Battery Isolator For Adding a 2nd Battery To a Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

I have a Diamond C FMax gooseneck trailer. The trailer has a battery for the hydraulic ramp. I want to add a second battery for an add-on winch. I prefer not to cut into the factory wiring. My plan is to add a small solar panel and a AC-DC charger just for the second/winch battery. I know the original battery can be charged from my truck when its plugged in. Could I simple wire the second battery to the original battery in series with an isolator so that the second battery could charge as well when the trailer is connected to truck? I prefer to keep it simple.

asked by: Randy B

Expert Reply:

We do have the Redarc Smart Start Battery Isolator with Wiring Kit # 331-SBI12KIT which will allow you to add a 2nd deep cycle Battery # BRW34FR to your trailer. This will allow you to connect to your existing battery but isolate it from being drained by the hydraulic ramp. You do have the option of adding a Momentary Switch # 37213845 if you want to be able to pull power from your 2nd battery in the event the ramp battery dies. You would need to place the switch near the controls for the ramp as you will need to hold it while operating the ramp. This will prevent the switch from being left on accidently.

We do have the Bright Way Solar Battery Charger # BRW54FR and NOCO GEN On-Board Battery Charger # NOC54FR which you can mount on the trailer to charge the battery as well.

expert reply by: Bud M