How Can I Charge an Auxiliary Battery from the Factory 7-Way in My Ford Truck Bed?

Question

Question:

I need a 7 pin connector so as to charge an auxiliary battery in truck bed while driving. Ford tow package 7 pin in bed of truck now.

asked by: Ron D

0

Expert Reply:

Hello Ron,

Thanks for writing in.

If your Ford already has the factory 7-way in the truck bed, you can use the 12 volt auxiliary power circuit to help maintain an auxiliary battery while you're driving. To do that, you'll need a trailer-end connector like the TowSmart 7-Pole RV-Style Trailer Connector # TS82ZR. From there, run 10 gauge wire # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot) from the 12 volt auxiliary terminal on the connector to the positive terminal of your auxiliary battery. I also recommend installing a 30 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker # 38630 as close to the battery as possible to protect the wiring, along with Ring Terminals # 44-5356A to make the battery connections.

Keep in mind that the factory 7-way charge circuit is intended to maintain or lightly charge a battery while you're driving. If the battery is heavily discharged or you're trying to recharge a large battery on a regular basis, the factory 7-way won't provide the charging current needed to recharge it quickly.

If your goal is to fully recharge the auxiliary battery while you're driving, a dedicated DC-to-DC charger wired directly between your truck's starting battery and the auxiliary battery is the better solution. It will charge the battery much more efficiently than the factory 7-way circuit. For that, I recommend the Victron Orion-Tr RV Converter, Isolated, DC to DC, 12V/12V, 18 Amp # VN75ZR. It's designed specifically for charging an auxiliary battery from your vehicle's charging system and is a much better choice if you'll be regularly drawing the battery down between trips.

Can you tell me what type of battery you're planning to use in the truck bed and what you'll be powering with it? That will help determine whether the factory 7-way will meet your needs or if a DC-to-DC charger would be the better option.

expert reply by: Kate F

0

Answer 1

Hey Mike, yes the Dometic PerfectPower Battery Charger #GP95QR that you referenced would work if you ran the 12 volt power wire from your 7-way to it. It's rated for 10 amps which is easily provided by the 7-way. This will give an optimized…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hello Sam; that is a great question! I reached out to Furrion and you will be able to use the Furrion Chill Cube #FR69TD (white) or #FR49TD (black) with your furnace. However, the remote is not capable of operating the furnace at this time. Also, we…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Jon; I was actually just talking to Furrion about heat options for the Chill Cube yesterday (1/21/2025). At this time, the only way to have heat with this unit is through a furnace on a ducted setup. The Furrion Chill Cube RV AC w/ Air…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

view full answer...

How Can I Charge an Auxiliary Battery from the Factory 7-Way in My Ford Truck Bed?

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching