Posted 2012-03-22 5:23 AM (#142366) Subject: 12V Aux....Can I Disconnect?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Thanks to the fine folks on HTW I learn a bit more about my trailer everyday. My trailer batteries are 4 years old and dead, they will not take a charge. Last year I just ran my generator and at times ran the LQ off of the pickup battery. Based on the responses I got to a post on this forum I don't think that is a good idea (running the LQ off the pickup) and therefore I am going to replace my batteries.
My issue is this, I have a 2009 Dodge Ram and the aux power to the trailer through the 7 pin connector remains hot even when the pickup key is on the off position...in other words all of the time. My concern is that even if I add batteries to the trailer there seems to be no system in place that keeps the LQ from pulling from both the trailer and the pickup batteries. I have looked into battery isolaters but that doesn't seem like it would solve my concern, it would still allow power to flow in one direction (ie pickup to trailer).
From what I can tell the wiring of the 7 pin connector has a black wire that is an auxillary wire which is always hot (on my pickup) and basically charges the battery and powers the 12v in the trailer. I could just unplug the trailer from the pickup each time we are at a show but then I run the risk of leaving a show without lights and brakes becuase I forgot to hook it up, I would like a more eloquent solution than this.
My question is this, is there anyway I can be assured that the trailer will not pull power from the pickup battery when it is connected to the pickup and has fully charged batteries (on the trailer)? If not is there any problem with just disconnecting the aux wire from the plug to the trailer? As far as I know it's only function is to charge the LQ battery and power the trailer from the pickup battery. I have a battery tender on my trailer so that is covered and obviously the LQ batteries would power the trailer so that is covered.
Posted 2012-03-22 9:20 AM (#142374 - in reply to #142366) Subject: RE: 12V Aux....Can I Disconnect?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
If you access the trailer plug and remove the wire from the pin socket, it can be taped back to the wiring harness. This will prevent the trailer from drawing any power from your truck. It will also keep your truck's stock wiring, ready for any any other application that would require a B+ function.
If you later choose to reinstall the hot wire function for the trailer, the wire can easily be reinserted.
Posted 2012-03-22 12:02 PM (#142380 - in reply to #142366) Subject: RE: 12V Aux....Can I Disconnect?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
You could buy a Ford......
They relay theirs to be key on hot, not full time. Funny- because I wired my Ford to have constant power for my tackroom lights in a non LQ trailer.....
Everybody's needs are just a tad different. I understand where you are coming from.
Posted 2012-03-22 1:30 PM (#142382 - in reply to #142380) Subject: RE: 12V Aux....Can I Disconnect?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by horsey1 on 2012-03-22 12:02 PM
You could buy a Ford...... They relay theirs to be key on hot, not full time. Funny- because I wired my Ford to have constant power for my tackroom lights in a non LQ trailer..... Everybody's needs are just a tad different. I understand where you are coming from.
Funny you say that becuase I did have a Ford but at the time the only trailer I had was my stock combo, the only thing that required a battery was the light in the stock compartment and the dressing room and I disliked the fact that I had to have the engine on or the key turned just to run a single light. Now that I have a second trailer that has more electrical needs I wish I had that Ford back, my needs are different for both trailers.
Looks like something I would have to add to the pickup, might be past my skill level? Would any of the other wires on the trailer only have keyed power? If so I may be able to rig it that way.
Posted 2012-03-22 1:39 PM (#142384 - in reply to #142374) Subject: RE: 12V Aux....Can I Disconnect?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by gard on 2012-03-22 9:20 AM
If you access the trailer plug and remove the wire from the pin socket, it can be taped back to the wiring harness. This will prevent the trailer from drawing any power from your truck. It will also keep your truck's stock wiring, ready for any any other application that would require a B+ function.
If you later choose to reinstall the hot wire function for the trailer, the wire can easily be reinserted.
The wiring for my LQ is easy to access under the nose, maybe they are all this way but it is different than my stock trailer. The wires from the trailer go into a block and from there the wiring harnass that attaches to the pickup is also wired. It looks something like this:
which would allow me to make or break the connection depending on my needs, still would require some user input but I have a similar switch that I have from my batteries to my LQ so if I can remeber to throw one I can remeber 2.