Can a Breakaway System be Used to Power an LED Light on a Trailer

Question:

Can this battery/charger be used to power 12v LED lighting? I do not have brakes on my trailer, and only a 4 prong plug, but I would like to have a light in the tongue toolbox even when the vehicle isnt connected. Would the running light circuit on the trailer be sufficient for the battery to charge when the trailer is connected? Will a diode keep the battery from powering the trailer lights when the trailer is disconnected?

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

You could use the Engager breakaway system # 20099, or more specifically the battery it comes with, to power an LED light. If you connect the charger to the running light circuit then using a diode such as # RM-690 between the charger and running light circuit would prevent power from back feeding from the battery to the trailer wiring.

In order to provide a charge to the battery you would need to have the running lights or head lights on even during the day to supply constant power to the charger and battery.

expert reply by: Michael H