Should an Electric Trailer Jack Run Off of a Trailer Breakaway Battery
Question:
I just purchased a used 24foot interstate cargo trailer. It has a break away battery and a automotive style battery inside trailer to run work lights. I noticed the electric trailer jack runs off the break away battery, when I disconnect the large battery inside the jack still works. Are the two batterys in series or parallel? I would like they should be separate circuits. Where can I find a wiring diagram showing from the tow vehicle to the rear lights of the trailer and everything in between.
asked by: Rick F
Expert Reply:
The trailer jack should very much NOT be powered by the breakaway battery. That was likely done by the previous owner for convenience. The breakaway battery is a dedicated battery for the breakaway system only. It needs to be able to apply the trailer brakes on full for 15 minutes.
If the jack was to run down the battery then the breakaway system would not be able to power the brakes for long enough.
Also, a breakaway battery is too small for the power needs of a jack. Most breakaway batteries are only rated for around 5 amp hours.
As far as a wiring diagram for your specific trailer the only place that would have that is the trailer manufacturer and it isn't likely they would have it. But there are only so many circuits a trailer uses so you can follow the generic wiring diagram I have included. Keep in mind that there is no wiring color code standard and the colors used are common but not standard.
A good way to keep trailer wiring neat and organized is to use a junction box such as # 38656. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Video: Spectro Trailer Wiring Junction Box Installation
- Video: Blue Ox Avail Tow Bar Installation - 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Search Results: trailer brake battery
- Video: Review of Vitrifrigo RV Refrigerators - Stainless Steel RV Mini Refrigerator - VT54FR
- Q&A: How to Establish Ground Connection When Re-Wiring Aluminum Trailer
- Video: Review of Vitrifrigo RV Refrigerators - Black RV Mini Refrigerator - VT34FR
- Shop: Phoenix Electric Trailer Jack - A-Frame - 22-1/2" Lift - 4,000 lbs
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Single Locking Battery Box
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Locking Battery Box - 6V and 12V Lithium Batteries - Powder Coated Aluminum
- Video: Review of TorkLift Battery Boxes - Trailer Battery Box - Camper Battery Box - TLA7700L
- Shop: Commercial Grade Battery Box for Group 4D Batteries - Vented
- Shop: MORryde Locking RV Storage Box - 10" Deep x 25-3/4" Wide x 10" Tall - 1-1/2 cu ft
- Shop: TorkLift PowerArmor Locking Battery Box - 6V and 12V Batteries - Diamond Plate Aluminum
- Search Results: battery box trailer tongue
- Search Results: battery box
- Q&A: Will TorkLift PowerArmor Lithium Battery Box Work with Other Types of Batteries
- Q&A: Battery Box to Mount Four 6 Volt Batteries on A-Frame Trailer Tongue
- Q&A: How Can You Mount The Commercial Grade Battery Box To An A-Frame With Battery Rails?
- Q&A: How to Mount 2 Batteries on A-Frame Trailer with Limited Space on Tongue
- Video: NOCO Commercial Grade Battery Box Review
- Video: NOCO Battery Boxes - Marine Battery Box - 329-HM484 Review
- Article: What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an RV Air Conditioner?
- Q&A: Adding A Rooftop A/C Unit To An Enclosed Trailer
- Q&A: How to Wire the Bulldog Powered-Drive Trailer Jack # BD500200 on a Trailer with No Battery
- Search Results: break away cable
- Search Results: gate hinge
- Search Results: 7 way plug tester
- Search Results: trailer light kit
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams