Charging problem

37chief · Sep 5, 2015

It seams like what ever the problem, someone here knows the answer rather it be tractor related, or just general information. Here is my problem. Not tractor related at all. I tow my 08 Forde Edge with my motorhome. Transmission in Neutral, ign switch in acc. position. After around 6 hours the battery is down enough where it will not start the car. This happens to most Ford Edge cars being towed not just mine. If I run a hot wire from the motorhome to the hot side of the battery will it keep the battery in my car charged, the ground will be through the towing hitch.

notjustair · Sep 5, 2015

Would there be a reason not to put a quick connect on the battery? I assume you use towing lights on it so it's only in accessory because it won't shut all of the way off with the trans in neutral. I'd be disconnecting the battery as soon as it was in neutral and hooked up.

I have no idea what they cost, but I think I'd be looking for a tow dolly. It may not harm the transmission to pull it in neutral for many hours, but as picky as today's transmissions are it can't do it any good.

If only things were as good as they used to be. I have several VW Beetles and Karmann Ghias that I have restored and used to show. I added connectors to all of the cars so that they use the trailer wiring plug on the pickup and it runs the car's park lights, brake lights, and turn signals. None of those magnetic lights with wiring that would scratch an expensive paint job.

37chief · Sep 5, 2015

Disconnecting the battery will work, because I am using the motorhome for turn and brake lights. I am installing a breaking system in the car, and it uses the car electrical power to run a small compressor. So now I need to keep the battery connected. Stan

Bob Bancroft · Sep 5, 2015

I have no idea what kind of electrical connection/connectors are used with a motor home. I also don't know if you would be familiar with the standard connector used in agriculture. It's a seven pin connector-

ground

ign

batt

work light

tail light

left turn/brake light

right turn/brake light

As it's pretty typical now that you need some electrical power behind a tractor to run whatever, this type of thing would probably cover your needs.

Angle Iron · Sep 5, 2015

(quoted from post at 13:12:49 09/05/15) Disconnecting the battery will work, because I am using the motorhome for turn and brake lights. I am installing a breaking system in the car, and it uses the car electrical power to run a small compressor. So now I need to keep the battery connected. Stan

ou could run an aux power plug connected only while towing for the compressor. Just hook to the hot terminal when you unhook the hot lead for towing. Not the same at all but when I pulled a chevy Malibu there were several fuses that were pulled while towing. Ford made recommend something similar.

David G · Sep 5, 2015

Put a 7 pin connector on it and keep the car charged from it.

olddog · Sep 6, 2015

I (think) Edge needs juice to keep the 4wd disengaged.

To keep the battery topped off.........
Use 10 Ga. wires, (2....run a separate ground), with a 30 amp circuit breaker.
Do not try to charge a dead battery this way!

Owen Aaland · Sep 6, 2015

(quoted from post at 07:18:37 09/06/15) I (think) Edge needs juice to keep the 4wd disengaged.

To keep the battery topped off.........
Use 10 Ga. wires, (2....run a separate ground), with a 30 amp circuit breaker.
Do not try to charge a dead battery this way!

You should also include a diode so that the car battery isn't being used when the motor home engine is being cranked.

jimg.allentown · Sep 6, 2015

The wires to keep the battery charged seem to be the best idea.
Forget about tow dolly unless you can dolly ALL FOUR wheels or disconnect the driveshaft(s). With AWD, there is a transfer case that will potentially be damaged by having the wheels on one axle turning without the other axle's wheels turning.

GVSII · Sep 7, 2015

I think the 7 pin plug is the best way to go as far as charging the batt. goes.
For running lights,brake and turn signals,I saw a unit that used a transmitter and receiver to signal those commands from the tow vehicle to the towed vehicle.No wiring needed.Its lights were attached with magnets.
As for using a dolly,the owners manual will give the details but some fords can be flat towed for up to 5 hours then the engine run for 5 minutes and you're good for another 5 hours.This applies to Intel.FWD cars.

Charging problem

37chief

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notjustair

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37chief

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Bob Bancroft

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Angle Iron

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David G

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olddog

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Owen Aaland

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jimg.allentown

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GVSII

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