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Topic: 2013 Ford Edge Battery dead after towing (Read 470 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.
marvinj31

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. 
Bill and Joyce, The House2 and Dashboard Pig III
2000 U320 4210 CAI (The House2)
Build # 5733
2019 F150 King Ranch FX4

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.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

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
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

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.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

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.