Toad Charge

[kab449]

Is it necessary to install a charge regulator like this
Clickyhttp://www.rvupgradestore.com/TOAD-CHARGE-p/toad-charge-40.htm
On the toad battery?
Or can you just connect the charge line to the toads battery with a fuse. Is there a risk of overcharging the toad battery?

[kab449]

willald wrote:

kab449 wrote:
Thanks. I have been running with only the fuse and didn't have any problems but only for short trips. Will add the diode.

..Or, you could get This more simple toad charge system, which will take care of all of it for you (fuse and diode), in a less expensive package than the one you mentioned previously.

I use a simple charge wire with a fuse, no diode. Been thinking about adding a diode for the reasons already mentioned. If I do, I'll probably just put in the RVi unit noted above. Not a bad deal for only $50.

Thanks for the link. I didn't come up with that when I searched.

[Healeyman]

bocanut50 wrote:
Where can you get a "heavy duty diode"? What size would one need?

I buy and use these when I wire under-tow tail lights for people.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062591

At 4 for $3, you can't beat the price.

One of these should be plenty, but if you choose you can put 2 or more in parallel (6, 12, 18, 24) for increased current capacity.

Tim

[bocanut50]

Where can you get a "heavy duty diode"? What size would one need?

[willald]

kab449 wrote:
Thanks. I have been running with only the fuse and didn't have any problems but only for short trips. Will add the diode.

..Or, you could get This more simple toad charge system, which will take care of all of it for you (fuse and diode), in a less expensive package than the one you mentioned previously.

I use a simple charge wire with a fuse, no diode. Been thinking about adding a diode for the reasons already mentioned. If I do, I'll probably just put in the RVi unit noted above. Not a bad deal for only $50.

[kab449]

Thanks. I have been running with only the fuse and didn't have any problems but only for short trips. Will add the diode.

[WyoTraveler]

If you connect up with just a fuse when you turn off the MH ignition the toad battery will discharge back into the MH. A heavy duty diode in the charge line in addition to the fuse will solve the problem. Much cheaper than using a toad charge at $100 + . Keep in mind you already have a voltage regulator in your MH that prevents the batteries from overcharging. Absolutely no reason to run a secondary voltage regulator.