Trailer Battery Charging??

swc

swc

Forum Member
Hi Guys,

After discovering recently that our tow vehicle (F350) does not charge the trailer battery (regular car 12 volt type) as I was under the impression that it did (turns out it never did), I'd like to wire it so while rolling down the road the battery will charge and, if left plugged into the truck I can run the winch which will be powered by the 2 truck batteries and the trailer one all being charged by the alternator.

The trailer currently has 2 wires coming off the battery so it can be hooked up to the 12 volt output of the generator--that works as we have used it several times.

What I have in mind, and if this is wrong, someone please correct me, is:

Run both wires (10 ga. and a self re-setting breaker) directly of one of the truck batteries to a weather proof quick disconnect plug mounted by the 7 pin trailer pulg at the rear of the truck. I will then splice into the wires currently reserved for the generator and add the male portion of a quick disconnect to hook up to the new female at the rear of the truck. I assume that this is better than going off the truck's alternator.

Any other ideas??

Thanks!!
 
Maybe im not following you but we have our trailers set up to charge when the key is in the on position. The 7 pin trailer plug should have a constant hot coming from the truck. then wire the constant hot to your battery on the trailer. we have an on/off switch with a inline fuse also.


Another way ive seen it done and its fairly simple and effective. Run Two cables from your battery (1 positive and 1 Negitive) run it to the back of the truck. put some sort of connecter on it....some sort of plug. then from your trailer battery to the tounge of the trailer. this way when you want power. just plug the battery into your truck battery and use the winch and unplug when your done.
 
1BadSn95 said:
Maybe im not following you but we have our trailers set up to charge when the key is in the on position. The 7 pin trailer plug should have a constant hot coming from the truck. then wire the constant hot to your battery on the trailer. we have an on/off switch with a inline fuse also.


Another way ive seen it done and its fairly simple and effective. Run Two cables from your battery (1 positive and 1 Negitive) run it to the back of the truck. put some sort of connecter on it....some sort of plug. then from your trailer battery to the tounge of the trailer. this way when you want power. just plug the battery into your truck battery and use the winch and unplug when your done.
Click to expand...

Thanks--I'll check to see if there is a hot coming out of the truck 7 pin.

Later,
 
what year f-350?

is the relay and fuse installed in the truck for the trailer tow?
check your owners manual for the proper placement of fuse and relay. fuse and relay should of been in a sealed baggy with the trailer-brake wire harness.
 
swc said:
Thanks--I'll check to see if there is a hot coming out of the truck 7 pin.

Later,
Click to expand...
Update................found out that I had a blown maxi fuse under the hood---number 18 slot--problem solved. Thanks Guys!!
 
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