How To Create a Separate Battery Charge and Light Trailer Connector for a Truck Bed Camper

Question:

I have a Lance Truck Camper with the 7 pin custom plug. I modified my truck with the Lance power outlet with 8 AWG wire to my alternator. This worked great for a time but the Lance power outlet is flimsy and the plug jiggles loose while driving, which is incredibly dangerous. I had to tape it down with duct tape during my last camping trip because it came out during every drive. So Ive decided to either replace it with a custom plug and outlet which will handle the 8 AWG wire or split the power and lights into two plugs and receptacles. Id prefer to have twist on plugs for both but Id settle for US Standard RV blade plug for the lights and the RV Standard 30 amp inlet and plug for the power. The key is the power needs to support 8 AWG wire. Any suggestions?

asked by: Phillip L

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but most of the standard trailer connectors are not going to handle an 8 gauge wire very well as it is just too large. Therefore, your best option as you mentioned would be to just run the lights and battery charge line on separate connectors. I have attached some parts you will need below for the above option.

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV Blade-Style Trailer Socket - part # PK12-707E
Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - part # PK12706
Pollak Single-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Socket - part # PK11851
Pollak Single-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Connector - part # PK11852

The above connectors all have a very tight fit so you should not worry about them wiggling loose. That said, the RV plugs are all designed for AC current so they would not exactly work well for you.

expert reply by: Conner L