Why Would Truck Battery Drain When Connected to Horse Trailer
Question:
I need help understanding why my brand new Dodge Ram 3500 diesel has a dead battery when I leave either of my horse trailers hooked up overnight. My Ford F350 diesel truck has never had that problem with the same 2 trailers the past 9 years Ive been towing with it. I feel so insecure horse camping with my new truck for fear of being stranded in the mountains with no cell service to get help. I dont feel that after spending that much money on a truck, that I have to pull the trailer plug every time I haul with it! Please give me your ideas.
asked by: Debbie T
Expert Reply:
Sounds like your Ford truck's 12 volt trailer wiring circuit shut off when the vehicle was turned off and your new Ram 3500 has this circuit active all the time.
Either way there's a circuit on your horse trailer that draws amperage when the trailer wiring is connected. Most likely lights or a battery which the lights can be turned off and the draw would stop.
You could use the isolation solenoid part # PK5231201 to turn the circuit off when the truck is off. It would install inline with the 12 volt circuit and then the center pin would run to a keyed power source which basically stops the circuit from being active until the vehicle is turned on.
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 >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Ladder Rack Compatible With Pace Edwards Ultragroove Tonneau on 2023 Ford F-150 With 6-1/2 Foot Bed
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
- Q&A: Is a Battery Isolator Needed When Using 7-Way Connector To Charge the Trailer Battery
- Q&A: Ladder Rack Compatible with BAK Revolver X2 Tonneau Cover
- Q&A: Can I Add the NOCO Genius On-Board Battery Charger to a System with an Existing Charger
- Q&A: Can I use the Noco Genius5 while my trailers own converter remains connected to the battery?
- Q&A: Recommended Battery Isolator for a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 w/ a 150 amp Alternator
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Article: How to Charge a Dump Trailer Battery
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Information and Review
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2016-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers