Can Trailer Battery Be Charged from Vehicle, Solar Panel, and Wall Outlet Charger
Updated 05/28/2019 | Published 05/24/2019 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im building a tear trailer and trying to figure out the best setup for my trailer battery. When I installed my 7-way plug in my vehicle I replaced the standard 12v wire with an 8ga. wire that runs from my battery, through a solenoid, to the plug - so I could charge the trailer battery while the car is running. Id also like to have a solar input into the charger for when the trailer isnt connected to the running vehicle. Additionally, Id love the option of shore power charging the battery when its available. Is it possible to use something like the CTEK40186 or similar for managing vehicle 12v and solar inputs, and use an AC to DC charger in place of the 12v vehicle input into the CTEK when shore power is available? I dont intend to have 110v outlets in the trailer, only 12v based ones. Is there an easier solution?
asked by: Dan G
Expert Reply:
Basically you'd want the Redarc Dual Battery Charger # 331-SBI212D to cover the solar panel and alternator charging of the battery and then when wanting to charge the battery from shore power you'd want a charger designed for that like the # CTEK56353. You can install the quick connects of this kit to the battery and easily connect the charger when needed. This would not require the removal of the D250S either. Basically it would just be a matter of letting the trailer charger setup charge the battery when it's needed and then when you need a shore power charger you'd just hook up the wall charger and you'd be fine.
For a 220 watt solar panel charge kit designed for mounting on the roof of a trailer we have the Go Power Solar Flex Charging System with Digital Solar Controller # 34272628 which would work great with everything mentioned as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Motorcycle
- Trailer
- Lawn Mower
- Jet Ski
- 12V
- Charges and Maintains
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Shore Power to Vehicle Battery
- Smart Charge
- Trickle Charge
- CTEK Power Inc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Holiday 2025 | RVers’ Favorite Gear & Road Picks
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Looking For Way To Charge Trailer Battery From Vehicles Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Installation of Curt RVi Series Towed Battery Charger+ in 2025 Ford Ranger Raptor
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2012-2014 Honda CR-V
- Q&A: Will Curt Adjustable Ball Mount Work with Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler?
- Q&A: Comparing the Roadmaster Direct-Connect and Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kits
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Q&A: Difference Between Kenda Karrier K03 and KR35 Trailer Tires
- Article: How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing
- Q&A: What Type of Battery Works Best for Powering Trailer Interior Lights
- Q&A: Shim Needed to Level AC Unit
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

