Can I Charge Battery on Trailer By Connecting To Brake Controller

Updated 09/13/2011 | Published 09/09/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

(357)

$103.31

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Question:

Does the controler ever send enough battery voltage to charge trailer battery. On say commerical landscape trailers enclosed say like a wells cargo or haul mark. And if not is there anything out. There that does keep continues charge on batteries.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

You would be able to maintain power to the battery by running a wire from the positive terminal on the trailer battery to the power wire on the 7-way. I would recommend using 10 gauge wire, part # 10-1-1, and connecting to the Black wire on the trailer 7-way, or the pin in the 11 oclock position when looking at the front of the connector to the positive battery terminal (see FAQ). You would then connect the negative terminal to a clean metal surface on the trailer frame for a ground connection.

You would not be able to charge the battery by connecting to the power wire on the 7-way, but just maintain power. You would need to have your battery charged ahead of time.

The brake controller is not what sends 12 volt power to the 7-way, the Black wire on the 7-way actually is connected to the battery to send 12 volt power to the 7-way.

I have linked an FAQ on wiring.

expert reply by: Reno H