Why Do I Need to Use the 60-Amp Relay Kit for a Redarc BCDC Battery Charger
Published 02/01/2022
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Question:
2019 F150 SCREW with trailer max tow - rather than using the 60-Amp Relay Kit # 331-RK1260 or tapping an ignition fuse and running a 3rd wire to the trailer, why cant one use the 12V trailer power wire as the ignition switched signal? Its already in the trailer and it only has power when the truck is running, door closed, trailer recognized, key fob in truck and a blue moon present??
asked by: Charles C
Expert Reply:
The reason why Redarc recommends using the 60-Amp Relay Kit # 331-RK1260 and larger Anderson connectors like the kit # BDW20047 when installing the BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D is due to the smaller OEM gauge wire that is used on your 2019 Ford F-150 (and other pickups) for that 12V power.
If you think of electricity like water and the wiring like a hose, you want the biggest hose possible at the source (your battery) so you have the most amount of energy getting to the BCDC as possible. The smaller wiring is like using a smaller hose to drain a pool - it won't be able to move as much water.
Connecting the power wire directly to the vehicle battery and installing the relay kit gives you the best possible scenario for charging your trailer battery and shuts off that power when your vehicle isn't running.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- RV/Camper
- Trailer
- 12V
- Charges and Maintains
- AGM
- Calcium
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Solar Panels to Auxiliary Battery
- Vehicle Battery to Auxiliary Battery
- Smart Charge
- Trickle Charge
- Redarc
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