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Topic: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle. (Read 1127 times) previous topic - next topic

Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Hello to all:

I am new to the forum and recently purchased a 2002 u320 40ft. Foretravel. On my first trip, I towed my 2007 Chevy Tahoe 4 wheel drive in the tow mode and after 3-4 hours the battery was dead in the Tahoe. I have standard light hookup and M&G brake system and I cannot seem to find an answer to the dead battery problem. Has anyone had this problem, if so what is the solution? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Ralph
Ralph and Mary Jo Winchester
San Pedro, California
2002 40ft. U320, Build 6056
2007 Tahoe

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #2 –
Quote
I towed my 2007 Chevy Tahoe 4 wheel drive in the tow mode and after 3-4 hours the battery was dead in the Tahoe

Welcome to the group.
We have used LSL for many years and it has worked flawlessly even though Acura said my MDX does not draw any amps while towing.
Here is some additional options
http://beamalarm.com/Documents/charging_your_tow_vehicle_battery.html
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #3 –
Quote
I am new to the forum and recently purchased a 2002 u320 40ft. Foretravel. On my first trip, I towed my 2007 Chevy Tahoe 4 wheel drive in the tow mode and after 3-4 hours the battery was dead in the Tahoe. I have standard light hookup and M&G brake system and I cannot seem to find an answer to the dead battery problem. Has anyone had this problem, if so what is the solution? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Ralph,
I had the same problem when I started towing my 2006 CHevy Silverado P/U.  In our case there was no position on the ignition switch to "unlock" the steering so we just had to leave the key in the run position.  That drove me nuts for 1,500 miles.  Then I learned that Chevrolet had removed the steering column lock in 2004 or 2005.  All I have to do is just leave the key in the Off position.  I don't know if the Tahoe is the same, but I thought I'd mention this just in case.
Paul
36' 2000 U320
Paul
36' 2000 U320
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #4 –
Same problem also.  The Toad-Charge per Barry's recommendation solved the problem.  It's a quick and easy fix for sure!
Russell
'99 U320 CAI 40ft w/Xtreme Full Body Paint
Baton Rouge

The selected media item is not currently available."Tetons"

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #5 –
My Cherokee also doesn't have a steering wheel lock but the turn signals and brake lights will not work
unless the key is in the "ON" position.  I've installed the Toad Charge and plan on giving it a workout next week.  We will see.
Larry Boyd, Alice and Fritz the Cat
'03 U320 40 "Brutus" / '08 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #6 –
04 Honda Element, when unlocked wheel, key is in the accessory position, so anything that is on will drain battery such as the radio, heater fan etc.
How do I know ? Guess.
Dave

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #7 –
Quote
Dave Metzger wrote
 
"04 Honda Element, when unlocked wheel, key is in the accessory position, so anything that is on will drain battery such as the radio, heater fan etc.
 
How do I know ? Guess."

Been there.  I now have a five step check list before I go to pull away after hooking up my Element
 
Parking brake off - (Burned up the rear brakes TWICE pulling away with it on - coach didn't seem to notice
 
Transmission Neutral
 
Radio Off
 
Fan off
 
Key on Accessory, check steering wheel turns
 
No incidents since (know wood)
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #8 –

Quote
Parking brake off - (Burned up the rear brakes TWICE pulling away with it on - coach didn't seem to notice
 
Transmission Neutral
 
Radio Off
 
Fan off
 
Key on Accessory, check steering wheel turns


Couple of other things to consider for the list:

Putting the a/c in the max position or the fan in the "inside air" position if your vehicle has that. May help keep dust from entering the cabin while towing.

Verify all windows shut

Lock the doors

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #9 –
I can't say that my 04 Element's battery (still the original OEM) has left me w/o charge.  I start the engine every 4 hours at the minimum, and so far no problems.
 
I too am very cautious about the parking brake.  This is Beth's task, then I double chek after all things are hooked-up.
 
But, all that said, we once ran about 200 miles towing the Element with its engine running!  With the diesel running just ahead of the toad, it becomes hard to hear the Honda engine while performing the last minute checks.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #10 –
Ralph,

I tow a '07 Malibu and don't have any problem but first you need to remove a 2 AMP fuse located in the panel by the passenger feet. You should be able to find information in the owners manual about what you need to do along with a diagram.  If you have a problem email me your telephone # and I will call with more information.

Tony 
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: Dead Battery on my towed vehicle.

Reply #11 –
Just wanted to thank everyone for their input on my battery problem. I will probably install the system that Barry suggested, unless GM can give me a solution.  Pulling a fuse is not the thing to do, according to Gm.

Ralph



 
Ralph and Mary Jo Winchester
San Pedro, California
2002 40ft. U320, Build 6056
2007 Tahoe