Should 12 Volt Circuit be the Center Pin or 1 Oclock Pin in a Vehicle Side 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 03/18/2015 | Published 03/17/2015

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Question:

I am planning the wiring for my RV and Honda Element Toad and want to use the standard configuration as far as possible for future interchangeablility. I will use a 7-way blade connector. My question is one of convention. For my 12V charge line, would I be better advised to use the center pin or the 12V line at the 1:00 position? There will be 20A breakers in the RV and in the toad for safety.

asked by: Coyle S

Expert Reply:

I would stick with the standard 12 volt circuit at the 1:00 position rather than use the center pin, which is normally used for reverse lights. Please note that the 12 volt circuit on a trailer connector, no matter which pin it is associated with, will not be able to charge up a 12 volt vehicle battery (if that was your plan). It can only maintain the charge level of the battery.

So if you had something using power from the Toad battery while flat towing it then the drain would be greater than the charge coming in in all likelihood.

Also we usually recommend a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, for the 12 volt circuit.

expert reply by: Michael H