What is Needed to Charge a Battery Bank on a Trailer From Your Tow Vehicles Battery

Updated 09/18/2023 | Published 09/17/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Single Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 12 Amp

(25)

$345.00

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 25 Amp

(87)

$484.59

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 50 Amp

(87)

$548.98

Question:

I am working on adding power to my ATC enclosed trailer, and my goal is to utilize a solar panel with lithium battery setup to run a few small items. My question is if I want to also add the ability to have the tow vehicle charge the battery and connect it through the 7-way plug, which isolator would be best? Or is there something else needed? Obviously I want to be sure I don’t drain the tow vehicle battery

asked by: Lukas S

Expert Reply:

Your best option for charging the battery bank on your enclosed trailer from your vehicle battery is to use an in-vehicle, BCDC battery charger. The correct option depends on the size of your battery bank.

- Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # RED96FR (Ideal for smaller battery banks rated less than 75 amp-hours)
- Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D (Ideal for battery banks rated between 75 and 200 amp-hours)
- Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1250D (Ideal for battery banks rated greater than 200 amp-hours)

All of these options have a battery isolator function that prevents the charger from pulling power from the start battery when your vehicle is off.

expert reply by: Scott S