Disconnect your tow vehicle!

[Tinstaafl]

Just returned from a 1000 mile round trip to visit in-laws in VT.

Being a lazy cheapskate, I planned it out so that we had 2-3 hour hops each day, staying at Cracker Barrels each night. Worked out great for the most part (though after having supper and breakfast at each one, not sure we really saved any money ).

Spent a few days at the in-laws', plugged into shore power for lights, furnace and whatnot; no issues. But on the way home, we stayed at a Cracker Barrel extra-long, about 18 hours. That's when the trouble started.

Went to leave, and the tow vehicle didn't have enough juice in the battery to even make the starter chatter. Turns out that the battery disconnect switch on the camper didn't "make" when I turned it on, so for that whole 18 hours we were draining the TV battery instead.

Doofus didn't bring jumper cables, so I did a 1/3 mile hike to Lowe's, bought 'em and conned a nice CB customer couple into giving me a jump. Lesson learned.

Parenthetical comment: The last CB we overnighted at, another RV pulled in after closing time, ran their generator for a few hours, and skated before opening time. I wasn't too impressed with that.

 

[315RLTS in PA]

Drive a Ford, problem solved. LOL

 

[Tinstaafl]

Okay, while I admit to a preference for Ford, this TV is a Chevy Traverse with tow package. Ford configures them differently in a way that would have prevented the problem?

 

[mainah-SUN]

My Tacoma has a key disconnect. Shuts off when I turn off the truck. Seems too simple guess that's why they don't do it on all of them.

 

[Tinstaafl]

Ah, logical. Not the first time I've seen Chevy miss the target of common sense.

 

[JohnGB]

Many of the GM trucks have the charge wire in the 7 wire plug, direct to the battery (but with a fuse), no ignition needed.

Not sure all the GM's are missing the relay, but I know the ones I have owned never did. When I hung up the bowtie for the blue oval, I got a relay in the charge line circuit.

Trust me, all truck brands have their issues. The key is, learn which brand has which problems. Ideally, not the hard way... I learned too many that way....

 

[jim44646]

This is why I always carry a good jump box. You never know when you or someone needs a jump. With all the electronics on these newer vehicles it's safer for your vehicle than jumper cables.

 

[Tinstaafl]

That would be best practice, though I don't actually know anyone who's ever suffered damage from using standard cables properly. Of course, knowing me, I'd forget to keep the jump box charged.

 

[jim44646]

That would be best practice, though I don't actually know anyone who's ever suffered damage from using standard cables properly. Of course, knowing me, I'd forget to keep the jump box charged.

The key is properly. It only takes a minute of distraction or a person's inexperience to put his and your vehicle in jeopardy.
As far as keeping it charged plugging it into a keyed lighter socket keeps it charged. When key is off it won't fall victim to discharge by an outside source.