How to Charge a Boat Battery Using a Tow Vehicle

Question:

Would this work to just charge a fourwheeler or boat battery while on a trailer. No inverter involved. Just swap the ring end terminals for alligator clips and charge 12v battery’s while on the road?

asked by: Brent

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins 12-Volt Power Inverter Adapter part # HM11147650 that you referenced is going to pull power for the vehicle's 7-way 12 volt circuit and may be sufficient to charge a four wheeler battery but would likely not charge a marine battery like the one on your boat. For this, you would need an actual battery charger that will use power produced from the vehicle's alternator, the Redarc BCDC Dual Battery Charger part # 331-BCDC1240D. The 12 volt circuit on the 7-way is predominantly used to charge a small breakaway battery like part # HM20008 or provide a maintenance charge on a full size 12 volt auxiliary battery where the Redarc BCDC will be able to provide much more charging power for your toys.

expert reply by: Conner L