Where to Get Power for a 12V DC Water Pump in a Stock Trailer
Updated 12/18/2009 | Published 12/17/2009
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 24ft gooseneck Exiss Aluminum stock trailer. I want to put in a self watering system for my small stock. Can I connect a FLO-Jet 12V DC 35psi 3.3gpm pump to the #4 prong on my 7 prong R/V plug? The #4 prong also runs four inside dome lights and an outside flood light. The Flo-Jet has a self pressure shut off switch which will only be running when needed. If not, what else do you suggest.
asked by: Rick L
Expert Reply:
Yes, I would make sure that I used an inline fuse, most likely 10 amps, to protect the vehicles wiring just in case something happens with the pump. If the pump comes with an inline fuse, most do I believe, then I would just make sure it is installed inline on the power wire. If you are worried about overloading the 12 volt circuit when the dome light and flood light are being used and the pump kicks on, you could use the center auxillary pole in the 7-Way connector to power the pump. You very well may be drawing too many amps if the flood light and pump are used at the same time.
To use the center pole, as long as this circuit is not being used for reverse lighting or reverse lockout, I would run a 10 gauge Wire, item # 10-1-1, through a 40 amp circuit breaker, item # PK54540, from the vehicle battery to the center pole of the connector at the rear of the vehicle. Then run the same wire to the pump with the inline fuse mentioned earlier to protect the vehicle and pump.
If you decide to use the number 4 pole 12 volt circuit you may want to put an inline switch, part # D16740, on the pump so that when the flood light is used the pump can be temporarily shut off. This would avoid drawing too many amps on the 12 volt circuit.
