Posted 2012-09-02 8:19 AM (#146753) Subject: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Nebraska
A few weeks ago the truck was plugged into gooseneck trailer overnight. Battery dead on truck. Since it has been plugged into this before, thought maybe I left the switch on in the truck. But when we got to camp and didn't unplug, it was dead the next day. When we got home & unloaded, it was 2 hours before we put the trailer away. Dead again. The truck sat all week without the trailer & no problem with the battery. We thought perhaps it was the inverter in the trailer causing the problem but hadn't checked it out yet.Had the 2 horse bumper pull plugged into the same truck and it killed the truck battery, too. So now we are thinking it is the truck, not the trailer. The truck is only 6 months old, 2011 Ram 2500, and came with the tow package and integrated trailer brake. It has been plugged in for multiple days earlier this year so this seems to be a new problem. Any ideas? Will call Dodge dealer this week but always like to have some idea before going that route. Thank you.
Posted 2012-09-02 8:44 AM (#146756 - in reply to #146753) Subject: RE: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Nebraska
Thank you for the reply but I don't understand your comment. Do you mean the truck battery is not charging? It isn't running so it couldn't be charging. The truck has sat for days unhooked and it starts okay. The bumper pull trailer which was the most recent problem does not have anything that would take a battery except lights. And they come on when the truck lights are on. The truck lights were not left on. This trailer does not have any loading lights that work; hasn't for years and it has never been an issue with the truck before.Appreciate your reply and hope you can expand on it a little more. Thanks.
Posted 2012-09-02 9:20 AM (#146758 - in reply to #146753) Subject: RE: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
When was the last time you independently and fully charged your trailer battery??
My guess is your trailer connection wiring setup allows access to your truck battery...whether your truck is running or not...I had a Dodge setup like that and had the same effect... my (cheap) solution until I got rid of the truck(it was due for replacement anyway)...was to unplug the trailer connection whenever I reached my destination
Posted 2012-09-02 3:56 PM (#146764 - in reply to #146753) Subject: RE: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Regular
Posts: 98 Location: MD
I had that happen on a truck that the trailer dealership wired. Ended up being mis-wired and was decharging the truck battery when plugged in. I'd check back in with the dealer and have them check the wiring/pins.
Posted 2012-09-02 10:20 PM (#146774 - in reply to #146753) Subject: RE: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
It would be a simple and inexpensive matter to install a diode in series with the truck's B+ lead. This would block the two way flow of current, and only allow the truck to power the trailer.
Posted 2012-09-12 12:22 PM (#146958 - in reply to #146753) Subject: RE: Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
Member
Posts: 22
Location: Nebraska
As a follow-up, decided to have the truck checked first since it is under warranty. Turned out to be a faulty battery. Replaced it and all is working fine. Even left it plugged into trailer for several days as a test & it was fine.
Trailer Stealing Truck Battery
