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02-05-2017, 11:10 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Traverse City MI
Posts: 224
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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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02-05-2017, 11:13 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Run a charge line from the MH to the car. I've done that with my last two toweds.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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02-05-2017, 11:16 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: The Bluegrass State
Posts: 8,882
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__________________
Good Luck, Be Safe and Above All, Don't Forget To Have Fun
Pete
Central Kentucky
2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35H, 2014 Honda CR-V, M&G Engineering Braking System
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02-06-2017, 08:47 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Traverse City MI
Posts: 224
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Do I need a 'diode', something that only allows unidirectional current?
__________________
Maisie: 2023 Newmar Bay Star 3225, Sparky: 2017 Chevy Spark w/Blue Ox tow bar. 2019 Newmar Bay Star Sport 3014, 2013 Thor ACE 29.2
It is a mistake to allow any mechanical object to realize that you are in a hurry.
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02-06-2017, 09:00 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,317
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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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02-06-2017, 09:06 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,309
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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.
__________________
Tom
2016 Newmar Bay Star Sport 3004
2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport Willys
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02-06-2017, 09:07 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Traverse City MI
Posts: 224
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Thanks for such a rapid response......things I hadn't thought of.
__________________
Maisie: 2023 Newmar Bay Star 3225, Sparky: 2017 Chevy Spark w/Blue Ox tow bar. 2019 Newmar Bay Star Sport 3014, 2013 Thor ACE 29.2
It is a mistake to allow any mechanical object to realize that you are in a hurry.
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02-06-2017, 10:13 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: The Bluegrass State
Posts: 8,882
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harry Joe
Thanks for such a rapid response......things I hadn't thought of.
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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."
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So true!! Of course the same quote changing a few words would applies to my wife also!
__________________
Good Luck, Be Safe and Above All, Don't Forget To Have Fun
Pete
Central Kentucky
2006 Fleetwood Discovery 35H, 2014 Honda CR-V, M&G Engineering Braking System
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02-07-2017, 01:42 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Quitman MS
Posts: 2,967
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harry Joe
Do I need a 'diode', something that only allows unidirectional current?
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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.
__________________
Walt & Will
2000 Dynasty
2017 Ram Big Horn Crew C 4X4 w/ M&G
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02-07-2017, 03:35 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,024
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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.
__________________
Home is where I park it!
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