How To Charge Camping Trailers Battery While Driving Using The 7 Way RV Plug

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

0

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.

expert reply by: Michael R

0

7-way connection
(click to enlarge)

7-way connection Tow Vehicle to Trailer
(click to enlarge)

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How To Charge Camping Trailers Battery While Driving Using The 7 Way RV Plug

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