Posted 2012-04-16 1:19 AM (#143140 - in reply to #143128) Subject: RE: Chargeing system for my trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Bugman on 2012-04-15 2:03 PM
I just bought a used trailer .It has a battery for all the lights but does not charge from the truck . How can I change this. Thank you!! David
Gard gave you the quick solution... Make sure you remember to disconnect it overnight...if you want your truck to start the next day...A better solution is to add a nice external solar charging system...because most people do NOT drive far enough or long enough to charge their trailer batteries from their truck
Posted 2012-04-16 6:08 AM (#143142 - in reply to #143140) Subject: RE: Chargeing system for my trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by PaulChristenson on 2012-04-16 1:19 AM because most people do NOT drive far enough or long enough to charge their trailer batteries from their truck
Paul,
Any idea how long it would take to charge a battery while driving? Is is 1 to 1, in other words if you use the battery for an hour would you have to drive for an hour to charge it?
Posted 2012-04-16 8:08 AM (#143143 - in reply to #143128) Subject: RE: Chargeing system for my trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Depending upon the make and model, some trucks' B+ power is cut off when the engine is not running or the ignition is off. This eliminates any accidental draining of the trucks' batteries.
The trailer batteries will be recharged at whatever rate the alternator is designed for, in parallel with the truck's batteries. It could be as little as a few minutes, or the better part of an hour, depending upon the depletion of the batteries.
Posted 2012-04-16 8:22 AM (#143144 - in reply to #143143) Subject: RE: Chargeing system for my trailer
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by gard on 2012-04-16 8:08 AM
Depending upon the make and model, some trucks' B+ power is cut off when the engine is not running or the ignition is off. This eliminates any accidental draining of the trucks' batteries.
I have a Dodge and very much dislike the way it is wired, it is always hot which means I run the risk of dead batteries on my pickup, not sure why they aren't set up like the Ford and Chevy with keyed power.
I checked on an RV forum and some suggested a reley like this:
but I'm not sure I like the idea of messing with my pickups electrical system. I thought I would try just disconnecting the pickup when I got to my destination but the first time I did this I forgot to hook it up and drove home with no blinkers or brake lights. I may just try making the hot wire on my pickup non active and understand I will have to charge my battery another way.