Upgrading Trailer Battery on Horse Trailer from SLA1055 to a Standard 12V Battery Size

Updated 03/05/2019 | Published 03/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins 6-Way Connector with Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long

(46)

$44.34

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

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

(746)

$72.04

Snap-Top Battery Box with Strap for Group 24 to Group 31 Batteries - Vented

(274)

$19.44

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(821)

$31.95

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(69)

$1.45

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$83.84

Question:

What do I need to do and what do I need to purchase?

asked by: Juliua S

Expert Reply:

It appears you are using a breakaway style battery for your trailer power. If this is correct, you will still need the breakaway battery separate by law, but you can absolutely add a larger battery (often deep cycle) to your trailer. To add that larger standard 12V trailer battery, you will need a location to house it. If you don't already have a location, then I recommend the NOCO Snap-Top Battery Box with Strap for Group 24 to Group 31 Batteries - Vented # 329-HM318BKS. Then you will need a cable to connect the negative terminal to the frame of your trailer. The positive terminal will be connected to all the other battery powered features of the trailer as well as will receive a charge from the trailer connection. I recommend using the 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # HS381-9000 to give you clean connection points to make it easy. Use ring terminals like # 44-5310A for these connections. For the 12V power to the battery, use # 10-1-1 wire sold by the foot which you can use a separate length of that same wire for your ground connection.

If you instead want a 6-way connector, you can use the Hopkins 6-Way Connector with Jacketed Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long # H20036 and then I recommend using the Trailer Wiring Junction Box # 38656.

If you need the trailer breakaway kit, I recommend # 20400 and I've attached an article to assist with the wiring.