How To Charge Camping Trailers Battery While Driving Using The 7 Way RV Plug
Updated 10/01/2021 | Published 09/24/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Can I tap in to a positive wire on my RV connection to my truck to charge the campers battery while I drive?
asked by: Jonas G
Expert Reply:
Yes, you can but please keep in mind that this is not the most efficient way for charging a depleted battery. However, for maintaining a charge on a battery while you are driving you can use the 7-way connection such as the Optronics 7-way, # A7WCB between your truck and trailer by running a 10-gauge power wire like # 10-1-1 from the 12V terminal on the trailer 7-way to the trailer's positive battery terminal. However, keep in mind that 7-way connectors do NOT have an automatic shutoff, so you'll have to monitor the battery voltage.
To do this, run a wire from the positive terminal on the trailer battery to the power wire on the 7-way connecting to the Black wire on the trailer 7-way. This is the pin in the 11 o'clock position when looking at the front of the connector to the positive battery terminal. Then connect the negative terminal to a clean metal surface on the trailer frame for a ground connection.
Please note the attached image showing the pin out locations of the RV 7 way connector.
The more efficient manner of charging a depleted battery in travel trailer or maintaining a larger, multi-battery set-up is to use a DC to DC charger. Which model is dependent on the amps needed but for a basic level there is the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, # RED96FR rated for 12 amps. This is ideal for a smaller camper with a single battery or a slide-in truck camper. The Redarc BCDC single-input battery charger allows for easy charging of a DC battery while you're on the move.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 7 Blade
- Plug Only
- Optronics
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