Recommended Battery Charger for a Dog Trailer

Updated 08/17/2018 | Published 08/16/2018

Question:

I want to power my dog trailer from my truck when hooked up. When not hooked up I want my trailer to be powered from the 12v battery thats charged via a solar panel. In other words, when Im driving and pulling the trailer, I want the fan in the trailer to be powered by the trucks electrical system. When I disconnect the truck from the trailer, the trailer fan would then draw power from the battery in the trailer. I was thinking maybe an 87a relay with two single diodes might work but Im not sure how to wire it without having a switch. Is there a product out there that when power is sensed from source A will draw from A but when A isnt present, will automatically draw from B? Currently, there is wiring to the fan from both batteries and I have to unplug it from one and into the other.

asked by: Nader

Expert Reply:

The best option we have for you would be to power everything off of the 12 volt battery on the trailer. In order to do this and ensure that the battery on the trailer doesn't wear down you will want to use a DC to DC battery charger that uses power for the vehicle's alternator to charge the battery on the trailer. For this, I recommend the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D. The BCDC would ensure that the battery on the trailer is fully charged each time you need to disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle.

The above is going to be your best option and will eliminate the need for an expensive solar panel although you can add one at any time. I have attached a review video of the battery charger for you.

expert reply by: Conner L