Does 12V Power Circuit on 7-Way Connector Deliver Enough Current to Charge a Depleted Battery

Updated 05/03/2017 | Published 05/01/2017

Question:

Will this seven pin/blade charge my battery on the travel trailerr

asked by: Eric V

Expert Reply:

A vehicle's 7-way trailer socket typically includes a 12V power feed. This is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position within the socket, as shown in the linked photo.

This circuit will deliver enough current to the trailer-mounted battery to maintain it while you travel, but not enough to re-charge a depleted one. To actually charge up a battery that is depleted you will need the higher output of a shore power charger such as one of the CTEK units shown on the linked page.

Part # CTEK56353 is a battery charger/maintainer that will give your battery a full charge before you depart that can then be maintained by the power feed in the 7-way. I have owned this particular charger for almost 3 years and it has reliably served non-stop charging duties between my motorcycle, lawn mower and vehicles.

You may care to have a look at the linked article on chargers.

expert reply by: Adam R