Battery Charger and Solar Panel for Winch Battery on Car Hauler Trailer

Question:

I’m looking to run my winch and break away system off of two sepreate batteries for my car trailer. Is it possible to keep the breakaway system on the smaller battery that is already present and still use the 12v inlet from the 7 prong connector to have the truck charge both the break away system battery as well as a large marine battery for the winch while the truck is plugged in?

asked by: Nathan

Expert Reply:

You can use your truck 7-way 12V power circuit to maintain both the trailer's breakaway battery and a utility battery that operates the winch. But keep in mind that this 12V power feed is strong enough to maintain batteries but is NOT able to re-charge two depleted batteries. So you will want to use a shore-power AC charger like CTEK 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger # CTEK56353 to fully charge both batteries before a trip; then the 12V feed can maintain them as you travel.

A good option is a DC to DC charger that you can keep mounted on the trailer and attach to the 12V circuit on the 7-Way. It will charge a battery faster than a solar charger can and is part # 331-BCDC1240D. It can also have a solar panel attached to it if needed which gives you a dual power setup. This charger will not only charge the battery and do it faster than solar power but can also recondition a battery allowing it to last longer.

expert reply by: Adam R