Question Charge Line

[Neemer]

I’ve always had a charge line on my toads, and they always had both a positive and a ground wire. My first was the old Toad Charge system (which no longer exists) and the second is an RVI system.

I purchased a Roadmaster charge line kit for my newest toad, and it has only one 14 ga line to carry the charge from the motorhome to a fuse/diode and on to the toad’s battery.

Why wouldn’t this Roadmaster kit also need a ground? Why the difference?

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I’ve always had a charge line on my toads, and they always had both a positive and a ground wire. My first was the old Toad Charge system (which no longer exists) and the second is an RVI system.

I purchased a Roadmaster charge line kit for my newest toad, and it has only one 14 ga line to carry the charge from the motorhome to a fuse/diode and on to the toad’s battery.

Why wouldn’t this Roadmaster kit also need a ground? Why the difference?

You should already have a dedicated ground connecting your towed to your coach via the light wiring. You should only need one ground.

 

[Underboss]

Your coach 7 wire already contains a ground. For a charge line I added a wire, diode and fuse. No need to buy these kits.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Most will have only the 12v positive from the supply and will depend on the towbar to make ground. But, the reason for the ground to the battery is on the more expensive kits that have better circuitry for overcharging, LED diagnostics, etc.

I have the old brake buddy but just bought the Blue Ox which is 3x more, but has some built-in safeguards. With the squirrely AGM and electronics, I’m gonna hedge my bets as much as possible.

This is what I bought for $98, still a lot cheaper than the new RVi for $140.

Amazon.com: Blue Ox BX88453 Towed Vehicle Charge Line Kit : Automotive

Buy Blue Ox BX88453 Towed Vehicle Charge Line Kit: Charging Station Accessories - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Neemer]

Interesting. Thanks guys.