Will Truck Charge Separate Battery on Trailer
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/17/2024
Question:
If I hook a 12v battery to the power wire on the trailer plug will my truck charge the battery when I am hooked up to it? Basically I have led lights inside my trailer that only work when hooked to my truck. I want to be able to use the lights without having to run my truck but I need it to charge it back up when driving down the road If that makes sense
asked by: Mathew F
Expert Reply:
Hello Matthew,
A trailer battery will only receive a maintenance charge when hooked to your truck's 12 volt plug. So it won't be able to fully charge the battery, so eventually it'll get low to the point that it will die. What you'll need is a standalone battery charger that plugs into a wall outlet, and it doesn't have to be anything powerful or fancy, just go with the simple NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger # 329-GENIUS10.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger - AC to DC - 6V/12V - 10 Amp
- Battery Charger
- Battery Charger
- ATV
- Boat
- Car/Truck/SUV
- Generator
- Jet Ski
- Lawn Mower
- Motorcycle
- RV/Camper
- Snowmobile
- Trolling Motor
- 12V
- 6V
- Charges and Maintains
- Shore Power to Vehicle Battery
- Smart Charge
- Trickle Charge
- NOCO
more information >
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Jesse M.
2/17/2026
Hey Matthew, how did things go with the NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger for keeping your trailer battery topped off? Your update could make it easier for others trying to power their trailer lights the same way.