My wife and I set off yesterday for our first camping trip in quite while. Started out
with a minor problem. I tow a hybrid and it needs a device to charge the battery while
in tow or the startup battery could totally discharge.

I spent nearly $200 to have this device installed, and it didn't work. I only had a 2-1/2
hour drive so it didn't concern me much, but it needs to be fixed before I attempt a long
trip.

As if that wasn't enough, the 'check engine' light came on. Once I came to a complete
stop, the engine was underpowered and had trouble getting up to speed.

That's 2 places I have to go to get things fixed. The first is the shop that installed the
device,, and the second is Freightliner so they can put it on a computer to see what the
problem is and fix it.

Camping is supposed to be fun. I hate it when something happens to change that.

Mike

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BY: Mike Dippel(954:895/1)

My wife and I set off yesterday for our first camping trip in quite
while. Started out
with a minor problem. I tow a hybrid and it needs a device to charge
the battery while
in tow or the startup battery could totally discharge.

What's it like working with the hybrid vs. traditional as far as towing? I never really thought about the differences on that, but I'm guessing there are probably at least a few.

How was the trip once you got there? No further issues I hope!

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You asked about the differences between Hybrid and Conventional.
Specific to the Ford Fusion, there are no instructions on what fuse to
pull to avoid battery discharge while towing. Every time you use your
turning signals, apply the brakes, etc there is a slight draw on your
car battery to activate the lights.

With my other vehicle (a Saturn Aura), they had you pull a specific fuse
to prevent that battery draw. The Fusion has keyless entry, and if
your battery dies there is no way to unlock the door.

Ford advertises that it is 'flat towable' but they realized there was a potential problem. They warranty the starting battery because they will
give you up to 4 batteries during the warranty period. There must a
reason for that.

I know I haven't provided an explanation, probably because I don't
really have one. I only know that the Saturn was a much better choice.

Mike


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MIKE DIPPEL wrote to ALL <=-

Camping is supposed to be fun. I hate it when something happens to
change that.

Ouch...





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