Dead battery on toad

[B&T RVers]

Been driving 6000 miles this trip and today we get to our stop over on Jeep battery is dead. We have an AirForce 1 braking systems. Any ideas?

 

[Neal]

Age of TOAD battery? Condition check of battery?

 

[B&T RVers]

Neal - 3 years old (original battery) looks good.

one step for the Jeep that always makes me wonder - it say not to shut off - just go to ACC after you’ve put the transfer case into N - then move transmission to park. Doesn’t ACC draw power?

 

[Neal]

If you’re using blue ox keep in mind they changed the pin orientation from the older cable style to recent style so many think they are charging and are not. Should verify if you have a blue ox cable with sealed black connectors on ends.

 

[lemondrop9344]

I tow a 2015 Jeep Trailhawk with AirForce 1 & Blue OX tow bar. Check to see if your Jeep has electronic power steering ( I suspect it might). In addition to the power drain by the Air Force 1 control module, the electronic power steering puts a draw on your battery (between the two, the draw can be substantial over a day's drive). Not sure what else might be contributing to the battery draw with the ignition on ACC.
You might want to consider charging your Jeep battery with the 12V provided by the umbilical cord from the RV.
Depending on what model/year Jeep you have, it may require the 'Tow Kit' for your Jeep.

 

[jagpot]

I have a 2016 Sahara Jeep toad with an Air Force One and Blue Ox tow bar. I have not had a problem but I do take my key out after putting it in Park.

 

[mreed309]

Been driving 6000 miles this trip and today we get to our stop over on Jeep battery is dead. We have an AirForce 1 braking systems. Any ideas?

I carry a CTEK CS free with me. Comes in handy from time to time. Not sure what your drain is on the battery, but this prevents me form being stuck.

 

[svoshop]

Been driving 6000 miles this trip and today we get to our stop over on Jeep battery is dead. We have an AirForce 1 braking systems. Any ideas?

I have Air Force one also. Tow a 20 jeep. At night the led running lamps have given the jeep a “low” battery warning after a 15 hour drive. Thankfully still started. I do not have a charger installed. I plan to do so.

 

[JRW-NAW]

When we towed our 2017 Jeep Cherokee, which required the 'flat tow harness' (basicly the electric power steering) to be powered while the Cherokee was being towed, I used an RVi Towed Battery charger which operates from the 12V supplied from the coach via the 6 or 7 wire umbilico cord. I never had a problem with Cherokee battery staying charged.

Safe travels.

 

[RandDescape]

When I installed the wiring harness on my Expedition I included a small LED under the dash that gets power from the 12v line from the motorhome and added a check to our checklist to ensure that LED is lit so that I know the power is coming in (just like we check the right/left turn signals and brake lights). If you add a charging line it doesn't take too much more work to add such a LED.

- Richard

 

[JRS]

Doesn’t ACC draw power?

Leaving it in ACC does draw power. Don't have experience with Wranglers and unless shutting completely off locks your steering wheel, I don't understand why your directions say to leave it in ACC. Thought all recently made Jeeps have steering that aren't locked when shut off..... On our GC, we completely it down.

 

[svoshop]

Leaving it in ACC does draw power. Don't have experience with Wranglers and unless shutting completely off locks your steering wheel, I don't understand why your directions say to leave it in ACC. Thought all recently made Jeeps have steering that aren't locked when shut off..... On our GC, we completely it down.

my wrangler is 100% off when being towed.

 

[calendarboy]

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/Demco/DM66VR.html

Towed Vehicle Battery Charge Wire Kit for Demco Supplemental Braking Systems​

Item # DM66VR $18.20