Should 12 Volt Circuit be the Center Pin or 1 Oclock Pin in a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector
Question:
I am planning the wiring for my RV and Honda Element Toad and want to use the standard configuration as far as possible for future interchangeablility. I will use a 7-way blade connector. My question is one of convention. For my 12V charge line, would I be better advised to use the center pin or the 12V line at the 1:00 position? There will be 20A breakers in the RV and in the toad for safety.
asked by: Coyle S
Expert Reply:
I would stick with the standard 12 volt circuit at the 1:00 position rather than use the center pin, which is normally used for reverse lights. Please note that the 12 volt circuit on a trailer connector, no matter which pin it is associated with, will not be able to charge up a 12 volt vehicle battery (if that was your plan). It can only maintain the charge level of the battery.
So if you had something using power from the Toad battery while flat towing it then the drain would be greater than the charge coming in in all likelihood.
Also we usually recommend a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, for the 12 volt circuit.
Products Referenced in This Question
Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 40 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak Metal 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Socket - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Set Up for 2016 Montana 3710FL 5th Wheel
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Hitch Adapters and Extenders
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Recommendation for Installation of a Brake Mounting Flange on a Trailer Spindle and Axle
- Q&A: Recommended Wet Bolt and 2-1/4" Shackle Strap Kit for Tandem Axle Trailer
- Q&A: Do I Need Brakes On Both Axles of a Car Hauler Trailer?
- Q&A: Leaf Spring Recommendation for 4,400 lb Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Replace Trailer Leaf Springs in 5 Steps
- Q&A: Replacement Dexter Grease Seal for Seal Part K71-386-00
- Article: Troubleshooting Brake Controller Installations
- Q&A: How To Install a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller On a Freightliner Rollback M2