Parts Needed to Add Interior/Exterior Lights and a Battery to a Trailer
Question:
Hello - We are configuring a brand new cargo trailer for use as a boy scout troop storage/camping/travel trailer. We want to add lights to the exterior, lights to the interior, a large marine 12V battery, and a switch box to control the lights. Do you have any sort of suggested wiring schematic for such a setup? Wed like the vehicle 12V supply to charge the large trailer battery during travel or supply infinite lighting power if the vehicle is run. Thanks.
asked by: John B
Expert Reply:
I have attached a basic wiring schematic for a travel trailer for you to check out. We don't have anything that would be more detailed than this but you would basically just splice into the wiring on your trailer depending on how you want your exterior and interior lights to work.
Aside from the wiring and lights there are a few other things you will need. The switch that you use will depend on how much draw you expect to have, which is determined by the amount of lights you have and the type of lights you have. The most popular switch that we currently carry is the Pollak # PK34360 which is rated for 20 amps and comes with a red pilot light. Installing a 10 amp fuse holder like part # C58470-1 between your trailer battery and interior lights is also a good idea to help protect them.
If your trailer doesn't already have a 7-Way then I highly recommend installing one with a junction box. The Kit # HS381-9000 comes with all of this plus the connectors you will need. Using a junction box helps to protect your connections and makes your wiring easier to connect.
I also highly recommend installing the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D. Not only will this monitor your trailer battery to keep it from charging too much, but it also includes a built-in battery isolator so that your trailer battery doesn't drain the battery on your tow vehicle when it is off.
Some review videos have been linked for you to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- RV/Camper
- Trailer
- 75 Ah
- 200 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- 12V
- Solar Panels to Auxiliary Battery
- Vehicle Battery to Auxiliary Battery
- Redarc
more information >
Replacement In-Line Fuse Holder for Curt Wiring Harness - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Fuse Holder
- CURT
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 3-Blade - Red Pilot Light
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Switches
- Rocker Switches
- 20 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: redarc
- Search Results: inline fuse
- Search Results: c57672
- Shop: 10 Gauge Primary Wire - Red - per Foot
- Shop: Universal Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Shop: Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat
- Shop: 12 Gauge Black Primary Wire - per foot
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Replacement In-Line Fuse Holder for Curt Wiring Harness - Qty 1
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 68149
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Replacement for Demco Master Cylinder 05680-C for Drum Brakes
- Video: etrailer Trailer Brake Controller Universal Kit Review
on Accessories and Parts
