Wiring Exterior Trailer Lights to be Powered by Reverse Circuit and On Board Battery
Question:
All, I want to add an on board battery to power both the trailers original equipment interior lights when disconnected from tow vehicle and to power some exterior LED spots I just added. I already ran a new 14 ga. wire from the center pin on my 7-pin so the exterior spots act as hi-mount back-up lights. I would like to be able to separately switch them so they can operate off the on board battery too. I bought the CTEK 3300 from you already and plan to hook that up also for shore power recharging. I also ran a new 10 ga line from the empty aux power pin on my 7 way to a battery box. I bought an isolator from you too that I will install in the tow vehicle so I can charge the trailer battery while underway. I want to keep the original switches for the original interior lights too - just be able to power from battery on board or harness power. I keep confusing my self with switching and could use a diagram that tells me where to run which switch to where and where I need fuses. Does any of that make sense? Can you help me out with a simple diagram please? Its a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 and a 6x10 American Hauler enclosed, no brakes. Thanks in advance.
asked by: Bruce B
Helpful Expert Reply:
In order to wire your exterior hi-mount trailer lights so that they are powered by the reverse light circuit on your Ram but can also be powered by the on board battery, you will just need to use a diode like the Roadmaster # RM-790. The output side of the diode will go to your exterior LED lights, while the input side will go to the center pin on your 7-Way and also to your on board battery via a switch like # PK34308. I also recommend adding a circuit breaker like # 9506P before the battery.
Your interior lights can just be wired directly to the battery to be used with your existing switch. You can add a circuit breaker to this connection as well.
I have attached a diagram to assist.
Products Referenced in This Question
In-Line Circuit Breaker - 20 Amp - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Pollak Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - Black
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Switches
- Rocker Switches
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Roadmaster Hy-Power Diode - (Qty 1)
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar Wiring
- Diodes
- Roadmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
- Lawn Mower
- Jet Ski
- 150 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- 12V
- Wall Outlet to Vehicle Battery
- CTEK Power Inc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Charging a Trailer Breakaway System Battery Using the 12 Volt Circuit on a 7-Way Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How to Wire 12V Battery in Enclosed Trailer to Power Trailer Lights Independent of 7-Way Connection
- Q&A: No Trailer Connection on Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller 90195 on a 2000 Toyota Tundra
- Q&A: Solar Panel Recommendation for Trickle Charge on Winch Battery
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Landing Gear Not Lifting 5th Wheel
- Q&A: Adding a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer to Power Interior Lights
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Battery be Directly Connected to the 12 Volt Circuit on a 7-Way Connector
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)