Community Forums

FIRE UP · 09-25-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy0374

Yes you can use that charge wire to keep toads battery charged. Best to use it thru a toad battery charger as was posted. The RVI Toad Battery Charger as mentioned is what I use---same set up as you plan on running.
6 years now and still working as new.
Grumpy

Grumpy,
I have a question for you. Just EXACTLY what, is a "Toad Battery Charger"? I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense. Here's my thoughts. If you have a 12V + wire leading from the 7-pin connector on the coach, through the pig tail, and into the toad, then, it connects to a "Toad battery charger" and that "charger" is giving the toads battery 12v, then what are you accomplishing since, there's 12V already heading towards the toad battery in the first place?

If your answer might be that, there's some sort of little "brain" that sees when the toads battery is close to topped off, it will limit the amount of charge that is now sent to the toads battery. Wouldn't that be a given anyways since, the coaches alternator has already done its job of charging any and all batteries on the coach and, even the one in the toad so, it too will begin to simmer down on what's being sent out in a charge. At least that's my way of thinking on this.
Scott

BobGed · 09-25-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walt2137

And very reasonable priced but this one is eaven cheaper.
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Brake...-p/19-3252.htm

The Brake Buddy unit you link to is a 2 amp battery maintainer, which is fine when there is little to no draw on the battery.

The iRV Toad Charger is a 15 amp charger, which is needed when there is a high draw on the battery such as keeping the power steering active while towing as is the case with my Cherokee.

They both have there applications, it just depends on one's needs.

milkman55 · 09-25-2018, 08:10 PM

I also use the RVI battery maintainer. For $50, just peace of mind that nothing will overheat or short. I don't have to deal with pulling any fuses on the toad. Just finished 6,000 miles of towing in Aug-Sep and the toad was always fully charged and ready to go when we stopped.

grumpy0374 · 09-26-2018, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Grumpy,
I have a question for you. Just EXACTLY what, is a "Toad Battery Charger"? I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense. Here's my thoughts. If you have a 12V + wire leading from the 7-pin connector on the coach, through the pig tail, and into the toad, then, it connects to a "Toad battery charger" and that "charger" is giving the toads battery 12v, then what are you accomplishing since, there's 12V already heading towards the toad battery in the first place?

If your answer might be that, there's some sort of little "brain" that sees when the toads battery is close to topped off, it will limit the amount of charge that is now sent to the toads battery. Wouldn't that be a given anyways since, the coaches alternator has already done its job of charging any and all batteries on the coach and, even the one in the toad so, it too will begin to simmer down on what's being sent out in a charge. At least that's my way of thinking on this.
Scott

Pretty much it...think of it as a 12 volt version of a Battery Tender.
Need it on mine as when towing our Subi, steering is unlocked and is electric. That plus brake lights are a constant drain on the toad battery.
Brain in the charger prevents over-charging.
Going on 5 years now and have never had a battery problem in the toad.
Grumpy

FIRE UP · 09-26-2018, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy0374

Pretty much it...think of it as a 12 volt version of a Battery Tender.
Need it on mine as when towing our Subi, steering is unlocked and is electric. That plus brake lights are a constant drain on the toad battery.
Brain in the charger prevents over-charging.
Going on 5 years now and have never had a battery problem in the toad.
Grumpy

Hey thanks for getting back to me on this.
Scott