Troubleshooting Trailer Charge Line Draining Battery On 2020 Ram 2500 When Ignition Is Switched Off

Published 12/29/2022

Question:

Good Morning, I recently bought a travel trailer and when the trailer is hooked up to my truck it drained the trucks battery. I just found out that my seven-pin connector still has power after my ignition is turned off. My truck is 2020 Ram 2500 and I do not believe it should be providing power to the RV when turned off. What could be the cause since it has now drained my battery twice overnight. Thank you

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will want to contact your local Ram dealer to determine if there is a ECU Flash which will fix the issue of the charge line sending power when the ignition is switched off. I do know this was an issue with older Ram trucks and the only way to resolve this was by installing a Relay # BDW42035 in line of the charge line. This will allow you to connect the switched side of the relay to an ignition source so power only flows through the charge line with the ignition switched on.

expert reply by: Bud M