Will the Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Battery Charger Work for an Auxiliary Battery on a Trailer

Updated 04/19/2013 | Published 04/17/2013

Question:

I am installing a motorcycle battery as an aux. battery in my motorcycle enclosed trailer. It is designed to power LED lights when my towing vehicle is not connected. All I want is a trickle charge going to battery as I drive my truck and pull the trailer. It is NOT the battery for my break a way system. Will I even need the blue wire? Can I just connect the black and red wire to the battery and tape off the blue wire. Wont this keep a full charge on the battery? I already purchased the charger from you. Ready to hook it up

asked by: Bill O

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use the Hopkins Trailer Breakaway Kit Battery Charger, # 20011, with the motorcycle battery on your motorcycle trailer. Like you said, you would simply tie-off the blue wire since it will not be used. This charger will maintain the charge on your battery and even provide a small charge when you are connected to the tow vehicle.

The benefit of adding this charger to your battery is that the charger will stop sending power to the battery once the battery is fully charged. Overcharging can be harmful to batteries and will reduce their lifespan.

expert reply by: John H