Powering Interior Trailer Lights Using a Battery Instead of Trailer Connector

Updated 08/27/2018 | Published 08/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End

(743)

$6.94

Pollak Light-Duty Toggle Switch - On-Off - 12 Volt - 10 Amp - 6" Wire Leads

(10)

$9.26

Question:

Greetings - I have a newer Pace American 14foot cargo trailer that has two interior dome lights but they only work if the 7 pin connector is plugged into the tow vehicle Toyota 4runner and the tow vehicle is running or key left in start position which activates all the dash lights and drains the vehicles battery over time. My goal is to make the dome lights work independent of the tow vehicle while I use the trailer for camping. The trailer has a small 12v battery to support the breakaway trailer function. Can I use that to power the interior lights ? Do you have a wiring diagram for a Pace trailer so I can identify the interior lights circuit and make the connection?

asked by: Thomas

Expert Reply:

The breakaway battery should only be used to power the trailer brakes in a breakaway event so I strongly recommend using a separate 12 volt battery to power the interior lights in your trailer. Since the lights currently run off of the 12 volt circuit you can trace the 12 volt wire from the trailer connector to where it enters the trailer. That is likely the wiring for the lights.

If you were to wire a battery to that wire and put a switch in line such as # PK34513 you would be good to go!

We do not have access to the wiring diagram for your Pace trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H