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Topic: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing (Read 542 times) previous topic - next topic

2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

I have a 2013 Ford Edge Limited all wheel drive which I tow 4 wheels down. Although I follow the manual; key in accessory position, shift in neutral, stop every 4 hours or so and run the engine 5 minutes, at the end of the day (8 hours of driving), the car battery is dead. I am reluctant to pull the fuse for the ignition (No. 28 per Camping World and other sources) since I do not know what it might affect (e.g. odometer, radio settings, etc.). I have been told to run a charging line from the motorhome to the car battery. Is it best to have something like a Towed Vehicle Charger by RV Brake installed or just a direct line without a controller to prevent overcharging. Recommendations.

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #1 –
I'm not sure over charge is a problem.  My factory install is a direct line from battery to an ignition controlled relay and through a fuse.  We had same problem with our Acura until I connected to the charging circuit.  I do not think it would be hard to install. 

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #2 –
The one time I towed the Acura mdx all day with the headlight switch in "auto",  we ended the day with a dead battery.  No problem ever with the headlight switch in the "off"  position.

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #3 –
Could have left the ignition switch in the on position instead of accessory. Easy to do and you would not be the first.

PIerce

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #4 –
I tow a gmc Terrain and have to pull a fuse to keep the battery from discharging.  I got a fuse switch so all I have to do is flip the switch and not worry with the fuse.  No milage on car when towing.  Put in a fuse switch and follow instructions.  DAN

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #5 –
It would be easiest to get a cheap solar panel that sets on the dash and plugs into the cigarette lighter. It will never over charge and you can use it for other things.
 

Re: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing

Reply #6 –
Use LSL Toad Charge TOAD-CHARGE Dinghy Vehicle Battery Charger/Maintainer. We have it, even though we don't have to leave our Jeep ignition key to tow, and several other Foretravelers use it.

Same company makes the very popular Trik L Start.