Why Is There No 12v Power from 2020 Ford Super Duty When Towing?

Updated 01/18/2021 | Published 01/14/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak 7-Way to 12 Volt Power Outlet Adapter

(65)

$19.48

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes

(140)

$67.55

Question:

Hi, I purchased the Pollak 11-896 power outlet adapter for my 7 way trailer plug on a 2020 Ford F350 trailer tow package in hopes to use the 12v adapter to power an 80watt water pump. I could not see 12volts present when I used a multimeter to check. However my trailer plugs work with no problems when towing my travel trailer. Why would I not have power present at my 7 way outlet? Your time and guidance would be appreciated.

asked by: Mel

Expert Reply:

On Ford trucks, they tend to have a "Smart Tow" package which only sends power to the 12 volt pin when the vehicle is in gear. You can verify it by checking if there's power when your truck is in park versus putting the truck in drive and applying the parking brake. When this happens, you can do a trailer package bypass where you run a wire directly from the battery.

We actually have a kit which will have everything you need to do so, the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes part # RM-156-75.

In order to install this kit simply attach one of the wire leads to the battery and then to the circuit breaker. Once this is done, you can run the other lead from the circuit breaker to the trailer connector. You'll need to cut the 12 volt wire from the factory trailer connector and just cap it off but this should not create any problems.

expert reply by: Evangeline M