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Charging the Towd battery? [message #340725] Thu, 07 February 2019 15:51 Go to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
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Senior Member
We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking unit. On long trips it can drag the towd battery down. Suggestions on how to wire the coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the road.
TIA


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

[Updated on: Thu, 07 February 2019 16:07]

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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340729 is a reply to message #340725] Thu, 07 February 2019 16:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
johnd01 is currently offline  johnd01   United States
Messages: 354
Registered: July 2017
Location: Sacrameot
Karma: -1
Senior Member
Several of the dezel pushers have a charge line in the trailer wireing
connector.
A friend started his towd without disconecting the cable and burt the wire
someplace. So far he has not found where.

On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 2:22 PM Larry wrote:

> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking
> unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to
> wire the
> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the road.
> TIA
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>


--

*John Phillips*
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Johnd01 John Phillips Avion A2600 TZE064V101164 Rancho Cordova, CA (Sacramento)
Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340730 is a reply to message #340725] Thu, 07 February 2019 16:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse) runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects the wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is being charged by the alternator.

Emery Stora

> On Feb 7, 2019, at 2:51 PM, Larry wrote:
>
> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to wire the
> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the road.
> TIA
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340732 is a reply to message #340730] Thu, 07 February 2019 20:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Thanks Emery. What gauge wire and did you need and an equivalent return ground?

Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340734 is a reply to message #340730] Thu, 07 February 2019 21:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Tom Lins is currently offline  Tom Lins   United States
Messages: 372
Registered: February 2004
Location: St Augustine, FL
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Senior Member
JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse) runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects the wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is being charged by the alternator.

Emery Stora

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Emery

What size fuse are you using in the circuit.



Tom Lins
St Augustine, FL
77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, Aluminum Radiator Quad-Bag Suspension Solar Panel
Manuals on DVD
YOUTUBE Channel: GMC Dealer Training Tapes
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340735 is a reply to message #340732] Thu, 07 February 2019 22:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
powwerjon is currently offline  powwerjon   United States
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Registered: March 2013
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Thought that I brought this up a few months ago. I always had an issue with the towed battery going down during the days travels. I have used this particular system since 2009 when we bought the Honda FIT. The FIT battery was about the size of a large motorcycle battery and it would run down with the brake system using power.

This is what we have used and transferred between the FIT and the CR-V:

http://www.lslproducts.net/ToadChargePage.html

I purchased only the weatherproof charge regulator and wired it myself as I had all the necessary stuff to do it.

JR Wright
GMC GreatLakers
GMCMI
GMC eastern States
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Location in Tucson

> On Feb 7, 2019, at 7:17 PM, Larry wrote:
>
> Thanks Emery. What gauge wire and did you need and an equivalent return ground?
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340736 is a reply to message #340734] Thu, 07 February 2019 23:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
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Senior Member
I used a 12 ga wire. Since the toad battery is fully charged when I hook it up the only draw is the brake buddy so that gauge has proved to be sufficient.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Feb 7, 2019, at 8:54 PM, Tom Lins via Gmclist wrote:
>
> JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects the
>> wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is being
>> charged by the alternator.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> Emery
>
> What size fuse are you using in the circuit.
>
>
> --
> Tom Lins
> St Augustine, FL
> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
> Manuals on DVD
> http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
>
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340737 is a reply to message #340734] Thu, 07 February 2019 23:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
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Registered: August 2018
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Senior Member
Hi Tom,
I used a 10 amp fuse. I figured that would be plenty in case a wire shorted and I knew the Brake Buddy drew a lot less than that.
It’s been this way for about 10 years and I’ve never blew a fuse.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Feb 7, 2019, at 8:54 PM, Tom Lins via Gmclist wrote:
>
> JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects the
>> wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is being
>> charged by the alternator.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> Emery
>
> What size fuse are you using in the circuit.
>
>
> --
> Tom Lins
> St Augustine, FL
> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
> Manuals on DVD
> http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340738 is a reply to message #340734] Fri, 08 February 2019 00:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
We're a Blue Ox dealer and installer and have been using the power from the
coach to the brake unit and even to the battery of the toad.
One thing to consider is to have the front parking lights powered from the
coach for visability at night as there have been several accidents when
people did not see the toad and swung into it.

On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 10:15 PM Tom Lins via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire
> from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for
> several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects
> the
>> wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current
> for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is
> being
>> charged by the alternator.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> Emery
>
> What size fuse are you using in the circuit.
>
>
> --
> Tom Lins
> St Augustine, FL
> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
> Manuals on DVD
> http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340740 is a reply to message #340738] Fri, 08 February 2019 06:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
These days it is fairly easy to drill a corner light or taillight for an additional LED bulb. It would be a fairly simple matter to wire the coach’s brake and directional signals from the trailer connector to new integrated “trailer” lighting on the towd. Would make for a very easy hookup.

> On Feb 8, 2019, at 1:27 AM, Jim Kanomata via Gmclist wrote:
>
> We're a Blue Ox dealer and installer and have been using the power from the
> coach to the brake unit and even to the battery of the toad.
> One thing to consider is to have the front parking lights powered from the
> coach for visability at night as there have been several accidents when
> people did not see the toad and swung into it.
>
> On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 10:15 PM Tom Lins via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
>>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire
>> from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
>>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for
>> several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects
>> the
>>> wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current
>> for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is
>> being
>>> charged by the alternator.
>>>
>>> Emery Stora
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>> Emery
>>
>> What size fuse are you using in the circuit.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tom Lins
>> St Augustine, FL
>> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
>> Manuals on DVD
>> http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
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Re: Charging the Towd battery? [message #340743 is a reply to message #340725] Fri, 08 February 2019 08:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
My toad has independent bulbs in the rear/side assemblies. A look and the coach wiring and the Kia wiring indicated keeping them separate was the move.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340745 is a reply to message #340740] Fri, 08 February 2019 08:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
The towing co are instructing us to drill the light case and install the
LED bulbs , thus avoiding issues with the sensitive computer systems in the
newer cars.

On Fri, Feb 8, 2019 at 4:35 AM Dave Stragand via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> These days it is fairly easy to drill a corner light or taillight for an
> additional LED bulb. It would be a fairly simple matter to wire the coach’s
> brake and directional signals from the trailer connector to new integrated
> “trailer” lighting on the towd. Would make for a very easy hookup.
>
>> On Feb 8, 2019, at 1:27 AM, Jim Kanomata via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> We're a Blue Ox dealer and installer and have been using the power from
> the
>> coach to the brake unit and even to the battery of the toad.
>> One thing to consider is to have the front parking lights powered from
> the
>> coach for visability at night as there have been several accidents when
>> people did not see the toad and swung into it.
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 10:15 PM Tom Lins via Gmclist > gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>> JerryW wrote on Thu, 07 February 2019 17:37
>>>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a
> wire
>>> from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line
> fuse)
>>>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for
>>> several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it
> disconnects
>>> the
>>>> wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current
>>> for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is
>>> being
>>>> charged by the alternator.
>>>>
>>>> Emery Stora
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>>> Emery
>>>
>>> What size fuse are you using in the circuit.
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Tom Lins
>>> St Augustine, FL
>>> 77 GM Rear Twin, Dry Bath, 455, FI-Tech EFI
>>> Manuals on DVD
>>> http://www.bdub.net/tomlins/
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> --
>> Jim Kanomata
>> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
>> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
>> http://www.appliedgmc.com
>> 1-800-752-7502
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Re: Charging the Towd battery? [message #340749 is a reply to message #340725] Fri, 08 February 2019 10:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
The towing company is giving you good advice. A few minutes of looking at both diagrams and it would take me some time and a marker to figure out what I was backfeeding when and what that would do to the toad electrics. I got a pair of stop - turn bright LED bulbs and put them in the tail light assemblies - which are huge on the Kia Soul. I've a set of LED clearance lights I'm going to put in the ratrod toad's tailgate.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340754 is a reply to message #340729] Fri, 08 February 2019 10:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
One of the functions of the towd charge controllers is to maintain isolation between the coach and the towd.
Anytime you run a power wire, you need to have a fuse involved. Think of the fuse as the weakest link. If it blows, you need to find it in one place. If you do not use a fuse and you unfortunately melt the wire 'somewhere?', you must handle that situation as an emergency, as you do not know where the melted wires is, until you trace the entire length of the wire. You do not know what flammable material is near the fault. A situation like this can lead to another burned coach. With the blown fuse, of the correct size, the circuit just doesn't work, but you do not have an emergency situation. Check out www.waytekwire.com and their wire sizing charts and their tech briefs about all things mobile wiring.
Waytek is my primary supplier for wiring parts. Once you order anything from them they will send you, free their catalog, which has all sorts of information. A great bathroom reader, sort of like the McMaster Carr Catalog.
> On February 7, 2019 at 2:40 PM John Phillips wrote:
>
>
> Several of the dezel pushers have a charge line in the trailer wireing
> connector.
> A friend started his towd without disconecting the cable and burt the wire
> someplace. So far he has not found where.
>
> On Thu, Feb 7, 2019 at 2:22 PM Larry wrote:
>
>> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking
>> unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to
>> wire the
>> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the road.
>> TIA
>> --
>> Larry
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> --
>
> *John Phillips*
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340760 is a reply to message #340730] Fri, 08 February 2019 11:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I know the subject is “Charging the Towd battery”
But I really don’t view my solution as charging the toad battery but rather supplying power for the Brake Buddy to prevent it from discharging the toad battery.
I also realize that my hookup is putting my toad battery in parallel with the house coach battery and I have always said that one should not use two 12 volt batteries in parallel. However, that is when using the two 12 volt batteries to provide power to other devices. In my case the toad battery is not discharging. The house battery provides power to the Brake Buddy and also to the rear toad lights. The engine alternator charges the house battery while driving.

When I am stopped, including overnight stays at Walmart, the Brake Buddy is not drawing power and there are no other draws on the toad battery so I have seen no need to unplug the toad.

Richard/Marli Shoop has posted about the need for a fuse. I agree. In my first message I indicated that I had included a fuse in my wiring.

The use of a toad charger driven from the coach house battery isolates the two batteries and is probably the more proper solution but I followed the link provided in that message and found the cost was over 100 dollars for the device.

My solution has worked for me for about 10 years now and I haven’t experienced any problems with it. It works for me but, like any other modifications or additions, one should decide for themselves if it is right for them.
It is a relatively inexpensive solution. I did, however, replace the cable and connectors at the GMC and at the toad with a 7 wire cord and 7 conductor flat terminal plugs and receptacles.
This provided room for the 12 volt lead from the house battery and a good ground wire so I was not relying on a ground through the hitch.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Feb 7, 2019, at 3:37 PM, Emery Stora wrote:
>
> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse) runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects the wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is being charged by the alternator.
>
> Emery Stora
>
>> On Feb 7, 2019, at 2:51 PM, Larry wrote:
>>
>> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to wire the
>> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the road.
>> TIA
>> --
>> Larry
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.


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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340761 is a reply to message #340760] Fri, 08 February 2019 12:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Most trailer hook up shops use diodes in that circuit as well as properly
sized fuses or thermal breakers to protect both vehicles. Parallel
batteries are a second best solution, but, there are many, many of them in
use.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or

On Fri, Feb 8, 2019, 9:48 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org wrote:

> I know the subject is “Charging the Towd battery”
> But I really don’t view my solution as charging the toad battery but
> rather supplying power for the Brake Buddy to prevent it from discharging
> the toad battery.
> I also realize that my hookup is putting my toad battery in parallel with
> the house coach battery and I have always said that one should not use two
> 12 volt batteries in parallel. However, that is when using the two 12 volt
> batteries to provide power to other devices. In my case the toad battery is
> not discharging. The house battery provides power to the Brake Buddy and
> also to the rear toad lights. The engine alternator charges the house
> battery while driving.
>
> When I am stopped, including overnight stays at Walmart, the Brake Buddy
> is not drawing power and there are no other draws on the toad battery so I
> have seen no need to unplug the toad.
>
> Richard/Marli Shoop has posted about the need for a fuse. I agree. In my
> first message I indicated that I had included a fuse in my wiring.
>
> The use of a toad charger driven from the coach house battery isolates the
> two batteries and is probably the more proper solution but I followed the
> link provided in that message and found the cost was over 100 dollars for
> the device.
>
> My solution has worked for me for about 10 years now and I haven’t
> experienced any problems with it. It works for me but, like any other
> modifications or additions, one should decide for themselves if it is right
> for them.
> It is a relatively inexpensive solution. I did, however, replace the cable
> and connectors at the GMC and at the toad with a 7 wire cord and 7
> conductor flat terminal plugs and receptacles.
> This provided room for the 12 volt lead from the house battery and a good
> ground wire so I was not relying on a ground through the hitch.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Feb 7, 2019, at 3:37 PM, Emery Stora wrote:
>>
>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a wire
> from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for
> several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects
> the wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current
> for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is
> being charged by the alternator.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>>
>>> On Feb 7, 2019, at 2:51 PM, Larry wrote:
>>>
>>> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking
> unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to
> wire the
>>> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the
> road.
>>> TIA
>>> --
>>> Larry
>>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>>> Menomonie, WI.
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Charging the Towd battery? [message #340778 is a reply to message #340761] Sat, 09 February 2019 08:58 Go to previous message
JerryW is currently offline  JerryW   United States
Messages: 256
Registered: August 2018
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Seems like a good job for a voltage-sensing combiner. The batteries would
be paralleled only when a charging system is keep the voltage high enough
that one battery won’t try to feed the other battery.

Rick “who uses two combiners for his three batteries” Denney

On Fri, Feb 8, 2019 at 4:33 PM James Hupy via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:

> Most trailer hook up shops use diodes in that circuit as well as properly
> sized fuses or thermal breakers to protect both vehicles. Parallel
> batteries are a second best solution, but, there are many, many of them in
> use.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
>
> On Fri, Feb 8, 2019, 9:48 AM Emery Stora via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org wrote:
>
>> I know the subject is “Charging the Towd battery”
>> But I really don’t view my solution as charging the toad battery but
>> rather supplying power for the Brake Buddy to prevent it from discharging
>> the toad battery.
>> I also realize that my hookup is putting my toad battery in parallel with
>> the house coach battery and I have always said that one should not use
> two
>> 12 volt batteries in parallel. However, that is when using the two 12
> volt
>> batteries to provide power to other devices. In my case the toad battery
> is
>> not discharging. The house battery provides power to the Brake Buddy and
>> also to the rear toad lights. The engine alternator charges the house
>> battery while driving.
>>
>> When I am stopped, including overnight stays at Walmart, the Brake Buddy
>> is not drawing power and there are no other draws on the toad battery so
> I
>> have seen no need to unplug the toad.
>>
>> Richard/Marli Shoop has posted about the need for a fuse. I agree. In my
>> first message I indicated that I had included a fuse in my wiring.
>>
>> The use of a toad charger driven from the coach house battery isolates
> the
>> two batteries and is probably the more proper solution but I followed the
>> link provided in that message and found the cost was over 100 dollars for
>> the device.
>>
>> My solution has worked for me for about 10 years now and I haven’t
>> experienced any problems with it. It works for me but, like any other
>> modifications or additions, one should decide for themselves if it is
> right
>> for them.
>> It is a relatively inexpensive solution. I did, however, replace the
> cable
>> and connectors at the GMC and at the toad with a 7 wire cord and 7
>> conductor flat terminal plugs and receptacles.
>> This provided room for the 12 volt lead from the house battery and a good
>> ground wire so I was not relying on a ground through the hitch.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>> 77 Kingsley
>> Frederick, CO
>>
>>> On Feb 7, 2019, at 3:37 PM, Emery Stora wrote:
>>>
>>> I also use a brake buddy. I solved the battery problem by running a
> wire
>> from my house battery to my tow plug. Another wire (with an in-line fuse)
>> runs from the tow plug to my toad battery. I have had it this way for
>> several years. When you unplug the toad from the motorhome it disconnects
>> the wires. The house battery has been more than enough to provide current
>> for the Brake Buddy and while driving the motorhome the house battery is
>> being charged by the alternator.
>>>
>>> Emery Stora
>>>
>>>> On Feb 7, 2019, at 2:51 PM, Larry wrote:
>>>>
>>>> We tow a older Honda Civic, and use a Brake Buddy as and aux breaking
>> unit. On long trips it can drag the battery down. Suggestions on how to
>> wire the
>>>> coach and towd so it charges the towd battery while running down the
>> road.
>>>> TIA
>>>> --
>>>> Larry
>>>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>>>> Menomonie, WI.
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
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>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
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