Preventing Trailer Mounted Battery from Draining Battery on Tow Vehicle
Updated 05/07/2013 | Published 05/03/2013
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
My trailer sat for 3 years if the small battery is no good on the trailer will it drain my truck battery overnight
asked by: Steve
Expert Reply:
A trailer mounted battery is typically maintained by the 12-volt accessory circuit from the 7-way trailer connector. If the accessory circuit on your 7-way is live even when the ignition is shut off, it is possible that the battery on your truck could be discharged. If shutting off the ignition shuts down that circuit, you will have no worries.
If the circuit is live with the ignition off, you can unplug the trailer, disconnect the 12-volt accessory circuit from the trailer mounted battery, or install a battery isolating solenoid like part # PK5231201. The solenoid is installed inline with the 12-volt accessory circuit. When the vehicle ignition is shut off, the power to the accessory circuit would be interrupted. Any of these three methods will keep your truck battery from being drained.
Once you get the battery replaced (if that is your intention), you can reattach the 12-volt accessory circuit to the positive terminal of the trailer mounted battery, but keep in mind that this circuit can be used to maintain a battery, but the limited wire gauge and distance from the truck alternator will prevent enough power from getting through to charge a dead battery. When shore power is available, you can use a charger like the # CTEK56353 to charge the battery.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Accessories and Parts
- Battery
- Switches and Solenoids
- 100 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: TecNiq PCP2 Side Marker Light - Amber LEDs - Clear Lens - Self-Ground
- Search Results: door catch
- Search Results: tecniq
- Search Results: interior lights
- Search Results: 1 wire marker light
- Search Results: locks for trailer hasp
- Search Results: light switches
- Search Results: led flood lights
- Shop: TecNiq LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light - Dual Intensity - Amber Lens - Amber LED
- Video: A Closer Look at the Mdemo Gopower Solar Charging System
- Video: Review of TecNiq Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - TN32DV
- Video: Review of Peterson Work Lights - Angled LED Work Light - PET62PV
- Shop: Peterson Angled LED Work Light - 2,300 Lumens - Black Aluminum - 12V/24V
- Shop: Vehicle Lights
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: TecNiq T68 6" Oval High-Vis Reverse Light - Tinted Lens - Grommet - Tri-Pole
- Video: Review of TecNiq Trailer Lights - Utility Lights Blue and White LED - TN49TR
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Premium Slim LED Strip Light
- Video: Review of Optronics Vehicle Lights - LED Interior Strip Light - OPT84KB
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
- Shop: TecNiq Industrial LED Scene Light - 8000 Lumens - 24-1/4" Wide - Black Aluminum - 12.8V
- Shop: Premium Slim LED Strip Light - Weatherproof - 3,638 Lumens - 60" Long - Expandable
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Vehicle Cargo Control
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: List of Everything Needed to Flat Tow 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- Video: Demco SBS with Wireless Coachlink Installation - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
on Accessories and Parts
