Community Forums

caleb1 · 12-19-2020, 10:31 AM

Does anyone here power a breaking system for flat towing (more specifically RVi brake 3) from the battery of the toads car, without having the battery charge from the rv? Does the battery run the brake without killing the battery in the car? Or is a charger from the rv needed?
Rvi says this can be done without a charger, but I'm interested in hearing experiences from the members here.

On our 2015 Yukon we power it directly from the rv, but considering setting up another toad (2006 Silverado duramax) and would like to do it as simply as possible, with less running wires everywhere.

Thanks.

Dutch Star Don · 12-19-2020, 10:39 AM

I use the SMI AF1 braking system on my coach. I've towed six different vehicles over the years without a battery charge line. I know it's different than yours, but I have a suggestion. Just for piece of mind, I bought a set of jumper cables that reach from the rear coach starting batteries to the front of the toad. If I ever have an issue, I can jump the truck without trying to move it.

I also power the toad lights from the coach, so the only draw is the AF1 when the pump for the brake booster fires up.

Mike8253 · 12-19-2020, 11:17 AM

I've towed with a battery powered supplemental braking system for 16 yrs. Have used a classic Brake Buddy the whole time. Just need to run the toad's engine once or twice each travel day to help maintain the charge level. I have to run the engine anyway to keep the transmission lubed, so there's nothing incremental to maintain the battery. I've never had an issue with charge level to actuate the Brake Buddy.

**Lt Dan** · 12-19-2020, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caleb1

Does anyone here power a breaking system for flat towing (more specifically RVi brake 3) from the battery of the toads car, without having the battery charge from the rv? Does the battery run the brake without killing the battery in the car? Or is a charger from the rv needed?
Rvi says this can be done without a charger, but I'm interested in hearing experiences from the members here.

I used an RVI2 system in my Jeep for four years and never had a supplemental charge line. I towed it for as many as four days in a row without starting it or disconnecting and never had a battery even seem to be low on charge. The RVI brake's only power draw is when the compressor runs for a few seconds and that's only after a couple of stops that are hard enough to activate the brake. It does not brake all the time, only when the force sensor feels it is needed and depends on how sensitive you have it set.

Winemaker2 · 12-19-2020, 11:34 AM

I have done it both ways. Prior CRV did not have a charge line. Only time I had a problem was if I towed several days in a row w/o unhooking and driving the toad. I carry an emergency batty pack and when towi g several days in a row i have run the brake box from the batty pack. EZ to plug in and recharge it overnight when needed.

bobmar · 12-19-2020, 12:02 PM

No supplemental charging here and have never ran into a depleted toad battery on either of our toads. I’ve thought about but since we’ve never had an issue can’t really justify it.
We too carry a portable battery pack just in case.

caleb1 · 12-19-2020, 01:35 PM

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like it would be fine. We carry some long jumper cables so that would always be the backup.
The duramax is a diesel with 2 batteries, so it should have plenty of juice to run it.

Cousin Ed · 12-19-2020, 02:07 PM

I go 4 days with a 19 year old Brake Buddy before I start the toad. This has worked with Grand Cherokees and GM pickups. I don't know if I need to start the toad ... I just do it.

TJDave · 12-19-2020, 03:02 PM

I have used our RVi3 brake on two Jeeps. 2016 Wrangler and now a 2020 Gladiator. I use the RVi fused 12v battery direct outlet to power the brake. I have never had a battery problem in either Jeep. Even the new one with its fancy two battery system for the auto stop start feature, which I hate, and disable every time I start it! Lol