Community Forums

Melorene · 04-13-2010, 09:35 AM

I have an 08 Honda and when towing, I leave the ignition key in Assessory mode and the gear shift in neutral when towing..on a long day, even though I have wired a 12 line from the MH to the battery, the battery will be low at the end of the day.. there is a fuse, #30 something, can't remember, that can be taken out to disc the radio and some assessories from draining the battery when in Assessory mode. it is difficult and a pain to take out each time.. what i am after is a switchable link with a fuse to put into the slot so all I have to do is flip a switch to disable the fuse..I guess I could get a heavier duty battery in place of the factory one or just don't drive as far each day which would be better. Mel

Bill Adams · 04-13-2010, 10:04 AM

We had the exact same problem when towing our van so I installed a battery disconnect that we picked up at Camping World like this.
Battery Safety Switches - Product - Camping World
It takes one second to disconnect and another to reconnect. The battery is fresh as a daisy when we arrive.

EngineerMike · 04-13-2010, 10:34 AM

Mel- if its a GM blade type fuse, the spades that plug into the fuse socket are just like the blade on a spade crimp connector. You could use two male spade crimp connectors, a length of #12 wire, a 30A switch and an in-line fuse holder to relocate the fuse and put a switch in line, mounted where convenient to you.

GMDavidson · 04-13-2010, 05:26 PM

Engineer Mike has a less expensive solution, but here is a link to a kit for $29.95
Quadratec Exclusive JW-DLB - TJ Dome Light Switch for 97-06 Jeep® Wrangler TJ & Unlimited - Quadratec

Melorene · 04-14-2010, 08:56 AM

Thanks for the ideas. you guys are great..Mel

wa8yxm · 04-14-2010, 09:55 AM

The braking system will also draw power (Unless you use an air powered system like the M&G or Air Force one)

Consider the toward charge system.. this is a system that lets the motor home keep the towed up to spec

True story: I had the US-Gear system on my Lumina APV.. When I pulled out one Jan 2 at around 3am.. i found the tail lights on the towed were...Dark

Got out my break out diagnostic device (A plug, a socket and a bank of LED's and plugged it in.. Sure enough I had LED's for right & Left turn & breake, but no TAIL LIGHT led.. Motorhome had an issue.

So.. After reviewing the schematic for the install of the US-Gear brakes..

I turned on the parking lights, drove some 2,000 miles and had them fix it there.

Broken wire under the coach, no problem with tail lights thoug.. Save that when I parked for the night.. they stayed on.

Basil Shannon · 04-14-2010, 11:23 AM

We fought dead toad batteries after a couple day tow until I installed a Toad Charge unit a couple of years ago. Wow, surely I didn't pay that much! Works great though.
TOAD-CHARGE Dinghy Vehicle Battery Charger/Maintainer

Sammie · 04-14-2010, 09:26 PM

Mel, Try this.

RV parts, accessories and supplies, rv, rv accessories

Sammie

OldForester · 04-15-2010, 10:26 PM

Why do you leave the key in accessory mode when you tow the Honda? In all three of my Toyota toads, and my former VW New Beetle toad, including my new RAV4 with electronic push button start, I just turn the key off and leave it in the ignition, or shut the engine off in the case of the RAV4, with the tranny in neutral. That keeps the steering wheel unlocked and the ignition out of accessory mode, so no miles rack up on the toad. I also have a 30 amp fused wire from the battery on the coach to the RAV4, and it keeps the battery charged fine. The Tundra and 4Runner don't have a problem staying charged with the key shut off. I do use a BrakePro but it uses very little power because it never comes on.

Perhaps the Honda has a different issue than Toyota, requiring the key to be in accessory mode, that I'm not aware of, so I'm just curious why it's in accessory mode.

Melorene · 04-18-2010, 07:19 AM

I believe it is so the steering wheel is unlocked .

Wally & Debbie · 04-18-2010, 10:23 PM

Mel
Try this turn your key to the on position to unlock the steering wheel then turn the key off but don't pull the key out, know check to see if the steering wheel is locked by turning the wheel. on toyota's the wheel locks when you pull the key out, not when you turn the key off
Just an idea
Wally

takepride · 04-18-2010, 10:40 PM

Most cars and trucks have locking steering wheels that must have the key set to accessory, on (or occasionally) unlock to unlock the steering wheel. Our Jeeps, Fords, Acura and Mercedes are designed this way, as were the Chevys and Chryslers I've rented.

I haven't tried Wally's idea on the Acura though.

Dave Fernandez · 04-19-2010, 09:11 AM

On our 2004 GMC Yukon or Chevy Tahoe (Suburban) no key is needed to tow the vehicle as the steering wheel does not lock. Just put the transfer case in neutral, place the transmission in Park and remove the key and away we go.

Dale777 · 04-19-2010, 10:46 AM

When towing my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, according to the Owner's Manual, NO KEY is required at all. Also, once the transfer case is in neutral, the steering is automatically not locked. As a result, there is NO drain on the battery.

The procedure to prepare the Jeep for towing is:
1. Depress brake pedal
2. Turn ignition key ON, engine off
3. Shift transmission into Neutral
4. Shift transfer case into Neutral (hold down Neutral "pin" with a pen, etc)
5. Start engine
6. Shift transmission into Drive
7. Release brake pedal and ensure there is no vehicle movement
8. Shut engine off
9. Shift transmission into Park
10. Place ignition key in OFF position, and remove key
11. Release parking brake