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Topic: Charge Line For the Toad  (Read 563 times) previous topic - next topic

Charge Line For the Toad

Hey gang,

I am updating the towing setup behind the GV.  I switched out to a 7-way plug and want to add a charge line to keep the Toad battery hot.  Is there any harm if I tie into the outbound side of the battery isolator with a fused connection or should I run it all of the way up to the battery bank?  Just don't want to fry the battery on the Toad with constant full voltage.  Thoughts?

Thanks for the help.
Jeff & Lisa
"Optimus"
1990 GV - #3605
U300 Unihome
6V92 Detroit

Re: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #1 –
Check the wires in the back where the trailer light connections are. I found a hot wire with ignition on mine.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #2 –
Commercial kits from both BlueOx and Roadmaster include a 15 amp breaker that needs to be installed 6 to 8 inches from the toad battery.

https://www.roadmasterinc.com/content/pdf/156-75.pdf

https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/media/installation_instruction/RE-TBM-1.pdf
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: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jeff M. –
  Is there any harm if I tie into the outbound side of the battery isolator with a fused connection or should I run it all of the way up to the battery bank?
Thanks for the help.
Yes, no problem. Connecting to a battery side of the battery isolator  will give you the same voltage as at the battery to which that lug of the isolator is connected.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #4 –
That will have voltage at the toad all the time. Might be better to hook to the ignition solenoid or the hot with ignition wire in the loom at the rear.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #5 –
Quote from: craneman –
That will have voltage at the toad all the time.

Correct, unless a relay with "ignition hot" is used between the isolator and the toad. Under $15 for a good quality 40 amp relay.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Charge Line For the Toad

Reply #6 –
I only charge the toad when engine is running and it's a good idea to have a fuse
on both ends of the charging wire.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport