Prevent battery drain of TV

Bclarke

Hello.. I have a 7 pin connector on my TV.  I would like to eliminate a battery drain from the camper when the vehicle is off.  I did test it and the 12V power is live at the connector with the TV off.  So... does this get resolved with the installation of an isolator?   Does the RV store do this or the car dealer?   I admit being clueless so appreciate any help.   Thank you! 

Sharon_is_SAM

You need to install an isolation relay on your TV.  This will prevent battery drain from your TV battery.  Another option is to just disconnect the 7 pin from the TV.  Our Sienna charge line remains live when the ignition is off, so when we stop for lunch when on the road, we just disconnect the 7 pin.  We probably don’t even need to do that because our ARB sips power.  Just need to remember to reconnect.  

Bclarke

Thank you @Sharon_is_SAM ..  is this done by the car or the RV dealer?   (and thank you for removing my duplicate post! I just moved to my desktop to see if I could somehow but couldn't figure it out)  :-)

Sharon_is_SAM

I think an aftermarket auto electronics installer might do it.  Not sure if an auto dealer would do it.  Anybody else know!

pthomas745

Why would you want to leave it plugged into the vehicle?

Tampakayaker

I wired a toggle switch on my dash to cut off the power to the 7 pin when I stop.

Bclarke

@pthomas745 it’s not that I want to it’s that I know I will forget At some point.  😳

pthomas745

@Bclarke A perfect answer! 

AirBoss

Just unplug your TV...problem solved. 

4ncar

@Bclarke:  Either make it a point not to forget...OR the one time you do forget, will be your last and once you have recharged your TV battery, you'll never do it again! Thats what separates us from the apes...we learn from our mistakes(oh, and something about the thumbs...)!

Bclarke

Ok Ok ...   feeling pretty foolish here.   Ha!   I have figured out the thumb usage .. so I guess I will suck it up and learn how to do all of this the right way.  👍

m_lewis

Bclarke said:

Ok Ok ...   feeling pretty foolish here.   Ha!   I have figured out the thumb usage .. so I guess I will suck it up and learn how to do all of this the right way.  👍

You need not feel foolish. All apes have opposable thumbs. Most every lifeform learns from mistakes.  Some of us just learn faster. 

Bclarke

Our maiden voyage will be in a month... so just want to get it right.  We can’t wait!

Sharon_is_SAM

@Bclarke - if you do disconnect, just clip a reminder to reconnect to the steering wheel.  Can’t avoid seeing that!

Mouseketab

I would definitely take it to an auto repair shop and have the isolator installed. Automatic things make it easier on us and makes life more enjoyable. I would go to a local shop that specializes in automotive electronics. (Alternator replacement, etc.)

lino

I understand worrying about plugging back in
I have no skills with electrical systems 

Just use old fashion reminders
Started with little sticky note then small noodle piece on steering wheel

Helps with wheel lock since moving with it on scares me more  

ScottG

Bclarke said:

Ok Ok ...   feeling pretty foolish here.   Ha!   I have figured out the thumb usage .. so I guess I will suck it up and learn how to do all of this the right way.  👍

You don't need to feel foolish. If you don't mind diddling with your trailer pigtail (and the associated reminders) every time you stop for sandwich or a pee break, then by all means that is a good solution for you. Personally, that would just aggravate me--I like your original idea of getting an isolation relay installed!