Battery Isolator for Use to Charge 12V Trailer Battery
Question:
I have a horse trailer which I tow with my RV and truck. The trailer has a battery for the breakaway switch and interior lights. I would like to charge the battery when driving, however isolate the battery, so when the RV/truck is parked it does not draw power from my vehicle. Can you please advise at the the correct battery isolater and proper wiring. Currently I believe the battery gets power from the blue wire on the 7 pin. Thank you.
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
You can use a battery isolation solenoid like # PK5231201to allow 12V power from your tow vehicle to reach your trailer connector and charge your trailer battery. This will install on any ignition-controlled circuit, such as that for a power antenna, by using a fuse tap kit # F2526. The center tap on the solenoid accepts this control signal from the key-controller circuit and then allows current to flow between the two other poles on the isolator.
On a 7-way wiring setup the 12V power feed is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position as you look at the vehicle socket; please see the linked photo. Wire colors are not a reliable way to identify circuit functions. Testing is the only way to be sure. A circuit tester like # PTW2993 can be used to find the wire that carries that 12V power. A charging circuit should use a wire gauge no smaller than 10-gauge, like # 10-1-1.
Please note that your trailer breakaway system battery should NOT be used for anything other than that safety feature. You will want to install an additional battery on the trailer to power interior lights.
Products Referenced in This Question
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery Boxes
- Switches and Solenoids
- 100 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: isolator
- Q&A: Diode Recommendation to Prevent Trailer Battery From Backfeeding onto Vehicle Wiring
- Q&A: Wiring 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Q&A: How to Charge a Trailer Battery Through a 7-Way Connector
- Q&A: No 12 Volt Power to Trailer Connector on a 2002 Chevy Silverado
- Shop: Pollak 7-Circuit-Breaker Junction Box
- Shop: Roadmaster Single Park Light Diode
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Can You Convert to 2-1/2 Inch Shank From 2 Inch With Reese Weight Distribution Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: l44649
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Video: Manufacturer Review - Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Search Results: junction box
- Search Results: trailer jack
on Accessories and Parts
