How Does Trailer Get Wired for a Battery for Powering Interior Lights

Question:

Good evening, I recently purchased a 2020 Cargo Mate Blazer trailer which is equipped with a 4 pin connector. Inside the trailer is an On/Offinch switch which operates two interior ceiling mounted LED lights. As these interior ceiling LED lights only function when the 4 pin connector is connected to my truck with the truck engine running, I would like to install a RV/Marine battery to operate those lights when the 4 pin is not connected to my truck. My towing vehicle is a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 with both the 4 pin and 7 pin connectors. Could use assist me in the process of making this addition? I did some research on your site but I cant find the exactly solution to my challenge. Thanks for your time and help!

asked by: Kevin K

Expert Reply:

When adding a battery to a trailer to power accessories like lights the idea is to run the charge circuit from the 7-way wiring (12 volt accessory circuit 1:00 pin position) to give it a maintenance charge when towing. So that's just a matter of running a length of 10 gauge wire like part # 10-1-1 (sold by foot) between the battery and the connector. Or if you don't want to charge the battery you can leave the charge circuit off but you'd need charge the battery periodically.

Deep cycle batteries like the part # BRW94FR are a great option as they hold a charge well and last a very long time. You'd then need to run the wire from the lights to the battery and that's it really.

If the trailer does not have a 7-way currently you can convert the wiring to a 7-way with the junction box part # 277-000141.

expert reply by: Jameson C