How to Wire Up a Trailer with a Breakaway Battery and Auxiliary Battery to Prevent Backfeeding
Published 05/05/2016
Question:
If i add two 6V GC batteries in series to get the 12V to my trailer, what concerns do i need to take into account with regards to the wiring and the breakaway battery currently in place. I want to use the GC2 system to run my interior 12V lights and vent fan, and possibly an auxillary 12V plug. I believe currently that system is wired into the breakaway battery. Should i completely remove it and leave the breakaway only to run the brakes, and isolate the rest of the 12V system to the GC2 setup, or can i just splice in the GC2 system without worry? Thanks
asked by: Ryan C
Helpful Expert Reply:
Typically people will let the breakaway battery run the breakaway system and then would use the accessory battery to power the interior lights etc. This tends to work the best since your breakaway battery needs to always be charged and interior lights could potentially drain the battery of the trailer.
Since when you charge two batteries on the same circuit you have the potential to end up draining both the solution is to install a diode on the circuit to prevent this like the part # RM-690.
I attached a diagram that shows how this would be done.
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: G-Floor Diamond Plate Trailer Flooring - Vinyl - 75 Mil - Gray - 24' x 8'6"
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Solution to Making Charging Dump Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle Battery as Efficient as Possible
- Q&A: Do 7-Way Trailer Connectors have Amp Ratings for Pins or the Whole Socket
- Q&A: Recommendation for Wiring Breakaway and Marine Battery on Enclosed Trailer
- Q&A: How to Prevent Battery Backfeeding and Breakaway Battery Charging Off Trailer Battery
- Q&A: What is Purpose of Optional LED in Install Diagram for Redarc BCDC Charger # 331-BCDC1240D
- Q&A: Will the Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit Keep Charging the Battery with the Truck Turned Off
- Q&A: How to Prevent Trailer Breakaway System Battery from Overcharging and Back Feeding Into Tow Vehicle
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Search Results: 20011
- Shop: etrailer Enclosed Trailer Transition Plate - Universal - 1,000 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V - 12 Amp / Solar 40 Amp
- Shop: Adjuster Hole Plug for 7", 10", and 12" Brake Assemblies - Qty 1
- Shop: 40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket
- Shop: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW
- Shop: Big Truck Big RV Tongue Weight Scale w/ Storage Bag for Trailers - 2,000 lbs - Adjustable
- Search Results: diode
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
