Is 12 Volt Accessory Circuit on 7-Way Supposed to Be On All the Time

Question:

I have 12-volt accessory power feed to the 7-way, only when the key is turned on or RV is running. Is this correct? My RV book stated it will always have 12v even when not running and key turned off.. They caution do not forget to unplug your plug when not needed. The reason Im asking is when I use the Blue OX break system in my towed car and stop for fuel and turn the key off I have to go back and setup /reset my break system in the car be for I start driving again. Is the RV book wrong? or something else wrong?

asked by: Myron D

Expert Reply:

There are two common ways that 12 volt accessory circuits are wired on vehicles/RVs. Either the circuit is on all the time or only on when the key is on.

Yours only coming on only when the key is on is perfectly normal but it sounds like not what your RV's owners manual states. If you really wanted it to be hot all the time you would need to run a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 from the 7-way to the positive post of the battery and it would be active at all times.

What's somewhat odd is that the way you have it currently is typically how most people want it. We get questions on how to convert the 7-way to your setup somewhat regularly. I can't think of the last time someone wanted the opposite.

expert reply by: Jameson C