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Dead Toad

Like many others, we tow a 2014 Honda CRV. The manual says to pull a fuse before towing. We considered buying a switched fuse gizmo for $60, but thought it was a little too costly. We found it virtually impossible to remove the designated fuse, and even purchased a fuse " puller" that simply doesn't work. We rigged up a hot wire from the 6 prong cord to the positive terminal with a ground, and it seemed to work......until recently. Now, after a five hour tow, the Honda is dead. Happens all the time.. We seem to have a " parasitic " draw that we can't identify. Two respected mechanics that I know said that I should simply install a battery "quick disconnect", and today we bought one at Pep Boys. Before I install it, I wanted to ask the forum what they think of this approach. It seems to make sense to me. Pulling fuses is not an option. Even my wife's small fingers couldn't get near them, and we aren't sure which fuse to pull, anyway. VERY BAD DESIGN. I also read that that Honda installed junk batteries in the CRV and that we should buy a AGM with more power, and that that would solve our problem.I have priced out an Optima, but at $240, I have sticker shock.

What do you all think?? What do YOU do when you tow a CRV.?  Inquisitive minds want to know. Thanks
 
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #1 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Like many others, we tow a 2014 Honda CRV. The manual says to pull a fuse before towing. We considered buying a switched fuse gizmo for $60, but thought it was a little too costly. We found it virtually impossible to remove the designated fuse, and even purchased a fuse " puller" that simply doesn't work. We rigged up a hot wire from the 6 prong cord to the positive terminal with a ground, and it seemed to work......until recently. Now, after a five hour tow, the Honda is dead. Happens all the time.. We seem to have a " parasitic " draw that we can't identify. Two respected mechanics that I know said that I should simply install a battery "quick disconnect", and today we bought one at Pep Boys. Before I install it, I wanted to ask the forum what they think of this approach. It seems to make sense to me. Pulling fuses is not an option. Even my wife's small fingers couldn't get near them, and we aren't sure which fuse to pull, anyway. VERY BAD DESIGN. I also read that that Honda installed junk batteries in the CRV and that we should buy a AGM with more power, and that that would solve our problem.I have priced out an Optima, but at $240, I have sticker shock.

What do you all think?? What do YOU do when you tow a CRV.?  Inquisitive minds want to know. Thanks
 
https://www.amazon.com/Post-Battery-Master-Disconnect-Switch/dp/B001N729FS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508374656&sr=8-3&keywords=battery+disconnect+switch
Use this on my honda.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #2 –
We had the same problem. Figured out we had left the "fan running". It wasn't ovious. We ended up getting the highest amperage battery that fits in the CRV and installing a trickle charging circuit. I was more concerned in starting the CRV than saving a few dollars  Havnt had a problem starting the crv since  The old adage penny rich and pound foolish thing

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #3 –
I would be leery about the battery disconnect. We had problems with the crv electronics when we swapped the battery. Loss of full electrical power to the Honda created some additional problems

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #4 –
Battery disconnects are pretty much foolproof and do not need higher amperage batteries or trickle start. Concept is similar to the salesman switch on your coach. If you are not using it, disconnect it, and you have no danger of it ever discharging.
The only downside is you will have to reenter your radio code [4 digits] when you turn on radio. Not much to do with pennies and pounds.
On 3rd honda with no problems.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #5 –
Charge line between coach and CR-V, routed through the 6-pin electrical connection.  Tow equipment installer did the installation.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #6 –
I made and install my own switch.  I got tired of trying to pull the fuse. Works great.  You do have to make sure everything is turned off and unplug any cell phone chargers when towing.  The same happened to me.  I didn't pull the fuse and the battery was dead.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #7 –
Hey John,

WHICH fuse did you install your switch on? 

Also, where do we find the four digit code to redo the radio??
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #8 –
Quote from: GleamB –
Hey John,

WHICH fuse did you install your switch on? 

Also, where do we find the four digit code to redo the radio??
Should be in your radio manual in the glovebox. If you don't have that, take your title or insurance card to a Honda dealer and they will give it to you.
That is a good time to get a spare door key [$10]. Will not start your car but if you to want leave your regular key in ignition and  leave your coach without disturbing toad, you can lock honda's outside doors.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #10 –
My MDX has turned up dead a few times, but I think maybe I've found the cause. Now I make sure the ac is completely off, the auto wipers she headlights are off, and most importantly the navigation map is off. So far so good. I also carry a charged battery and jumper cables in the RV battery bay just in case. Never could find the correct fuse to pull.
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: Dead Toad

Reply #11 –
Glen,
Look in your owners manual.  Every car is going to be different.  Your manual will tell you which fuse or fuses to pull. You can also search it on the internet.  You pull the fuse, install the switch in it's place, then install the fuse in the switch fuse holder.  I drilled a hole in my fuse cover and mounted the switch.  Works great.  I made my own switch for under $12.  If you can't make it, just buy it.  It's worth it.

Hope this helps,
John M.

This is the cheapest one I found made by Blue Ox and sold on Etrailer.
Blue Ox Fuse ByPass Switch for Towed Vehicles - ATM Mini-Fuse - 13" Long...
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #12 –
Honda does not OEM cheap batteries. Nothing more than a sales ploy.

Call a Honda dealer with your VIN and they will give you the code.

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

Re: Dead Toad

Reply #13 –
I use bicycle seat clamp as a quick disconnect on my Honda.  You have to make sure both the radio and the heating system fan are off.  I didn't one time and blew a tiny board-mounted fuse in the radio.  You tube showed me how to fix it but it's not worth risking for the trouble taking the dash apart.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R