What Size Wire is Needed to Keep Trailer Battery Charged for Winch and Electric Hydraulics

Updated 04/16/2019 | Published 04/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 20' Long

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

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$1.68

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

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Question:

What size wire do I need to keep a battery charged from the truck to a roll off trailer, electric winch and electric hydrolics

asked by: Dave C

Expert Reply:

If you are just looking to give the traditional maintenance charge a battery on your trailer when you will use 12 gauge wire like # 12-1-1 or 10 gauge # 10-1-1. If you don't already have that charge line on your vehicle then you will also add a circuit breaker # 9510. This will not charge a depleted battery but will provide the charge your alternator provides above what is consumed by your vehicle to slowly charge a trailer battery.

If you wanted to directly run the winch off your truck battery then a much higher gauge wire would be required to travel that distance like the 2 gauge wire in kit # BDW20206.

expert reply by: Jason S