Installation of Auxillary Trailer Lighting On a 16 Foot Landscape Trailer, Behind a 2006 Ford F-150
Question:
I built a 16 foot landscape style trailer. I installed LED lighting in the bed to help aid in loading at dusk. These LED lights total 1 amp when operating. I have installed a battery on the trailer to operate these lights. Should the wire feeding these lights be fused to protect this wire ? Also, when I hook up this battery, do I ground the negative terminal to the frame where I ground the 7 way trailer plug also?
asked by: Nate
Expert Reply:
If you have installed a separate battery for the LED lights that you installed then you will need to use a inline fuse to protect the LED lights and battery from shorting out. I would recommend the Modulite Installation Wiring Kit, item # 118151, which has the inline fuse needed and wire for wiring the power to the lights.
You will need to ground the trailer battery to the trailer frame and the lights can then be grounded to the trailer frame. I would use a 6 gauge or larger wire and ground to the closest available point on the frame that will supply a good ground. The second battery will require charging when the battery gets ran down so this system would not be self sustaining. I believe a better choice would be to use the 7-Way power connection to power the led lights (see wiring link). This way the LED lights can be grounded through the trailer frame and they can be powered by the vehicles power connection. This will eliminate the need for an extra battery. Also if you decide to install the second battery because you want to be able to use the lighting when not connected to the truck, you can charge the battery with the power connection from the vehicle while the trailer is being towed. To charge the battery just ground it as mentioned before and run the power wire from the 7-Way connector to the positive terminal of the auxillary battery.
One other safety factor you need to keep in mind is that, if the trailer is enclosed, you need to install the auxillary battery outside of the enclosed space. Fumes from the battery could cause a fire in an enclosed space. You should use a battery box to protect the battery from weather.
Products Referenced in This Question
ModuLite Installation Wiring Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Power Wire Installation Kit
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
ModuLite Installation Wiring Kit
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Power Wire Installation Kit
- Tekonsha
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Slipper Spring Hanger Positioning for 7,000 lb Tandem Axle
- Q&A: Hitch for 2016 Mazda 3 Hatchback to Carry 3 Bikes
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Q&A: Sewer Wye with Valves for Gray and Black Water Pipes of Winnebago Mini
- Q&A: Will EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver 306-X7261 Fit 2011 Subaru Impreza W/ Single Exhaust?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Triple or Quad Axle Suspension for Trailer Build
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: Can I Install a 7 way With a Charge Line on my 2020 Tesla Model Y
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver And Wiring Recommendation For 2021 Tesla Model Y
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Tow Bar Wiring: Which Wiring Kit is for You?
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch