06 Ford flat towing.

[wiscjc]

Hi, I found this site by being a member of IRV2.com...I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and flat tow behind a motorhome, 4 wheels down. I have the Ford installed transfer lock out switch that works fine, but the battery goes dead on the explorer. I have a brake system installed, (Brake Buddy). Wondering what is causing the dead battery? There are no lights on in Explorer. Looking for help....Hope I've listed everything??? Thanks in advance..

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the towing section. Do you have an ammeter? If so, then measure the amp draw with the engine off.

 

[A Wise Guy]

When your brake buddy presses the brake pedal doesn't this cause the brake lights to activate?

 

[wiscjc]

When your brake buddy presses the brake pedal doesn't this cause the brake lights to activate?

Yes I have added an additional set of brake light/tail light/turn signals wired direct from the motorhome. I think I have the answer, I have been only truning off the ignition to the first stop and should be turning it all the way back, with the transmission in neutral. At the first stop there is probably some current draw. I will check this with an amp meter tonight....Thanks for the reply....JC

 

[A Wise Guy]

Yes I have added an additional set of brake light/tail light/turn signals wired direct from the motorhome. I think I have the answer, I have been only truning off the ignition to the first stop and should be turning it all the way back, with the transmission in neutral. At the first stop there is probably some current draw. I will check this with an amp meter tonight....Thanks for the reply....JC

I think I wasn't clear enough. When the brake buddy presses the brake pedal in your TOAD don't the brake lights on the TOAD turn on because the brake pedal is being pressed? Not the lights controlled by the RV. If the TOAD's brake lights are activating there is some current draw.

 

[wiscjc]

Ford Explorer "toad"

I think I wasn't clear enough. When the brake buddy presses the brake pedal in your TOAD don't the brake lights on the TOAD turn on because the brake pedal is being pressed? Not the lights controlled by the RV. If the TOAD's brake lights are activating there is some current draw.

I'm the one that is not clear...I have added additional lights in the taillight housing activated by the motorhome brakes and light switch/trun signals. I have ran additional wires to the extra lights so all are independent. Clear? I hope so....Thanks JC

 

[A Wise Guy]

Let me ask a different way. If you were to not hook up the motorhomes lights and had the brake buddy apply the brakes in the towed vehicle wouldn't the factory lights in the towed vehicle come on because the brake pedal is being pressed? There is a current draw. Brake lights will work no matter the key position.

 

[wiscjc]

Let me ask a different way. If you were to not hook up the motorhomes lights and had the brake buddy apply the brakes in the towed vehicle wouldn't the factory lights in the towed vehicle come on because the brake pedal is being pressed? There is a current draw. Brake lights will work no matter the key position.

Yes you are right, the Explorer Barke lights will go on...Sorry for my dumbness!!!! I would not think that this would make the barrery go flat though. I am checking the amp draw with the key in the first off position vs the second off position...I will let you know...Thanks for your concern and questions....JC