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Old 02-05-2017, 11:10 AM   #1
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Chevy Spark dinghy flat battery

My 2017 Chevy Spark manual trans tows great behind my Thor ACE 29.2. However, the battery goes flat (acc only on). I've tried shutting off 'wifi hotspot' but doesn't seem to help. Chevy manual & service dept at dealer are no help. No one seems to know if there's a fuse to pull, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Old 02-05-2017, 11:13 AM   #2
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Run a charge line from the MH to the car. I've done that with my last two toweds.
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Old 02-05-2017, 11:16 AM   #3
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Old 02-06-2017, 08:47 AM   #4
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Do I need a 'diode', something that only allows unidirectional current?
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Old 02-06-2017, 09:00 AM   #5
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You would be better served with a, MH key, activated charge line and a couple of 15amp fuses. The fuses or auto reset breakers protect from shorts on either end of the battery to battery wire.

A diode will work but while sitting, not plugged in, the car will continue to draw from your house batteries, if the car key is on. Would a Spark drain your house bank ? Probably not, but why chance it.
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Old 02-06-2017, 09:06 AM   #6
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The manual as you may know simply states to put the ignition in ACC. How far are you towing it that it drains the battery? You sure everything electrical is off? You could try starting the car every three or four hours and let it run while taking a break.
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Old 02-06-2017, 09:07 AM   #7
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Thanks for such a rapid response......things I hadn't thought of.
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Old 02-06-2017, 10:13 AM   #8
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Quote:
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Thanks for such a rapid response......things I hadn't thought of.


I love the quote in your signature line that says
Quote:
"It is a mistake to allow any mechanical object to realize that you are in a hurry."
So true!! Of course the same quote changing a few words would applies to my wife also!
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Old 02-07-2017, 01:42 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Do I need a 'diode', something that only allows unidirectional current?
Most folks don't use one but I have always installed a large diode on my toad side (don't rember the size) as you know a diode will cut down on the voltage but it's never been a problem for us. I have had a charge line on our last 4 toads wouldnotwantto tow without one.
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Old 02-07-2017, 03:35 PM   #10
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I too agree with the run a charge line .. In fact let me ask you a question

Do you have an AUX brake system on the Spark? You should you know.... But that's not the reason I'm asking

US Gear. Unified Brake Decelerator.. install that and your problem will be solved.. Believe it or not it will solve your problme

I do recommend upgrading the GROUND leads on the light umbilical however. Though I did not on my towed.

True story.. on my #1 Towed I went to head to Las Vegas.. I pulled out of my yard about 3-4 Am on Jan 2.. No way am I finding an RV tech at that hour of that day.. NO TAIL LIGHTS ON TOWED.

Checked out a the US Gear schematic and sure enough.. The needed lead existed (Battery to battery tie line, 20 amp breaker on one end, 40 on the other) So I hit the PARKING LIGHTS button and towed 2,000 miles with no problem.. Never turned 'em off till I got to Vegas.

Got it fixed there.

The US Gear system INCLUDES a towed charge line.
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