Community Forums

Recon4 · 05-15-2013, 09:16 AM

Is a batteryminder for a toad necessary? The ignition is on while you are traveling pulling a toad so the power steering and brake lights work. So, is a toad batteryminder necessary or are there other ways to assure the toad will start once you've arrive at you destination?

Algoma · 05-15-2013, 09:32 AM

Firstly, you don't have the ignition on, you have it turned to the accessory position to release the steering lock. The power steering is not operating and neither are the power brakes. The brake lights normally work without turning the key to any position. Some cars still drain the battery and may involve removing fuses to stop this happening. A Toad-Charge or similar will stop you worrying about this but is not essential.

docj · 05-15-2013, 09:46 AM

I believe most GM cars require that a fuse be pulled to avoid draining the battery. We installed a Fuse Switch which is just a switch wired into the fuse circuit so we can flip the switch rather than get down on the floor and pull the fuse. Works well and the car still operates normally even when we forget to switch it back sometimes.

Dennis_K · 05-15-2013, 09:57 AM

It really depends on the car being towed and the brake system usage.
Some cars have a steering wheel lock, some don't. My '12 Grand Cherokee doesn't so I just put the TC in neutral and I ready to go. The brake system should be the only draw on the battery so if the unit is activated a lot then the power consumption will be more.

Recon4 · 05-15-2013, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis_K

It really depends on the car being towed and the brake system usage.
Some cars have a steering wheel lock, some don't. My '12 Grand Cherokee doesn't so I just put the TC in neutral and I ready to go. The brake system should be the only draw on the battery so if the unit is activated a lot then the power consumption will be more.

Towing a Honda Pilot and using a Ready Break - ReadyBrute Elite tow bar.
RV Tow bars with Integrated ReadyBrake Surge Brake, Standard TowBars - NSA RV Products
Shouldn't be a problem towing the Honda according to the owner's manual. With the accessory switch on there will be a drain... the question is how much? How many rvs have something installed to safeguard or prevent a dead battery in the toad?

R2Home · 05-16-2013, 09:54 PM

I have a 'jump' start battery pack from NAPA that I have the brake assembly plugged into while towing our Durango. So far in 3500 miles we have had no issues. I don take it out and charge it when ever we are on shore power.

deSanford · 05-16-2013, 10:35 PM

For years I towed my Mini Cooper with the key in the accessory position so the steering wheel was unlocked to tow. Well after replacing a couple of batteries, because after a few days towing without much driving the battery died. Someone said I should just turn off the car and leave the key in the key socket. OK I did that and guess what the steering wheel turned. Now I don't have any drain on the "TOAD". As far as the brake lights they are provided power to new lights installed next to the existing brake lights. I hope this helps someone as it took me about 8 years to learn. deSanford

Dutch Star Don · 05-17-2013, 04:49 PM

Recon4......If you're using the ReadyBrake, the only power draw will be some minor stuff with the key on and the brake lights, if they come on when your brake pedal is depressed and the car isn't running. If they don't come on when the pedal is depressed, you shouldn't have any issues.

Just start the vehicle whenever you stop (4-5 hours) and let it run for a few minutes. It's good for the car to be started every so often while towing.

I towed a Dodge Dakota for awhile and added the Toad Charge, but found I didn't really need it.

Recon4 · 05-18-2013, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

Recon4......If you're using the ReadyBrake, the only power draw will be some minor stuff with the key on and the brake lights, if they come on when your brake pedal is depressed and the car isn't running. If they don't come on when the pedal is depressed, you shouldn't have any issues.

Just start the vehicle whenever you stop (4-5 hours) and let it run for a few minutes. It's good for the car to be started every so often while towing.

I towed a Dodge Dakota for awhile and added the Toad Charge, but found I didn't really need it.

Thanks.... I just received the ReadyBrake yesterday. Will do some experimenting and see what happens. Actually I have jumper cables that will reach from the engine/start batteries to the toad... so I should be OK. Drive safe out there...