How Does Trailer with 4-Way Connector Charge Trailer Battery

Updated 05/09/2023 | Published 05/08/2023

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector

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CTEK US 0.8 Universal Battery Charger with Pulse Maintenance - Small 12-Volt Batteries

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7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

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Question:

Hello, i plan on adding a battery for basic lighting to my horse trailer. This trailer currently has no electronics or trailer breaks, it only has a 4 pin plug going to the truck for towing lights. My question is this once i add the battery, how do i charge and/or wire it to the truck? Do i simply tap into the + and - coming from the truck for the tow lights? Is there any kind of regulator required so i dont overcharge the battery? Thanks,

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

The 4-way wiring of your trailer is not setup to charge the battery on your trailer but you can upgrade it to a 7-way with the 7-way upgrade kit part # e99011 which would give you a 12 volt accessory circuit you could use to charge the battery of the trailer.

You would need to convert the 4-way of your tow vehicle to a 7-way as well which for that you'd want the part # ETBC7L which comes with everything needed to convert to a 7-way and activate the 12 volt accessory circuit as well.

Or you could stick with your 4-way and charge the battery at home with a wall charger like the # CTEK56865.

expert reply by: Jameson C