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Old 09-03-2018, 04:54 PM   #1
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2012 Honda CRV

Hello ,

I will be setting up a CRV to tow as my dinghy. I have read on several occasions that the battery will run down while the vehicle is being towed.
I have also read that the stock battery size [ group 51 ] is rather small and does not have much reserve capacity so many have changed it out to a group 24 battery using a battery tray from a Honda Odyese.

Can anyone tell me if this upgrade will elimanaite running a charge line from the MH ?

Thanks.
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Old 09-03-2018, 05:03 PM   #2
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2014 CR-V.
Upgraded to an Ody size battery and added a charge line.
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Old 09-03-2018, 05:11 PM   #3
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Forget the bigger battery. It won't help with you problem. I have a 2014 CRV and the Roadmaster FuseMaster Harness solved my
battery problem from going dead in less then 30min. when towing. Also a 12v connection from the RV to the toad will solve your problem, either way is Okay witchever is easier for you. The Harress costs about $55 dollars.
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Old 09-03-2018, 05:28 PM   #4
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I use a ToadCharge with my CR-V and that prevents problems. TOAD-CHARGE Dinghy Vehicle Battery Charger/Maintainer
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Old 09-03-2018, 06:10 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_D View Post
2014 CR-V.
Upgraded to an Ody size battery and added a charge line.
+1...
Both are fairly simple and won't break the bank.
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Old 09-03-2018, 06:21 PM   #6
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Could I simply run a fused line from my Mh coach batteries to the dinghy?

I understand that once I park the coach I would have to unplug even when not disconnecting as to not run down the coach batteries.
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Old 09-03-2018, 06:37 PM   #7
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I would get the toad battery manager. I have the RVI battery maintainer on my 2014 CR-V. It has safeguards to prevent a fire. Pretty cheap insurance for $50.
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Old 09-03-2018, 06:38 PM   #8
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Could I simply run a fused line from my Mh coach batteries to the dinghy?

I understand that once I park the coach I would have to unplug even when not disconnecting as to not run down the coach batteries.
Yes, but run a wire with a simple relay that closes the circuit with the key on only.

No need to pull the plug.
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Old 09-03-2018, 07:59 PM   #9
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Could I simply run a fused line from my Mh coach batteries to the dinghy?

I understand that once I park the coach I would have to unplug even when not disconnecting as to not run down the coach batteries.
The ToadCharge kit contains a relay that only allows current to flow to the battery if the voltage on the MH side is ~>13V which, essentially, means that the MH engine and alternator are working. This prevents the toad's battery from sucking down MH's starting batteries if, for example, the toad's battery developed a short.
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Old 09-03-2018, 08:12 PM   #10
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My 2012 CR-V manual says to remove 15A fuses 19 and 20 on the interior fuse panel (ACC radio and power) to prevent battery drain while towing.

I haven't decided if I want to flat tow the vehicle yet, but I am interested to know if that does not resolve the battery drain issue.
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Old 09-03-2018, 08:22 PM   #11
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Removing the fuses doesn't work for us because we have a Brake Buddy which, to operate, requires the use of the 12v receptacle in the dash.

We installed only the bigger battery. OEM battery would go dead after less than 3hrs of towing. So far, the longest we've gone with the bigger battery has been 5.5hrs & no problem with being able to start the CRV. I don't expect us to ever travel much longer than that at any one stretch so I'm satisfied with just the battery upgrade.

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Old 09-03-2018, 10:18 PM   #12
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We installed only the bigger battery. OEM battery would go dead after less than 3hrs of towing. So far, the longest we've gone with the bigger battery has been 5.5hrs & no problem with being able to start the CRV. I don't expect us to ever travel much longer than that at any one stretch so I'm satisfied with just the battery upgrade.
Adding a charging wire is easy and completely eliminates the time issue. We usually drive ~6 hours a day, but our typical day runs 7-8 hours with meal breaks and refueling. With the charging kit I no longer have to worry about how long the CR-V has been sitting with it's key in place.
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:36 AM   #13
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When you say key in place I am assuming it has to be in acc. position while being towed ?
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Old 09-04-2018, 03:58 AM   #14
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We had M&G Engineering install the braking system, the brake lights for the toad, and the breakaway system in our 2014 CRV. We have never had any trouble with the stock battery running down.

I am sure others have had successful installs as well.

Your post makes me believe that you will be doing the installation yourself. My suggestion is to contact some installers and pose your questions to them. You might get some interesting answers. Youtube videos will also be a great help.

Good luck
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