How to Charge a Trailer Battery That Powers Winches and Hydraulic Pumps

Published 01/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi

(37)

$1245.41

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp

(88)

$484.59

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp

(88)

$620.00

Question:

How do I charge the onboard trailer battery if the brakerite must be connected to the vehicle battery? I have a large trailer with other electric functions including winch and hydraulic pump and charging the trailer battery is important. Brakerite Works connected to the vehicle battery as you suggested. Can I also connect the 12-volt wire from the vehicle to charge the trailer battery? Thank you.

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

In order to sufficiently charge your trailer's auxiliary battery you are going to need a DC to DC battery charger that pulls power from the vehicle's alternator while running. For this, I recommend the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger part # 331-BCDC1225D for 75-200 amp-hour batteries or part # 331-BCDC1240D for 200+ amp-hour batteries.

As you already know, the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit part # T4813102 pulls power from both the vehicle's 7-way and the vehicle's battery so that charge line can then not be used to maintain a charge on the trailer's auxiliary battery. However, even if the Titan BrakeRite EHB Electric-Hydraulic Actuator did not use the vehicle's 7-way it would not be sufficient to charge a trailer battery powering a winch and hydraulic pump which is why you need a seperate battery charger.

expert reply by: Conner L