How To Charge A Battery On A Trailer While Towing With 2013 Honda Odyssey

Question:

The standard trailer wiring kit for my 2013 Honda Odyssey is the flat 4 pin. My tent trailer has a 5 or 7 pin. It doesn't have trailer brakes, but I'd like to wire a separate 12 volt line to charge the battery while we are driving. What is the best way to accomplish that?

asked by: Zachary C

Expert Reply:

To trickle charge the battery on your trailer, you will need to convert your 4-Way on your 2013 Honda Odyssey to a 7-Way with something like the Hopkins Wiring Adapter, Item # 37185. You will route the purple wire (Auxiliary) of this 7-Way to the positive side of your battery on your trailer through a circuit breaker like Item # 9510 and use 10 gauge wire like Item # 10-1-1 (can purchase by the foot). Keep in mind that this will not charge your battery but will help your battery maintain its charge. Otherwise, this will get you good to go.

If you want a fully functioning 7-Way in case you ever need to tow a trailer with brakes then I recommend the Universal Installation Kit, Item # ETBC7.

I have attached some articles and a review video to assist you. I have also attached an install video of this harness on a 2013 Dodge Caravan to give you an example of what the installation looks like.

expert reply by: Brint H