Can a Larger Breakaway Battery Be Used to Operate Interior Lights On a Trailer
Updated 01/20/2012 | Published 01/17/2012
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
want to change out small brake breakaway system battery for big batterie that will work interior lights as well as breakaway brake system. Can i charge this full size battery with 12 v suply from my truck with out problems? Worried about back feeding my truck!. Any help advise you can give would be greatly apreiciated. Thank You!
asked by: Ryan W
Expert Reply:
You will want to use a separate, standard 12 volt deep cycle trailer battery to operate the interior lights. You will NOT want to use the trailer breakaway battery. The breakaway battery is not designed to power other trailer accessories or lighting, it is just designed to operate the breakaway system. The DOT regulations state that a trailer breakaway system needs a dedicated battery.
You will be able to maintain a charge on the separate trailer battery by running a 10 gauge power wire like the, part # 10-1-1, from the 12 volt power pin (# 4 terminal at 11:00 position) on your trailers 7-way connector, to the positive terminal on the trailer battery. Now when the trailer is connected and you are towing, the tow vehicle will provide a maintenance charge to the trailer battery. It will not charge the battery from a discharged state.
You will want to test the # 4 terminal at the 1:00 position on your tow vehicles 7-way connector for power with a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993. This is the terminal that will supply the 12-volt power to your trailers 7-way connector. If it does not show power, you may need to insert a fuse and/or check that the wire is connected to a power source by tracing the wire back.
I am sending a link to a FAQ page on trailer wiring diagrams, which will show the 7-Way connectors and which pins are for what functions.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer wiring box
- Search Results: dc to dc battery charger
- Search Results: battery charger
- Search Results: tounge scale
- Shop: 60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 40-Amp BCDC Battery Charger
- Shop: Phoenix Electric Trailer Jack with Remote - A-Frame - 26" Lift - 5,500 lbs
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V - 12 Amp / Solar 40 Amp
- Shop: Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Breakaway Kit with Trickle Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Lead Acid Battery - Side Load
- Shop: CTEK CS Free Portable Battery Charger - AC to DC and DC to DC - 12V - 20 Amp
- Q&A: How to Keep Deep Cycle Battery Charged for Winch and Trailer Light Usage
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
on Accessories and Parts
