Do Trailer Batteries and Car Batteries Have Different Terminals

Question:

Hi I have an old RV inverter power supply might be 70s I dont know the brand it only says DCV Automatic Battery Charger and Power Supply Model 15, Newmark Products, is been in my garage for years dont even remember where I got it from. My question is : I want to use it as a regular battery charger around the house for cars batteries and for my deep cycle trailer battery before going on a trip. If you can tell me whats the difference if theres any between the two connections trailer battery connection and car battery connection or I can use any of those two connection to charge my batteries. Im going to attach some pictures for you to see. Thank you in advance.

asked by: Jaime V

Expert Reply:

Auxiliary batteries, which are often used for trailers, and automotive batteries are both 12 volt batteries but there are many different types of 12 volt batteries and they are different in a number of regards, including amp hour ratings. In regards to their connections, they will both have positive and negative terminals, though I would not be able to tell you with any type of certainty that your much older battery charger is capable of working with modern batteries.

I very strongly recommend a new battery charger for your needs, which can be had at a relatively economical price; while not free, like what you found, a new charger will absolutely work for your car batteries and deep-cycle trailer battery - and most importantly, it will do so safely.

The most budget-friendly but highly effective charger is the CTEK MULTI US 3300 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance # CTEK56353 which is very easy to use, includes all the connections you need to charge your batteries and will also maintain the charge on your batteries. This is important because many chargers will overcharge your batteries, which reduces their lifespan and can lead to battery failure.

I have added a link to the CTEK Battery Charger # CTEK56353 for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S