Adding a Battery to a Trailer with a 4-Way Connector
Question:
I have a new enclosed trailer with a 4-way connector and I want to add a battery so that I can run the existing light when not hooked to running tow vehicle. I also want to add another small light and a 12v exhaust van to the vent. If I splice a battery into the power wire to the existing light, will the current charge the 12v battery while driving down the road? Also will placing a battery in the middle of the currentpower wire actually work?
asked by: Tim A
Expert Reply:
To run a charge line to your battery you will first need to install a 7-Way on your trailer. This can be done using the Epicord 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # 277-000141.
The Black wire in the junction box is the one that will carry the 12V power. Just simply use a ring terminal like part # 44-5310A and run 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 to the positive terminal on your battery. The 4 wires that are currently on your trailer and tow vehicle are only for the lights and are not large enough to carry power for your battery.
You then need to run the appropriate wiring to your extra lights and the fan.
If your tow vehicle doesn't have a fully functioning 7-Way then that will need to be added as well. Let me know the year/make/model of your vehicle if you only have a 4-Way and I can help you get it set up.
This wiring will provide a maintenance charge to your battery but will not necessarily add a charge to it. For that you would need to add a battery charger like part # 331-BCDC1240D along with a solar panel like part # PTW2997 and Ring Terminals # DW05702-1 to provide a charge.
Another option would be to use a charger that plugs into a standard outlet like part # CTEK56353 and charge the trailer battery when you are parked at home or near an outlet.
Products Referenced in This Question
Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- RV/Camper
- Trailer
- 200 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- DC to DC
- 12V
- Solar Panels to Auxiliary Battery
- Vehicle Battery to Auxiliary Battery
- Redarc
more information >
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/16 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Flint Hill Goods
more information >
CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
- Lawn Mower
- Jet Ski
- 150 Ah
- Charges/Maintains
- AC to DC
- 12V
- Wall Outlet to Vehicle Battery
- CTEK Power Inc
more information >
Ring Terminal -16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Qty. 1
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- RV/Camper
- Trailer
- Charges Only
- AC to DC
- 12V
- Solar Panels to Auxiliary Battery
- Performance Tool
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Bias Tire with Wheel - KE26EV
- Shop: Brophy Cable Camper Jacks - 57" Max Lift Height - 1,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2007 Honda CR-V Behind a Motorhome
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 7-Blade
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Voyager RV Backup Camera w/ Night Vision - Rear Mount - Black - Qty 1
- Shop: Truck Bed Camera
- Search Results: c3209
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: 6 way plug
- Video: Review of Specialty Recreation RV Skylight Shade - SR66RR
- Shop: Kenda Loadstar 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 10" Black Aluminum AM02 Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR E
- Shop: Roadmaster Extra-Long Tow Bar Power Cord - 7-Way to 4-Way - Straight - 90"
- Shop: Roadmaster Extra-Long Tow Bar Power Cord - 7-Way to 6-Way - Straight - 90"
- Shop: Roadmaster Straight Power Cord for Tow Bars with Cable Guides - 7-Way to 6-Way - 6-Way Socket
- Shop: RV Covers
- Search Results: backup camera
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: What are the Common Types of Propane Fittings Used on RVs?
- Search Results: c2205
- Search Results: torklift truck camper tie downs
- Video: Roadmaster 80" Hybrid Coiled-to-Straight Safety Cables Feature Review
- Video: All About the Roadmaster 80" Hybrid Coiled-to-Straight Safety Cables
- Video: 2011 Honda CR-V Hopkins Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles: Complete Installation
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Video: Roadmaster EZ Hook Safety Cables Spec Review
on Accessories and Parts
