How to Charge an Extra Battery in the Truck Bed on My 2012 Chevrolet Silverado While Driving
Question:
I want to be able to charge an extra battery in my truck bed while driving for boat and RV. Theres a DC outlet in the bed. Is there a product out there that will allow me to use that to charge the battery? Alternately, can I use the hitch connector? I have a 7 pole connector on my truck with a 4 pole adapter to fit my trailer. is there such thing as a 7 to 4 pole adapter, that has separate wires to charge a battery?
asked by: Nik
Expert Reply:
The best option would be to use the NOCO Genius # 329-GENIUS5, and charge the battery when shore power is available, or use the charger in conjunction with an inverter part # WC3720 when the truck is running. If you wanted to use the factory 7-way you could use the 12-Volt Power Inverter Adapter, # HM11147650, to provide DC power to the inverter.
If the DC outlet in your truck is ran directly off of the trucks charging system, then you could use it to maintain a battery that is fully charged or provide a maintenance charge to a battery that has been somewhat discharged when the truck is running. It would not provide a charge for a battery that has been severely discharged. If the DC outlet is wired some other way like with an inverter or converter, you would have to check with the manufacturer of the DC outlet that was installed.
To use the 7-way on your 2012 Silverado the same issue as above is encountered because the power to the 7-way is connected to the trucks charging system. You could install a 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness, # 41157, and use the 12-Volt Power Inverter Adapter, # HM11147650 mentioned earlier to provide the maintenance charge I mentioned above by connecting the leads to the positive and negative post of the battery. You would then be able to use the 7-way at the rear of your vehicle for towing. I also recommend connecting the leads to the battery before plugging into the 7-way socket in the bed to prevent shorts.
Products Referenced in This Question
NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 5 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- ATV
- Boat
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Generator
- Jet Ski
- Lawn Mower
- Motorcycle
- RV/Camper
- Snowmobile
- Trolling Motor
- 120 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- 6V
- 12V
- Wall Outlet to Vehicle Battery
- NOCO
more information >
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Wagan Mobile Power Inverter - AC Outlet and USB Port - 1,000 Watts
- 12V Power Accessories
- Power Inverter
- 3 AC Outlets
- 2 USB Outlets
- 1000 Watts
- Wagan
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug Only
- 4 Flat
- Pollak
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Q&A: Replacement Lock for ARE Truck Bed Cover/Topper
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set - Incandescent - 30' Harness
- Shop: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Flat Tow Brake System - Proportional
- Shop: Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit - Mini Cooper
- Video: Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit Review RM-751200
- Video: Review of Roadmaster Tow Bar Braking Systems - Even Brake System - RM-9400
- Video: Buyers Products Heavy Duty Magnetic Tow Light Set Review
- Shop: 12 Volt Outlet Kit, 20 amps
- Video: Base Plate Kit Installation - 2010 Mini Cooper
- Search Results: tow lighting
- Search Results: lighting
- Search Results: hitch wiring adapter
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Q&A: Adapter Recommendation to go From Vehicle 7-Way to 4-Way
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Anti-Rattle Devices
- Q&A: Recommended Tow Bar for 2010 Mini Cooper
- Q&A: Recommended Flat Towing Components For A 2010 Mini Cooper S
- Video: Roadmaster Tail Light Wiring Kit Installation - 2010 Mini Clubman
- Video: Roadmaster Even Brake Portable Braking System Installation - 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Review of Custer Tow Bar Wiring - Bypasses Vehicle Wiring - LIW-LDTL-7B
on Trailer Wiring
