How to Charge a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer

Question:

how can i keep my battery charged from my 7 way plug on my truck being as my trailer has electric brakes. also can you charge while driving using your clearance light wire to charge the battery. thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

If you are referring to a breakaway battery then you can use the 12 volt (usually black) power wire that is present in the 7-way trailer connector to charge it. I have attached a photo that shows where the 12 volt power wire is located on the 7-way trailer connector.

If you are referring to an auxiliary battery used to power a winch or appliances and lights then you are going to need to use a battery charger. For this, I recommend the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D. This charger will use the vehicle's alternator to charge the trailer battery while the vehicle is running. The excessive charge if needed can then be diverted back to the tow vehicle's battery.

The clearance light circuit will not be sufficient to charge either of the above batteries. I have attached a review video on the charger for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L