Can Battery Be Added to Trailer Wiring to Power Interior Lighting

Question:

I have a 2014 beetle TDI with an after market trailer hitch and wiring. I purchased a small home built tear trailer with no inside electrical. It does have the trailer wiring turn signals and break lights. I was wondering if I could tap into the light wiring on the trailer to charge a car battery while I have the car lights on while driving. I would put a manual switch between the battery and the drive lights so when i shut off the car and lights I can turn off the switch to stop the trailer battery from powering the tail lights but I can still hook a power converter up to the battery for interior lights on the trailer. Would this blow a fuse or cause any other problems?

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

If your 2014 Volkswagen Beetle and trailer don't already have one, I recommend installing a 7-way connector, Universal Installation Kit, # ETBC7, for the Beetle and 7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector, # A7WCB, for the trailer.

With this set-up you would use the 7-way on the Beetle to provide constant 12V power to the battery on your trailer. You shouldn't have any issues with this set-up blowing a fuse.

Wiring the battery in this way will maintain the charge on the battery. Aside from using a battery charger connected to a 110 outlet, I do not have an option that will allow you to actually recharge the battery.

expert reply by: Leah S