:31am

    If you turn the key off I will have no 12V power to operate the RVi Brake System!!!


    Sorry, I should have read more closely. I use a Brake Master air activated braking system, so there is no 12 volt power required.
  • Snomas's avatar
    Snomas
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    If you turn the key off I will have no 12V power to operate the RVi Brake System!!!
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Aug 24, 2014
    RognBon wrote:
    Try turning the key all the way back past accessory. That is what I do on my Ford Edge. The steering wheel will remain unlocked and all power is off to your touchscreen and all other accessories.


    If you do this, make sure the key is secured in the ignition due to the fact that if the key vibrates out of the ignition, the steering wheel might lock up. I know this is true for GM vehicles, not sure if it holds true for Fords.

    I would check it first before towing.

    Ron
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    I powered my brake buddy with a small starter/jumper battery jobby that I wanted along anyhow. no issues with running down the battery.
    bumpy
  • RognBon's avatar
    RognBon
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    Try turning the key all the way back past accessory. That is what I do on my Ford Edge. The steering wheel will remain unlocked and all power is off to your touchscreen and all other accessories.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    I used to catch toads down at the creek, and none of them had batteries. It ain't natural, I tell ya!

    ;) Just kidding.
  • docj's avatar
    docj
    Explorer
    Aug 24, 2014
    IMO if you're measuring the 12.5V while your MH engine is running, that isn't sufficient for charging purposes. You need a charging voltage >13V. Since you used the "umbilical" cable for the charging current that may be your problem; the wires may be too small and you're suffering voltage drop. I ran a separate 10 gauge wire for my ToadCharge and zip-tied it to the umbilical cable.

    First thing to do is check all your connections to make sure that something isn't loose. If that doesn't raise your voltage you may need to consider running a new charging wire.

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