Could Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 be Used to Charge Trailer Battery

Updated 01/24/2019 | Published 01/23/2019

Question:

I use a 1999 Chevy Tahoe to tow a 12foot cargo trailer that I use for camping. I have two 12volt deep cell 100AH batteries, in the trailer, that I would like to charge while driving. Will this product perform this task? considering proper install/ wire size. Also, is overcharging a concern in this scenario? IE: will my vehicle alternator manage the charge level of the trailer batteries, or do I need another device as well for that? If needed, do you have that product? Thanks,

asked by: Ron

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 that you referenced can be used to charge a battery if needed. Normally this solenoid is used to allow you to allow a circuit to only be active when the vehicle's key is turned on. Basically you wire up the solenoid inline with the circuit you want to activate with either end of the solenoid connected to the charge circuit and then the center pin gets ran to the 12 volt power source that is only active when the key is on.

You'd never have to worry about overcharging either. If the battery was fully charged it would essentially just stop charging once it reached the peak voltage of the alternator circuit.

expert reply by: Jameson C