Can Trailer Connector On Truck Charge Trailer Breakaway Battery Once It Is Dead

Question:

On the 20020, If the battery is dead do I need a, AC charger to recharge or will 12 v. system from truck bring to a full charge ? If not Please send a part # for a AC charger that work best. Thank You !

asked by: Russell

Expert Reply:

The current from the truck will not charge the battery in the Tekonsha Breakaway Kit, part # 20020 if the battery is completely dead. My contact at Tekonsha told me that it will charge the battery at a very low rate if the charger senses any charge on the battery. The charger in the 20020 will maintain a charge for the breakaway battery once it reaches its full charge.

My recommendation is to use a battery charger like part # CTEK56865 to charge the battery when it is not being used. This charger will provide a pulse maintenance once the battery has been charged. You can then disconnect when you want to tow, hook up your trailer to the truck and the current from the truck will maintain the battery in the breakaway kit.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L