Adding a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer to Power Interior Lights
Question:
I want want to install a separate, standard 12 volt deep cycle trailer battery to operate my switched interior LED lights. The interior lights are wired to operate only when the ignition in my truck is on and trailer is plugged in. My current configuration is a breakaway battery perhaps I can eliminate this and use a larger battery for both lights and brakes?, 7 pin connectors on 2012 Toyota Truck and Featherlight 7x16. I will use a group 24 deep cycle battery on the tongue of the trailer. Can you tell me how I wire this and what parts I need?
asked by: Scott
Expert Reply:
The best way to power the interior lights in your trailer is with its own independent battery. You will not want to use the breakaway battery. The breakaway battery is only designed to operate the breakaway and will drain extremely quickly, they're only required by law to operate your brakes for 15 minutes.
There's a few ways you can install a battery onto the trailer. One is to connect it to the 12 volt pin on the trailer's 7-way in place of the breakaway battery that is currently connected there, then connect the breakaway battery to the new battery. To do this you will need a new battery and some wire like # 10-1-1 which is sold by the foot.
Another is to use a junction box, like # 38656, and mount it to your trailer connecting all of the trailer wiring through it to your 7-way. This requires more rewiring but you end up with a nice, clean set up on the trailer once it's finished. You'll also need some ring terminals, # 44-5310A, to make the connections inside the box.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/16 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Fastenal
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Wire 12V Battery in Enclosed Trailer to Power Trailer Lights Independent of 7-Way Connection
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installing a Battery on a Trailer and Wiring it to Run Interior Trailer Lights
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Video: Spectro Trailer Wiring Junction Box Installation
- Search Results: tailgate steps
- Shop: Lippert Power Stance Electric Trailer Jack w/ 7-Way Plug - A-Frame - 18" Lift - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: How to Add a Battery to an Enclosed 6x12 Cargo Trailer for Powering Interior Lights.
- Shop: 10 Gauge Primary Wire - Blue - per Foot
- Video: Yakima HD Roof Rack Tracks Installation - 2023 Nissan Titan XD
- Shop: Tow-Rax Low-Profile Floor Track for Tie-Down Anchors - Aluminum - 6' Long - Machined - Qty 1
- Search Results: l~track
- Shop: RV Exterior Lighting
- Shop: Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Shop: Buyers Products Super Track Kit - 4 Clear Anodized Extruded Aluminum Rails With 8 Tie Rings
- Shop: Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control - 1 to 4 Axles
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: battery
- Q&A: Can Roof Rack Tracks be Installed on A.R.E. Truck Cap
- Search Results: deezee
- Search Results: battery powered led interior lights
- Search Results: trailer battery
- Video: Lippert Power Stance Electric Trailer Jack Review and Installation
- Video: Review of Lippert Components Camper Jacks - Electric A-Frame Jack - LC89VR