Where to find a diode?

[maxwell18]

I am wiring my DP to my toad. I am running a hot wire from the DP starting battery to the toad battery and I want to add a diode in that line. I have looked ever where and cannot find the correct diode. I want one that is encased and not just a wire with the diode and then the small wire coming out. I have installed Toad Charge and had problems with the wire connections both wires right next to each other on the plastic connections.
Thanks

[Route 66]

I've always used Roadmaster Hy-Power diodes with no problems.


Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

[H. Miller]

Did you Google "diodes"? Digi-Key has thousands of them for sale. Most auto parts stores will have them...

[bdickson]

I bought mine at Camping World in the Towing section. They come in a 2 pack, and are encapsulated in an aluminum heat sink with spade terminals.

[maxwell18]

Just a follow up I did do goggle and believe or not I could not what I was looking for. I checked NAPA didn't even know what it was, check Advance Auto and Auto Zone no have. Checked Radio Shack had the little diode that you would solder in a kit or something. Thanks for your help.

[Moonrover]

As already mentioned, check the massive on-line catalog of Digi-Key electronics. Here is the web site:
http://tinyurl.com/mu9qnt3
I'd be surprised if they don't have the diode size that you want.

[maxwell18]

I did find Digi-Key before, but them charts were way over my head, you are right they should have it but I was looking for a easy way I guess. Some folks were recommending the Roadmaster Diode, but I don't think they would allow enough current to pass through. I am using 8 gage wire, and want as much current as possible getting to the battery as the toad wants a lot of juice. I tied three time with the Toad Charge and all three times the battery was dead after 4 hours.

[J Birder]

You should understand there is a considerable voltage drop (loss) across the diode. If you use a common silicone diode, it will drop 0.7 volts. A less common germanium diode will drop 0.3 volts.

Joel

[Triker56]

Roadmaster Diodes $21 pair

[TQ60]

Stick with silicon as much better.

You have many options that are only limited to your budget and ability.

If you want simple installation then just get a battery isolator of the solid state or diode type.

It will have screw lugs and 2 diodes so you have a spare.

Another option is a selenoid or relay and have it controlled by ign power.

Connect to battery and find something controlled by key or if you drive with lights on use tail light power to control relay.

Diode only drops 0.6 volts so still plenty to maintain charge.

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by J Birder

You should understand there is a considerable voltage drop (loss) across the diode. If you use a common silicone diode, it will drop 0.7 volts. A less common germIanium diode will drop 0.3 volts.

Joel

My experience is that you will be hard pressed to tell the difference in lighting. I use them all the time for steering diodes when dealing with separate turn and stop lamps feeding a single trailer filament. If you want to go fancy there are power Shottky diodes back down to around Germanium levels.

I think the OP wants a potted diode with connection points so he does not need to roll his own housing. I'm not sure he needs a continuous 20 A like he thinks he does but something in that range would be good. I found these as an example:

http://www.e-maxinstruments.com/imag...iodes-2014.pdf

The 910A009 would probably work fine. No idea on price.

Dug some more. Mouser has a Vishay VS-T40HF60 module for $26.50 that looks like an isolated case with screw terminals for the wires. Overkill on the specification but will handle what you want.

The problem seems to be finding a mounted diode that is in common use in some industry so one can piggyback on their usage. If anyone else has a suggestion please put it forward.

It looks like a lot of money for the nice package.

[dpinvidic]

Why do you feel you need a diode?
On my Freightliner chassis, the 12v pin in the trailer connector is only hot with the ignition on.
That would mean the engine is likely running.

If you still want a diode, look for a solar isolation diode (.35v drop). Solder the wires, an d then heat shrink it.
You can also encapsulate it with epoxy if you like.

Dan

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Route 66

I've always used Roadmaster Hy-Power diodes with no problems.
Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Route 66 (and maxwell18)
In 2011, (when I wired my Saturn for towing), I had TEN 6 amp diodes shipped to my door, from West Florida Components, for less $$ than ONE PAIR of Roadmaster Hy-Power, (high-priced), diodes.
https://www.westfloridacomponents.com
Mel
'96 Safari

[wa8yxm]

Two comments. (Well 3)

First: The Roadmaster HIGH POWER diode mentioend by someone is for tail lights.. The O/P wants a Towed charge" I'm not sure those are diode enough.

Now to the O/P

A diode isolator (Battery isolator) comes with a pair (or 3) diodes.. Two are big mothers, encased in epoxy and aluminum they can pass easily 70-80-90 amps depending on the model
The third (if present) is smaller.

BUT there is a problem... THe voltage drop may prevent proper towed charging.

US-Gear (unified brake decelrator) puts a line from the motor home battery to the towed battery 20 amp breaker at one end 40 at the other (I'd use 20's both ends for your install) the self resetting thermal kind.

Now that works.. Very low voltage drop.. It is how I handle my towed.