Can Power Tool Battery Pack be Used to Power Utility Trailer Lights

Updated 04/09/2024 | Published 03/30/2023

Question:

I have utility trailer currently the lights only work when the trailer is hooked up and the key is turned. I want to have power to the lights even when the truck is not hooked up. I have a power tool battery pack adaptor, that i wish to run the lights only during key off and disconnected times. My question is can I plug into the + and the ground and all be good. and what happens when the trailer is hooked up, will it over load something? Is there some thing that will prevent over load when both are on?

asked by: Elliott

Expert Reply:

To run lights in your trailer you need to use a 12V battery so you'll likely need to get an additional battery since power tools generally run off of 18V.

To keep the onboard 12V battery power separate from the 12V power coming from your tow vehicle I recommend adding the Epicord Battery Disconnect Switch with Key # 277-000096 - this way you can turn it off and disconnect the battery when you plan on being plugged into your truck, but you also have the availability to switch the key on and power the lights when your truck isn't connected.

I don't recommend having the onboard battery plugged in and switched on the same time you're plugged into your truck. You'll definitely want to pull power from them separately.

expert reply by: Jon G

Clark D.

4/9/2024

I too have a power tool battery adapter (18volts) I would like to use it to power my break away switch Don't want to keep buying the little battery that are normally used when I have several for my battery tools. My thought is 18 volts would work for applying the brakes? Besides if the breakaway is deployed you probably have bigger problems than burning up the ?? magnets??

Jon G.

4/9/2024

@ClarkD Breakaway battery kits are designed to engage the trailer brakes for 15 minutes. Anything less than that and you could be fined for having an improper breakaway system. While I definitely see your point about having bigger issues if the breakaway system is activated, the whole idea is that the brakes lock up the trailer long enough for the situation to be dealt with - you'll want that trailer under some type of control when there are other drivers on the road. If you're able to legally and safely figure out a way to use an 18V battery for this application then go for it! Otherwise for your safety and the safety of others on the road please use the appropriate gear for emergency situations.