Can a Trailer Mounted Battery be Charged through a Trailer Connector

Question:

I have a boyscout trailer with full electric and emergency breakaway battery. I would like to add a second battery to run an interior lighting system. Boys are notorious for not turning off the lights and I dont want to risk running the lights off the breakaway battery. Can I add a second trickle charger, battery into the existing circuit? Any recommendations? We need light and to keep it low cost.

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

You can add a battery to the trailer that is dedicated to the lights in the trailer. However, you will not be able to up-charge the battery through the 7-Way connector, only maintain the current charge level. In order to charge up the battery you would need to use a battery charger like the NOCO Genius Smart Batter Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 5 Amp Item # 329-GENIUS5.

This charger works much better than the old trickle chargers that can overcharge a battery and not work to restore it. This charger provides 4 stages of charging that will help restore a batteries performance and it will not overcharge the battery.

I have included a link to a video review of this charger for you.

I do realize that you will not always have access to shore power in the great outdoors. It might be best to have a battery mounted on the trailer and then have a spare in the towing vehicle that is fully charged!

expert reply by: Michael H