Molly Ayala
RVs have evolved over the years, and modern RVs have different power requirements than older models. While older RVs used to pull power from the tow vehicle's 12v supply to charge the 12v house battery, this system is no longer common today. Modern RVs typically have inverters and shore power, eliminating the need for power from the tow vehicle. However, it's important to note that the 12v supply from the tow vehicle is still present in the 7-pin plug, but it may not be utilized by the RV.
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What You'll Learn
Tow vehicle not charging new lithium battery
There could be a number of reasons why your tow vehicle is not charging your new lithium battery. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the battery is properly connected to the tow vehicle. Check that the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion, and that the cables are securely attached.
If the battery is connected correctly, the next step is to check the charging system of the tow vehicle. Ensure that the alternator is functioning properly and that the voltage regulator is set to the correct voltage for the lithium battery. You can use a multimeter to test the voltage at the battery terminals to verify that the correct voltage is being supplied.
If the voltage is insufficient, there may be an issue with the alternator or voltage regulator. In this case, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or a specialist in RV electrical systems to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Additionally, it is worth considering the compatibility of the lithium battery with the tow vehicle's charging system. Lithium batteries have specific charging requirements, including a different voltage and charging profile compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Ensure that the tow vehicle's charging system is compatible with lithium batteries and is properly configured to provide the correct charging parameters.
Finally, if you have recently installed the new lithium battery, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for initial charging and maintenance. Some lithium batteries may require a specific charging procedure, such as a slow initial charge or a balancing procedure, to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Refer to the battery's user manual or consult with a lithium battery specialist for guidance.
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The requirement of a battery for the breakaway switch
The breakaway switch on a towable RV is always powered by the battery bank on the trailer. This is important because, in the event that the tow vehicle and trailer become separated, the brakes will be activated and remain fully applied. This safety mechanism is reliant on a battery source that is independent of the tow vehicle. Therefore, a breakaway kit typically includes a breakaway switch, a cable, a breakaway battery, and a box.
It is crucial to understand that the breakaway switch should not be connected through a converter, as converters are only activated by 120-volt AC power. Instead, the power flows directly from the battery to the brakes. To ensure proper functioning, annual testing is recommended. This involves jacking up one or two tires on each axle, spinning the tires, and pulling the pin to verify that the brakes are fully activated.
Additionally, it is imperative to always leave the pin in the switch. Removing the pin can lead to overheating and potential damage to the breakaway switch. The only instance when the pin should be removed is during testing or when the trailer is in storage. In such cases, it is advisable to keep the batteries charged to prevent excessive power drain.
While some breakaway kits can be wired to splice off the power wire from the trailer's battery, others require a separate power supply. It is important to refer to the kit instructions and local regulations to ensure compliance and proper installation. Overall, the breakaway switch plays a vital role in trailer safety, and its functionality is dependent on a dedicated battery source.
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Tow Dollies and their lighting and braking systems
When it comes to tow dollies, lighting systems are essential for visibility and safety, especially when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions. While the specific lighting requirements may vary by jurisdiction, typically, tow dollies are required to have lights that illuminate the dolly itself and any load it is carrying. These lights ensure that other drivers can see the tow dolly and its cargo clearly, helping to prevent accidents.
Moving on to braking systems, there are a few options available for tow dollies. One popular option is electric brakes, which require a controller to engage. These brakes are easy to install and use, and they ensure a smooth ride for your vehicle even at highway speeds. Another option is surge brakes, which are self-contained and do not rely on the tow vehicle's brake system. They are activated by passive pressure when the tow vehicle slows down, pushing the dolly against a surge actuator or coupler, which triggers the brakes. Surge brakes are a good choice for lighter loads and conditions that do not pose a high risk of trailer sway. For heavier loads, disc brakes may be a better option, as they provide good braking torque and are favoured by those who like to perform DIY maintenance on their tow dollies.
When choosing a tow dolly, it is important to consider your specific needs and driving experience. The best tow dolly brake design for you will depend on your experience driving with a car in tow and how you plan to use your tow dolly. Investing in a high-quality tow dolly with a reliable braking system can provide increased safety for you, your load, and other drivers on the road.
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Torque and range considerations
Torque and horsepower are two measurements of a car engine's power output. Torque moves the vehicle from a stop and helps it get up steep hills, while horsepower provides highway passing power when the engine is revving hard, allowing the vehicle to accelerate at high speeds. In other words, torque lets you do the work, but horsepower lets you do the work quickly.
Torque is more important for towing than horsepower. This is because of the 'low-end rpm' generated by the higher levels of torque, which allows the engine to easily carry heavy loads. A high-torque vehicle will be able to tow trailers or other objects with an extremely low value of rpm. Tires, suspensions, wheels, and gears also play an important role in towing.
When it comes to electric tow vehicles, only when 200- to 300-kilowatt-hour battery packs become available will they be able to seriously compete with gasoline or diesel engines. The weight and volume of the batteries also need to be considered, as this will impact the gross combined weight rating (gcwr).
Some examples of electric tow vehicles include the Rivian R1T, which will have a range of 230 to 400 miles and the ability to tow 11,000 pounds, and the Ford Mustang Mach E, which will have a range of up to 300 miles but its towing capacity is not yet known.
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Electric vehicles being unsuitable for flat towing
Flat towing is towing with all four wheels of the towed vehicle on the ground. While flat towing is considered the gold standard of towing, not all vehicles can be flat towed. Electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, are generally unsuitable for flat towing.
EVs are typically not suited for flat towing because their electric motors are often directly connected to the wheel(s) it's powering. So when the vehicle is shifted into neutral, unlike in a traditional drivetrain, the motor isn't disconnected from the wheels. This means that the motor will still be active and generating power while being towed, which can cause substantial wear and tear on the electric motor. Additionally, EVs don't have the same type of transmission as gasoline engines, which is typically required for flat towing.
Another challenge with flat towing EVs is the weight of the vehicles. Most battery-electric vehicles are relatively heavy, and this weight can put strain on the tow vehicle and the towing equipment. This means you'll need a powerful tow vehicle with robust brakes and a strong tow strap to safely flat tow an EV.
While it is technically possible to flat tow some EVs, it is not recommended due to safety concerns. Darren Palmer, Ford's general manager of battery-electric vehicles, expressed reservations about potential hazards related to tow-strap breakage and vehicle collisions. He also noted that the electric vehicle's system might report a fault under towing conditions, which could damage the system.
Some EV manufacturers, like Rivian, have claimed that their vehicles can be flat towed. However, it's important to note that deliveries of these vehicles have been slow, and there isn't much real-world data to corroborate these claims. Overall, while the possibilities for flat towing EVs are evolving, it is currently not a recommended practice due to the potential risks and challenges involved.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be a number of reasons why your RV is not pulling electricity from the tow vehicle. Firstly, check that the on-board battery is installed correctly as this is generally needed for the breakaway switch. Secondly, check that the black wire on the lower left is the charge wire, as this will isolate the tow vehicle battery from the trailer if removed. Lastly, check that your fridge is running on propane or auto, as this could be draining your battery.
It could be that the tow vehicle is not compatible with charging the RV battery. Not all tow vehicles are capable of charging any sort of battery.
Check the owner's manual and consult the dealer or vehicle maker. You may need to install a DC/DC charger, which often requires disconnecting the 7-pin wire.
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