Charging Trailer Battery and Weight Distribution for 38 ft Primetime Lacrosse 3311RK

Question:

Hi, Im looking at upgrading my current battery to the brightway BRW37FR. I was just wondering what I will need to allow a trickle charge from my alternator as well as recommended solar panels. Also, is there an inverter setup available to run small electronics...primarily the TV and outlets for low watt items during overnight stays while enroute to campsites, dry camping without the use of a generator etc.? Additionally, my tow vehicle is an 05 4wd Ford Excursion with a 6.0 powerstroke. My TT is a 38ft Primetime Lacrosse 3311rk that is roughly 8100lbs UVW with 1035lbs tongue weight approx 13 of trailer weight. This battery will increase the tongue wt by probably another 130 lbs after removing the current battery. I use an Anderson WD anti sway system which was recommended over the equalizer by another RV dealer so long as the trailer weight is less than 10k lbs although the Anderson is rated up to 14k I feel that the most relevant factor is the tongue weight, so with this in mind, what is your opinion on the Anderson system? I will be installing Firestones ride rite air bags in the next couple of weeks and am planning on upgrading to the Torklift superhitch as well. A lot of info and questions here so thank you in advance!

asked by: Eric C

Expert Reply:

Most people will trickle charge their trailer battery through the 12-volt accessory circuit of the 7-way trailer wiring connector. You'd basically just run a wire from the 1:00 pin of the 7-way to the positive terminal of the battery # BRW37FR and it would receive a trickle charge when you are towing. You'd want to use 10 gauge wire like the # 10-1-1 which we offer by the foot. If the tow vehicle side of this connection isn't made you'd can use 10 gauge wire for this as well but you'd also need a circuit breaker like part # 9510 as well.

Our understanding (from customers and reviews online) is that the Equal-i-zer WD systems like the part # EQ37140ET which would be the most ideal for your trailer tongue weigh is the best. Many other systems have tried to replicate its design but it really does work the best. The Andersen system is really not even close in terms of effectiveness since it uses chains instead of spring bars. What most people will say is that the Andersen is solid for lighter tongue weights but for where you're at it would not work well at all. With this system I'd doubt you'd even need the Firestone air bag kit that fits your vehicle # F2251.

But the correct Torklift hitch you'd need is the # TLF1006 for your 2005 Excursion.