Installing a Battery on a Trailer and Wiring it to Run Interior Trailer Lights
Updated 06/08/2020 | Published 02/28/2012
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I want want to install a separate, standard 12 volt deep cycle trailer battery to operate two small interior lights. What I need? I have 2006 toyota truck with 7-pin connector ant trailer is a Hallmark V-Nose 7x12foot trailer with a 7-pin connector..I know I will need a battrey, I want install a small battrey on the outside in the trailer in hitch area.
asked by: Mike T
Expert Reply:
I recommend a 12 volt car battery rather than a breakaway battery because you may end up needing the larger battery down the road.
What you will do is attach a battery box (see link for options) to the trailer frame. From the trailer side 7-Way connector, there will be a wire attached to the pin in the 11:00 position (if looking at the face of the plug). This is the 12 volt circuit. You can attach that to the positive terminal of the battery. It will maintain the battery but it will not up charge it.
Also you will want to ground the battery to the trailer frame.
From the wiring on the interior lights, you will want to attach the power wires to them to a switch like # BL0108-00. Mount the switch in the trailer. Then, on the other terminal on the back of the switch, attach a wire and route it to the outside of the trailer over to the battery. Attach it to the positive battery post. Flip the switch and the lights will come on getting power from the battery.
To up charge the battery at home or when shore power is available, I recommend the CTEK battery charger, # CTEK56353.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Breakaway Kit Replacement 12 V Battery
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- 12V Battery
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Adding a Battery on an Enclosed Trailer to Power Interior Lights
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Rhino-Rack T-Load Hitch Mounted Load Assist and Support Bar for 2" Hitches - 49" Long
- Search Results: rhino rack kayak loader
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Universal Mount
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Heavy Duty Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2
- Q&A: How to Wire 12V Battery in Enclosed Trailer to Power Trailer Lights Independent of 7-Way Connection
- Search Results: load assist
- Shop: Malone FoldAway-5 Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On
- Search Results: tst
- Shop: Flow Through Tire Sensors for TST TPMS - Qty 2
- Shop: CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: How To Wire and Install On-Board Auxiliary Trailer Battery to Power Lights
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Video: Flow Through Tire Sensors for TST TPMS Review
- Video: Miro-Flex Thinline LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light Feature Review
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Miro-Flex Thinline LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Video: Breaking Down the Tandem Axle Teardrop Trailer Fenders for Enclosed Trailers
- Shop: RV Interior Lighting
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Search Results: tpms sensor
- Search Results: mc65
- Search Results: a65p
- Search Results: a65b
- Q&A: Does ZCI Trailer Wiring Kit Fit 2023 Tesla Model 3
Freddie P.
6/4/2020
i want to change out the small 12v battery to a large deep cell battery for lights and fans. I need to know what i need and will it mess up anything. the purpose is so I only have one battery for everything. I know i will have to get a bigger battery box for the outside but i believe i can use the same 7way plug that i have.