Can Trailers Batter be Charged by 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 10/03/2017 | Published 12/20/2019

Products Featured in This Question

NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 5 Amp

(165)

$72.05

Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded

(14)

$35.41

Question:

can this be used to charge trailer battery?

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

The 12-volt accessory feed from the 7-way CAN be used to maintain your trailer-mounted battery during travel, but it will NOT recharge a battery from a depleted state. This is the pin in the 1:00 position of your 7-way which has 12 volts on it at all times.

To charge a depleted battery, a charger like the NOCO Genius Battery Charger and Maintainer # 329-GENIUS5 can be used. The 10 or 12 gauge wire used in the accessory circuit will prevent enough current from going through to worry about overtaxing or damaging the alternator when charging the battery.

To prevent the trailer mounted battery from depleting the battery in the tow vehicle, we typically recommend disconnecting the 7-way when the vehicle is parked for more than a short period. If you are concerned about your tow vehicle battery becoming depleted, you should consider installing a battery isolator like part # PK5231201. The isolator will cut power to the accessory feed once ignition of the tow vehicle is shut off.

expert reply by: Jameson C