Can a Trailer Break Away Battery be Charged from the 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 08/14/2020 | Published 09/12/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Engager Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load

(746)

$60.80

Trailer Breakaway Kit Battery Charger for 12V, 5-Amp Battery

(50)

$7.87

Question:

Can I run another wire from the positive side of the battery to the auxillary wire to charge my battery on a non charging break-away kit?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

If you have a break away kit that does not include a charger, you can provide a charge to the battery using the 12 volt circuit or auxiliary circuit from the vehicle 7-Way trailer connector. However, using the 7-Way can overcharge a break away battery. It would better to add a charger designed for a break away battery like # 20011.

expert reply by: Michael H

Jeff S.

8/4/2020

How do I load test my breakaway battery to see if it is still good?

Chris R.

8/14/2020

A fully charged battery should get close to 13V at the terminal when testing - so if you start to drop lower than this it's a sign it either needs to be charged or replaced.