Equipping 2004 GMC Sierra to Maintain Battery on Enclosed Trailer
Question:
Ok there are a lot of ways to connect a standalone battery to a enclosed trailer but I am trying to figure out the best way that is industry standard for both the truck safety and trailer. Here is what I have..2004 GMC 3500 Sierra Dully with a 7 pin trailer plug. I have a 2006 Pace Pursuit trailer with 12 volt and 110 volt wiring system. I am adding a battery to the trailer so when the trailer is unplugged I have lights that work without starting up the generator. I want then truck to charge the battery as I am driving but in dual battery setups you use a isolator so you dont over charge or under charge either battery. So if I use the 10 gauge wire that is the 12 volt source in the 7 pin plug and wire it directly to the battery dont I run the risk of not properly charging the trailer and truck battery? Also if I have the trailer harness plugged in and the truck is off then I will be draining both batteries in the event the 12 volt lights were left on or were being used for a long period of time. So with that said what is the best way to wire that battery into the system? I was thinking of a continuous duty solenoid to activate the trailer battery wire to get charged but still possibly need a battery isolator and a trigger switch in the truck since you will need to activate the solenoid. I want to try to keep this as simple as possible and not have to run any more wire to my truck. I dont mine rewiring a few things on the trailer. I am adding your junction box so I can break out and wire some backup lights I just ordered from you. Any help and diagrams would be great. I am well diverse in electrical but looking for the best way to do this. Thanks for any help you can provide I am sure that I am not the first person that wants to do this and has these questions.
asked by: John F
Expert Reply:
What you are wanting to do is actually pretty simple. The 12-Volt accessory circuit on your 7-way can be used to tend or maintain your battery on your trailer, but the circuit does not have sufficient amperage to charge a battery that has been completely discharged.
Using a battery isolating solenoid like part # PK5231201 would be advisable. This will prevent the battery on the tow vehicle from being discharged by disabling the 12-volt accessory circuit from the 7-way once the ignition on the truck is shut off.
We have a diagram showing how to wire a battery used to power a trailer mounted winch, the principle would be the same for what you are wanting to do. Click on the 'helpful link' icon to see the diagram.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery Boxes
- Switches and Solenoids
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