Trailer Wiring Circuit Suggestion for Powering Back Up Camera Mounted on Trailer

Question:

Hello etrailer, I am hoping you might have a solution or suggestion to an odd problem I have. I am adding a backup camera to my trailer which will use a wireless link to send video to the tow vehicle. The question I have is if there is a good way to power this system so that it only runs when the vehicle is connected? Now I know the simple approach to this would be to wire it into the backup lights but Im also hoping to be able to turn the camera on when not backing up for additional visibility. I considered running the system straight from the aux power on the 7-pin but I believe that is also connected to the battery for charging and thus having the wireless transmitter directly connected to that circuit would slowly drain the battery all be it probably over a long time when not fed by the vehicle. Do you have any suggestions on how to isolate this from the battery on the aux line? Thanks!

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

You could use the running light circuit for the trailer. That way whenever you need to activate the camera system you could flip the running lights or head lights on.

expert reply by: Jameson C