Can a Trailer Mounted Battery be Charged with the Factory 7-Way Connector on a 2013 Nissan Frontier

Question:

I have a new 2013 Nissan Frontier with the tow package and seven pin electrical harness. Is it prewired from the factory to charge my trailer battery?. I just purchased the trailer and the RV dealer says it depends on the truck.

asked by: Rick R

Expert Reply:

Since your 2013 Nissan Frontier came with a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector, the 12 volt circuit is probably hot. You can test it using a circuit tester like # 3808 or by plugging in anything that requires that circuit to be live to function. The 12 volt pin is in the 1:00 position if looking at the pins.

The 12 volt circuit in the trailer wiring connector will provide a maintenance charge to a trailer mounted battery. However, it will not be able to charge up the battery. The wiring is not large enough and the alternator on the vehicle cannot push back enough amperage to charge up the trailer battery.

It is recommended to charge the trailer battery from time to time using shore power and a battery charger. We have the CTEK line of battery chargers. Several of us here own charger # CTEK56353 and it works quite well. It is not a trickle charger so will not overcharge a battery. It can actually help revitalize a battery, extending its overall life. I have linked a video review of this charger for you.

expert reply by: Michael H