Adding a 12 Volt Maintenance Charge to a Trailer Mounted Battery

Question

Question:

i have a 98 dodge ram 1500 if i put a deep cycle battery on my trailer.i hook up a batt cable from the truck batt to an isolator and frm the isolato to the trailer batt will the batt on the trailer maintain the 12 volt charge.i will run a long batt cable under the truck instead of using the 7pin connector.i want to use the the batt on the trailer for the breakaway switch and an elec winch will only be used when i cant drive the car onto the trailer should i use a fuse or circuit breaker and what size hope you can help me

asked by: Ed R

0

Expert Reply:

Whether you attach the 12 volt circuit from the 7-Way to the battery or run a cable from the vehicle battery to the trailer battery you will likely only be able to maintain the charge level on the trailer battery but not up-charge it. The issue is when attaching to a 7-Way the voltage drop across the circuit prevents conditions for a full up-charge.

In addition to a 7-Way such as part number 37185 I recommend Redarc's BCDC Battery Charger # RED96FR to keep your battery at 100% instead of just maintaining its current charge. This unit is installed on the trailer and will act as a battery isolator as well as a battery charger that will increase the voltage as necessary to properly charge and maintain the battery. I have linked a video review of # RED96FR with more information regarding how it works and installation.

Instead of just a 7-Way adapter check out kit ETBC7L which has everything you need convert an existing 4-Way to a 7-Way with a functioning charge circuit. If you are planning on adding a brake controller instead use kit ETBC7 which has everything you need for adapting an existing 4-Way to a 7-Way with a fully functioning 7-Way. If you need a brake controller I recommend Tekonsha's Prodigy P3 Proportional Trailer Brake Controller Item # 90195. This brake controller is great if you have more than one trailer because you can set up profiles for quick settings changes and it works with both electric and electric over hydraulic brake systems.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

I attached a wiring diagram for the Redarc BCDC part #RED96FR for you to check out to show you where everything needs to wire but I also attached a link to the install instructions for you to check out as well.

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Answer 2

Yes, you'll be able to use the 12v feed from your tow vehicle via the 7 way connector to power the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Single Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 12 Amp #RED96FR; this is the recommended installation of this unit and…

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Answer 3

The amperage rating of the battery charge line circuit which is run through the trailer connector will be based on the vehicle as not all are the same. That said, most trucks can handle up to 40 amps. If you see yourself exceeding this rating or your…

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Answer 4

In regards to charging a battery/batteries in an enclosed trailer, the best way is to use DC current from the tow vehicle with a device like the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger part #RED96FR.

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Answer 5

A 7-way such as the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness - 7-Way Trailer Connector #118273 that fits your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder will provide a maintenance charge to your trailer battery while you are driving, though it won't charge the battery from a…

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Answer 6

Since your vehicle does have a smart alternator you do need to run a wire from the Redarc #RED96FR to the ignition. I also attached a diagram that shows how this installs on a Lithium setup like you have.

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Answer 7

No, the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center with AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger - 35 Amp #PD4135K is for converting AC/DC power sources to run things in your RV and to help charge your RV's battery. What you'll need instead…

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Answer 8

I do have an option for you but a battery charge line run through the trailer connector is only going to be able to provide a trickle charge for the battery. If you are using the battery for a winch, you'll need a lot more than a trickle charge…

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Answer 9

I apologize for any confusion but you do need to run the additional wire you mentioned when installing the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger part #RED96FR. The circuit that runs to the ignition is what turns the charger on when the vehicle is…

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Answer 10

Yes, you can but please keep in mind that this is not the most efficient way for charging a depleted battery. However, for maintaining a charge on a battery while you are driving you can use the 7-way connection such as the Optronics 7-way, #A7WCB…

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Answer 11

Yes, a battery isolation solenoid would allow you to cut the power from your start battery when the ignition is off, but wiring it to only cut the power to 7-way on the rear of your Ram could be a bit tricky. You wouldn't want to kill everything…

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Answer 12

The Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger #RED96FR would function if connected to the 12 volt accessory circuit of your trailer wiring but it's not going to provide as much of a charge compared to if it was connected directly to your truck…

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