Using a Battery Isolator on the 12 Volt Circuit on a 7-Way and 2011 Ford Escape

Question:

Hello, I have a 2011 Ford Escape with the factory tow package. I will be adding this unit to my vehicle to tow my new to me camper. I dont want power to be provided to the black/aux when the ignition is off so I would like to add a relay I have done this on a motorcycle right from the ignition line. Where would be the best place to do this? I was thinking that I could use the tail lights off of the 4-flat but as I have the Prodigy RF I figured that might not be so good since the tail lights dont come on when only daytime lights are on which would result in no power to the brakes. Any suggestions? Or am I better off to just power directly to the battery without the relay?

asked by: Danny

Expert Reply:

The issue you are describing is a common one. The best way to avoid vehicle battery drain is to install a battery isolator # PK5231201, in line on the 12 volt circuit to the 7-Way.

The black 12 volt wire to the 7-Way will go first to the AUX post on a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540. Then attach a wire to the BAT post on the circuit breaker and attach that to the output side on the isolator. Then connect wire from the input side of the isolator to the positive battery terminal. Both the circuit breaker and the isolator will ground through the mounting hardware so they will need to be attached to the bare metal of the engine compartment near the battery.

The center post on the isolator is for a connection to a 12 volt ignition source (a source that only has power when the vehicle ignition is on). When the vehicle is turns off, no power will go to the 7-Way.

If you also need wiring you can use # 10-1-1 sold in 1 foot increments. We also have the # ETBC7 which is the 7-Way adapter, wiring, circuit breakers, and other accessories.