Charging Battery for Trailer Lights Using Battery from 2017 Ford Super Duty

Question:

I run a non-profit equine assisted therapy program for kids and adults with disabilities called Diego Ranch Inc.. We have three trailers that I am working on right now. One trailer is our equipment trailer that we take to events like schools, hospitals and churches to serve our community. This trailer has two 36 inch led light bars, one 14 inch led light bar, two reverse backup led lights and eight 3 inch strobe lights all on the outside of trailer. I need to be able to hookup and unhook with power all the time. I have switches inside trailer and battery. The truck is a 2017 F250. My question is what do I need to be able to charge battery from tow vechicle while running and from home or venue along with diagram? Be easy on us on money because we are non-profit.

asked by: Michael J

Expert Reply:

To charge your batteries from an AC power source is pretty simple, you just need a charger like the CTEK US 0.8 Universal Battery Charger with Pulse Maintenance # CTEK56865. This is designed for smaller battery banks and just plugs in using a standard outlet like what you find in your home.

To effectively charge your battery from your 2017 Ford F-250 is a little bit of a different story. A common misconception is that running a power wire from the vehicle battery to the trailer battery will charge it, but that will only maintain the battery charge level at best since there is power lost due to the length of the wire.

To truly charge your trailer battery from the battery in your pickup you need a battery charger like the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D. This product boosts the power gained from your pickup and it has a smart charger included as well so that your battery is charged to 100% (most systems only get the batteries back up to about 80% of their potential). You do need the kit # 331-FK40 to install this system.

One of the cool things about the Redarc system is that you can eventually integrate solar panels into the setup. I have attached an installation and a review video of each product for you to check out. I do recommend disconnecting the different charging devices when you go to use the other one just to be safe.

expert reply by: Jon G