Can I Charge the Battery for a Winch On My Trailer From My 2016 Ford F-150 While Driving

Updated 03/21/2017 | Published 03/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power

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$199.99

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 24' Long

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$347.57

TorkLift PowerArmor Solar Locking Battery Box - 6V and 12V Batteries - Diamond Plate Aluminum

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$634.25

Question:

2016 F-150 w/tow pkg an 7 wire+4pin factory. Have 2014 Bix Tex steel floor car trailer that need to add permanent trailer battery to power winch. Need to charge battery when driving without overcharging or damage to truck while driving or winching. Also need idea for quick connect to keep battery on trickle charger while parked for extended periods with no tow vehicle connected for charge.... any ideas???

asked by: Patrick B

Expert Reply:

I do have a few different options for you, but charging your trailer battery from the battery on your 2016 Ford F-150 while driving is not what I recommend doing. The 7-Way on your F-150 does not have the capability to charge a large enough battery to run your winch. The only kind of battery that it can charge is something like a small breakaway battery. You would have to find wiring that is big enough to carry that much power and run it straight to the battery on your trailer.

The first option that I have for you is if you will only be using the winch about once every day. You can use the TorkLift PowerArmor Solar Locking Battery Box # TLA7708RS which will provide a trickle charge to the battery that you will be using on your trailer. This is a great option if you will be using the winch and then traveling for quite awhile before using it again, and it is a great option if you are leaving the trailer to sit for awhile. If you will have access to an outlet you can use the CTEK MULTI US 7002 # CTEK56353 for a faster charge when you have the trailer parked and need to use the winch the same day.

If you will be needing to use your winch more than once on any given day, then I recommend using the Trailer and Vehicle Electric Winch Wiring Kit # BDW20207. This will connect your winch directly to the battery on your F-150. If you keep your truck running while using the winch you will have enough power. Most winches come with a breaker already installed on them. If your winch has a breaker then it will automatically shut off and protect your F-150's battery.

expert reply by: Jon G