Will the Camper Battery Drain the Vehicle Battery While Plugged-In and Off-Grid Boondocking

Published 02/10/2022

Question:

When I am camping off grid if I leave my tow vehicle connected to the camping trailer can this drain the battery on my tow vehicle? Should I always disconnect when camping off grid? Thank you

asked by: Richard H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, leaving the trailer attached to the vehicle via the trailer connector can drain the vehicle battery as the vehicle battery is providing power to the trailer battery via the battery charge line circuit run through the trailer connector. That said, if you install a smart device on this circuit it can sense when the vehicle battery gets too low and it will shut the circuit off, it can even take power from the trailer battery if the vehicle battery is too low to start the vehicle. The device I am referring to is the Redarc Smart Start Battery Isolator with Wiring Kit part # 331-SBI12KIT and it's very popular for off-grid camping, a must have for frequent boondocking.

expert reply by: Conner L