Question Battery disconnect for towed vehicle

[Joe Hogan]

Looking at various tow behind vehicle, some require the battery to be disconnected while towing. While this can be a simple process or a PIA depending upon the vehicle, has anyone found a simple solution?

I was thinking a simple disconnect solenoid with a switch inside the passenger compartment would be a good solution for this. Also makes a great theft deterrent.

for instance Painless Wiring

 

[Richpatty]

I would look into a charge wire system to keep the battery charged. I use Toad-Charge, but it is no longer made. RVI makes one that is similar, although I have not used it.

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[Neal]

This is what I use and installed. Not complicated at all. Roadmaster 766 battery disconnect:

Amazon.com

 

[RandyB]

This is what I use and installed. Not complicated at all.

Amazon.com

Roadmaster is the gold standard. As you wish, the button can be most anywhere, including inside the cab. Battery disconnect and reconnect without having to raise the hood.

If you are intending on needing 12vdc for an auxiliary braking unit, then a direct from battery, fused recept (female cigar lighter) must also be installed.

 

[Just George]

I went with this Blue Sea unit. Considered the Roadmaster 766 but reports of failures and mounting instructions that specified orientation caused me to look for other solutions. So far verry happy with the Blue Sea unit.

 

[osuallen]

This is what I use and installed. Not complicated at all. Roadmaster 766 battery disconnect:

Amazon.com

x2

 

[Joe Hogan]

Looks like a battery disconnect solenoid is in my future. The Ford Flex I am now considering requires a Neg terminal disconnect when towing. The routine to go into Tow mode for the Flex is stupid simple (always best IMHO).

BTW the Ford Flex is not as inexpensive as I first thought (Dealer Fees add up quick) but doable, finally found one all in, out the door (plates, taxes, etc) for mid $20Ks. Used with 35k on the clock.

Excessive Dealer Fees are something new for me. Very irritating trying to nail down an "out the door" price.
Worked through several dealers before I found someone reasonable. Looking at one this Tuesday, already negotiated a price using Images, CARFAX, Internet tools, and TEXTs. Very Strange.....we'll see.

Back on topic:
Roadmaster or similar solenoid at the battery appears adequate BUT now the question is what control switch and where to mount it.

Preferable I'd like the switch accessible from the Driver position. Should it be a Guarded Toggle (aviation style) or a rotating switch.

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What have others used as control switches and where do you mount them?

 

[Neal]

My rocker switch with the Roadmaster setup is just inside the door left of my left knee. Some have put it in glove boxes, it's easy to locate wherever works best for you.

 

[Just George]

Joe Check out the Link to the Blue Sea unit I provided in post #5. There is a picture of the protected push button switch that comes with the unit. The switch has a cover that slides up or down to expose the portion of the switch that can be pressed. I mounted the switch near the ODBII connector under the dash, away from any danger of being hit with my foot but still within reach when seated. The specific switch can be purchased separately but as I recall it was pretty pricey.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

This is what I use and installed. Not complicated at all. Roadmaster 766 battery disconnect:

Amazon.com

@Joe Goodxrvn

I just had the RoadMaster system installed in my friend's new Denali and it came out PERFECT!

Super simple and clean!!

The button is hidden on the sideboard in the driver's footwell. Piece of cake operation and the ONLY thing that some folks will not like is that...if you LOCK your door, you'll need to USE A MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK the door. This isn't so fun on some cars that hide the lock behind a cover.

We contemplated mounting a waterproof button, hidden in the grill somewhere. That would be a good option to avoid the UNLOCKING issue.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Checked with the selected installer today Independent RV in FL, the Roadmaster is what he recommends and had planned on using.
Looking forward to getting this done

 

[Joe Hogan]

Off to the base plate/ solenoid installer today with the Flex. How all goes well.

 

[RandyB]

@Joe Goodxrvn

I just had the RoadMaster system installed in my friend's new Denali and it came out PERFECT!

Super simple and clean!!

The button is hidden on the sideboard in the driver's footwell. Piece of cake operation and the ONLY thing that some folks will not like is that...if you LOCK your door, you'll need to USE A MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK the door. This isn't so fun on some cars that hide the lock behind a cover.

We contemplated mounting a waterproof button, hidden in the grill somewhere. That would be a good option to avoid the UNLOCKING issue.

I also installed the button for the solenoid in the left footwell. To get to it, I must stand outside the door. Therefore the door is open and unlocked. When the button is pushed for the battery to be disconnected, the door is already unlocked and cannot be relocked with the battery disconnected. The only issue is that if you desire that the doors be locked during a tow, another strategy must devised, such as manually locking them, but be sure the key is available when needed.

 

[Joe Hogan]

“The only issue is that if you desire that the doors be locked during a tow, another strategy must devised, such as manually locking them, but be sure the key is available when needed.”

luckily the Flex has an exposed manual key option. Lock doors, and power off, then close door. Open with key.
to your point, alarm is not active during tow operation due to no power.

 

[BGMAC]

Has anyone looked at these for battery disconnect for your toad? Family good reviews and blue-toothed. I know there would be some parsidic discharge, but no more than if the battery was connected I would think.

Amazon product ASIN B09WVBHBHG

 

[Jim]

Has anyone looked at these for battery disconnect for your toad? Family good reviews and blue-toothed. I know there would be some parsidic discharge, but no more than if the battery was connected I would think.

Amazon product ASIN B09WVBHBHG

Actually, I bought this! Problem on my truck (2018 GMC) the battery terminal is enclosed in a plastic mold that is part of the battery. So the truck battery cable has a special connector that fits down inside and the disconnect is designed to attach to what I'll call the "normal" terminal location.

So in my case, the disconnect won't work for me, not our of the box anyway. But I think I can modify it, just haven't done so yet.

 

[Wemustrv]

Looking at various tow behind vehicle, some require the battery to be disconnected while towing. While this can be a simple process or a PIA depending upon the vehicle, has anyone found a simple solution?

I was thinking a simple disconnect solenoid with a switch inside the passenger compartment would be a good solution for this. Also makes a great theft deterrent.

for instance Painless Wiring

I agree with Rich Patty I installed the same charger and love it. I also installed separate taillight and turn signal bulbs in the taillight housing of our F150 powered by the coach system. It was a little work but well worth it.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Has anyone looked at these for battery disconnect for your toad? Family good reviews and blue-toothed. I know there would be some parsidic discharge, but no more than if the battery was connected I would think.

Amazon product ASIN B09WVBHBHG

Those bluetooth transmitters use so little power that when used with a 9v battery the battery will last a month or more! Good find!!!

 

[stang37]

I guess I'm just too simple. I purchased a knife blade disconnect that I attached to either the positive or negative battery post. I opened the knife blade when the battery needed to be disconnected for towing. This limited my human error factor.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I guess I'm just too simple. I purchased a knife blade disconnect that I attached to either the positive or negative battery post. I opened the knife blade when the battery needed to be disconnected for towing. This limited my human error factor.

Ah common! It's not about the solution, it's about the project!!!