Can Battery Isolator be Used In Place of 40 Amp Circuit Breaker On ETBC7 in a 2012 Town and Country

Question:

Can the Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 be placed in the same power line that runs from the battery to the trailer connector as per ETBC7 brake controller installation kit and if so can it be used in place of the 40 amp circuit breaker provided in the kit? I am trying to install the kit, a tekonsha primus brake controller for electric trailer brakes, and the solenoid to prevent battery drain all on a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country van. Thanks for any response in advance!

asked by: Timothy H

Expert Reply:

You can use the battery isolator # PK5231201 in line on the 12 volt circuit when using the 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7. But you would not want to use it to replace the 40 amp circuit breaker. The issue is that when the vehicle is running the circuit will be closed and a short, if there was one on the 12 volt wire, could cause damage if the circuit breaker is not there to shut down the power. The 100 amp rating on the solenoid is twice as high which would also increase the likelihood of something drawing power getting damaged because it was allowed to draw so much power.

When wiring up the 12 volt power wire it will go from the connector first to the circuit breaker, then to the solenoid, then to the battery. Keep in mind that the 12 volt circuit will only draw power from the vehicle battery if something is connected to the 7-Way that draws power.

I have included some links that should help with the ETBC7 installation.

expert reply by: Michael H