Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Topic: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended] (Read 960 times) previous topic - next topic

Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

December 27, 2016, 11:36:10 am

We are going to be picking up our 2001 U320 in Phoenix next week. We can hardly wait!! I didn't even know the name " Foretravel" two months ago. Knew the other " big boy" names. Met an owner in a RV park in Camp Verde AZ with a '92 that was awesome. Started talking and the next thing you know, after a few hours on the computer, I was hooked. This, just after I got finished customizing my 2015 Livin Lite Camplite 21RBS! Got it " just the way I wanted" and the wife says she wants a Class A. Now we are trying to sell the trailer, my 2009 Suburban, while at the same time we just bought a 2014 Honda CRV as our toad. Been on the internet A LOT!! Found a Roadmaster tow bar, a Blue Ox Base plate, a Brake Buddy and I am reading that I still need MORE STUFF!!!
Here's where I need some help. I am reading that I need a Charge Line kit to keep the toad battery from draining. I also want a switch to cut off the ( two??) fuses when we travel. If the moderators allow this, can you recommend a specific manufacturer so I can install it when we install the base plates. I will be adding a rear tow bar for our bike racks, but have one picked out. Any other " must haves" will be appreciated. Oh, and I haven't even BEGUN on the MH yet. I'll be back !!!!

[topic title edited to be more descriptive - Michelle]

Re: NO Endorsements Intended

Reply #1 – December 27, 2016, 01:16:40 pm

A popular protected charge line used by many:
TOAD-CHARGE Dinghy Vehicle Battery Charger/Maintainer

Re: NO Endorsements Intended

Reply #2 – December 27, 2016, 01:32:49 pm

Rather than pay the exorbitant prices for a wiring harness with fuse, toggle switch, and bayonet connectors I made my own.
I went to Ace Hardware, bought a 30A inline fuse holder (my ignition fuse is 30A) and 30 amp rated toggle switch and then proceeded to wire up our Saturn Vue. Total cost? About $15. Purchased price for a ready made--it was no longer available due to discontinuation of Saturn-- about $75.

Find out which fuses you have to pull and then size your own fuse harness accordingly.

Re: NO Endorsements Intended

Reply #3 – December 27, 2016, 03:47:58 pm

Put 200 amps of solar on the roof and you dont need a battery charger, about $220-00 for the Panel,
I used a 30 amp solar controller from the panels to the battery, With a 30 amp fuse in the line, $30-00 off Ebay from China,
I never have flat batterys, It keeps the batterys charged,

Re: NO Endorsements Intended

Reply #4 – December 27, 2016, 04:40:56 pm

Gleam,

Sshhh don't talk so loud. We try to keep Foretravels a family secret ! ! If all of the drivers of the SOB's
(Some Other Brand) found out that we FT owners had the best coach in the world they would get one
too and then there would not be enough for the family.

Welcome to the family. I hope you have many, many miles of traveling fun. Owning a FT is not just
the owning of a well built coach, but it is the support you get from all of your fellow owners, in so many ways.

Carter Langford
Nacogdoches, Texas

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #5 – December 27, 2016, 05:32:52 pm

You can make your own toad switch for under $10 vs paying $70. Simple to make.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #6 – December 27, 2016, 05:41:34 pm

I ran my wires thru the firewall and put the on/off switch inside so I didn't have to get out & open the hood. This lets me leave the spare key in the ignition so the steering wheel turns and yet no power to start or run.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #7 – December 27, 2016, 06:24:16 pm

We used a switched solenoid battery cut-off, the switch is on a switch cluster added for aux driving and flood fog lights on front bumper. With battery cut-off milage does not increase with key on and there is no battery drain.

John

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #8 – December 27, 2016, 08:16:48 pm

To leave the key in the ignition during tow I cut the head off

the key so anyone looking in could not see anything in the ignition.

I kept a small pair of pliers in the GB to get the key out.

Carter
Nac

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #9 – December 27, 2016, 08:49:18 pm

I've had a couple of toads and have never used either a switch or battery tender, but we're talking Chevy Malibus in both cases.

The only time I ever had a problem was when I pulled the wrong fuse when first towing the newest one.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #10 – December 27, 2016, 10:13:51 pm

Can a '14 CRV be flat towed?

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #11 – December 27, 2016, 10:21:18 pm

On my 2015 GMC the owners manual requires me to to disconnect the battery so no need worrying about it going dead.
Steve

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #12 – December 27, 2016, 10:50:30 pm

Have a honda Fit. Transmission in neutral, key in first position and go. Have gone several days like that with no battery hook up, and it always starts immediately. First position in a Honda is steering unlocked but accessories on, so must remember to turn off radio, nav, and radar detector.
My CRV worked the same way. I guess Honda ecm does not draw enough to drain down battery like some other makes.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #13 – December 28, 2016, 08:05:23 am

I have a Malibu and put in a switch to shut off the fuse instead of pulling it. Simple and elegant

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #14 – December 28, 2016, 09:24:50 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – December 27, 2016, 10:13:51 pm

Can a '14 CRV be flat towed?

Your owner's manual should tell you.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #15 – December 28, 2016, 10:32:04 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – December 27, 2016, 10:13:51 pm

Can a '14 CRV be flat towed?

Yes.

Trent

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #16 – December 28, 2016, 11:59:37 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – December 27, 2016, 10:13:51 pm

Can a '14 CRV be flat towed?

2014 was the last year possible.

P

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #17 – January 02, 2017, 09:29:28 pm

I've towed a 2013 CR-V regularly since new with no need for a charge line kit. The only thing that I did was replace the fuse for the center dash display with a homemade switch and inline fuse assembly to turn that unit off when towing longer distances/times. Otherwise, I just put the key in the first click (Acc) position to release the steering wheel lock and go (no mileage recorded). I've not yet had any battery issue after towing.

Since Honda made a big change for 2015, I doubt if there is a great difference between my 2013 and your 2014 but anything is possible.

With the CR-V I think the more critical towing issue is making sure the transmission is prepped correctly. For towing, Honda's literature is adamant that it NOT be shifted directly from reverse to neutral (which is the natural flow from park to neutral) and that it be idled 5 minutes before shutdown. Perhaps a bit extreme, but I take that philosophy to heart and shift the trans down to 1st, then work my way back up through the "gears" to neutral, pausing for a few minutes at each step. Then let it idle in neutral while I finish hook-up and other departure prep.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #18 – January 02, 2017, 09:40:47 pm

Mr Risch at MOT wired my jeep wrangler's battery to be charging from our FT. I do not know what he did but it works.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #19 – January 02, 2017, 10:21:57 pm

These are the instructions for flat towing a 2012 Honda Fit with auto trans. I "think" the CRV instructions are close to the same.

Perform the following each day immediately
before towing. Otherwise severe automatic
transmission damage will occur.

Ensure transmission fluid is correct. Do not overfill.

1. Hookup to tow bar and light cord.

2. Start the engine. With engine running:

3. Press on the brake pedal. Move
the shift lever through all positions.

4. Shift to the D position and hold for
five seconds, then to N.

5. Let the engine run for 3 minutes in N,
then turn it off. (tow in N).

6. Put key in accessory position, release park brake.

Severe transmission damage will occur
if the vehicle is shifted from reverse to
neutral and then towed.

Repeat procedures every 8 hours if towing long distance.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #20 – January 02, 2017, 10:34:34 pm

When to change replace Honda Fit transmission fluid - Honda-Tech
I drain transmission [about 3 qts] and refill every 25000 miles. Cheap insurance as towing puts a little more wear on transmission. About $8 a quart. Honda does not recommend flushing.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #21 – January 03, 2017, 08:18:47 am

I use a fuse switch. Just flip, put in N, turn key to acc, all ready to go. GMC Terrain

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #22 – January 03, 2017, 09:39:09 am

Gleam, sent you pm with my phone number....we own a 2001, maybe we can help if you find questions on its operation.

Welcome to Forum

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #23 – January 03, 2017, 10:13:38 am

I tow a GMC Terrain and all I have to do is turn the key and pull fuse 32 which now I use a fuse switch. Never had any issues with draining my battery. The only thing left to do is to have a key made that doesn't have my remote on it. I will have to go to a locksmith and see if I can have one cut. This way the car can't be started.

Re: Toad charge line questions [NO Endorsements Intended]

Reply #24 – January 03, 2017, 10:17:33 am

Quote from: John Morales – January 03, 2017, 10:13:38 am

I tow a GMC Terrain and all I have to do is turn the key and pull fuse 32 which now I use a fuse switch. Never had any issues with draining my battery. The only thing left to do is to have a key made that doesn't have my remote on it. I will have to go to a locksmith and see if I can have one cut. This way the car can't be started.

That is the type of key I put in the hide-a-key outside. Then hide a chipped one inside the car.

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