Trailer Battery charge line?

[Floyd]

This is similar to what I saw when I experimented. Though some claim the 12v is present without the engine running which I did not experience.

The 12v can also be used for things like trailer interior lights. I need to check my horse trailer and see if its light turn on with the ranger connected. They do with an older F250.

Worst case scenario...
You could run your interior trailer lights through a small battery like a Lawnmower battery then just keep it charged off the truck.
One advantage gained would be lights which work when the trailer is not attached to the truck.

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[Kev7]

Does your trailer battery charge line work?
YES
Did it work when delivered , as delivered?
Not sure. It DOES work after I installed the trailer brake controller.
Did you have to add parts or fuses?
NO
If so what and where?
I never checked it before I installed the brake controller.

What brake controller did you install?

 

[DrRoger]

What brake controller did you install?

A P3

 

[t4thfavor]

A P3

Lol, I thought you stole my picture at first, then I realized yours is screwed in, and I used big fat magnets.

 

[DrRoger]

Lol, I thought you stole my picture at first, then I realized yours is screwed in, and I used big fat magnets.

BUT, you deserve credit for the location.

 

[t4thfavor]

BUT, you deserve credit for the location.

I like that bracket you used better, I wonder if I can find mine...

It's entirely possible that the addition of the brake controller completes the circuit to the trailer... Any confirmation?

 

[MattJ]

I would like to be able to charge battery in the bed of my truck for a refrigerator. Could I tie into this power supply to be able to use the truck as a charger? I have the tow option on my truck but only have the 4pin setup currently.

 

[DrRoger]

I would like to be able to charge battery in the bed of my truck for a refrigerator. Could I tie into this power supply to be able to use the truck as a charger? I have the tow option on my truck but only have the 4pin setup currently.

Two items:

First, how come you only have the 4-pin plug? The 7-pin comes with the tow package.

Second, talking about the 12-volt pin on the 7-pin plug, I believe that the Ranger has to detect a trailer before it energizes that 12-volt pin. I learned this the "hard way" but now I know. You CAN fool it with a 7-pin "checker" plug (has LEDs to show which pins have power). With the checker plugged-in I get the 12-volts.

 

[t4thfavor]

Make sure you put a battery isolator or giant diode in line with the positive so that you don't overload your wires when you start the truck. Other than that, I'm sure it can be done.

 

[Floyd]

I like that bracket you used better, I wonder if I can find mine...

It's entirely possible that the addition of the brake controller completes the circuit to the trailer... Any confirmation?

The four wires to the brake controller are
1] power wire to the controller
2] power wire from the controller to the brake outlet at the RV plug.
3] switch wire from brake switch to the controller.
4] switch wire from the controller to ground.

The brake controller has nothing to do with controlling power to the back-up lights, aux(charge line) or DOT lights.

 

[DrRoger]

The four wires to the brake controller are
1] power wire to the controller
2] power wire from the controller to the brake outlet at the RV plug.
3] switch wire from brake switch to the controller.
4] switch wire from the controller to ground.

The brake controller has nothing to do with controlling power to the back-up lights, aux(charge line) or DOT lights.

Right. That is all handled by the ranger systems.

 

[MattJ]

So I am incorrect about having the tow package I believe...I was told I did and assumed I did because I have the trailer sway button. But after looking through my options again it doesn't appear that I have that option.

 

[DrRoger]

So I am incorrect about having the tow package I believe...I was told I did and assumed I did because I have the trailer sway button. But after looking through my options again it doesn't appear that I have that option.

I believe that everybody gets the "Trailer Sway feature" since it will help even with a bumper hitch.
The 'Tow package" includes two items: a Class IV hitch and the 7-pin connector (with 4-pin also as part of the receptacle).

 

[MattJ]

I will go to dealership tomorrow and order the kit for the 7 way plug. Has anyone tested the amperage being supplied to the trailer charge battery?? Its a 30amp fuse I believe but how many amps are actually being sent?? Wondering if it's just enough to maintain a charge or recharge a partially depleted battery.

 

[Floyd]

I will go to dealership tomorrow and order the kit for the 7 way plug. Has anyone tested the amperage being supplied to the trailer charge battery?? Its a 30amp fuse I believe but how many amps are actually being sent?? Wondering if it's just enough to maintain a charge or recharge a partially depleted battery.

Amps aren't sent, they are drawn.
If the demand exceeds the fuse or the wire size the fuse will blow.
This system will recharge a partially depleted battery.


Not likely a problem on a low RV trailer battery without a load.
RV Batteries should not be discharged below 12.0V and are seldom discharged below 10V.
Many people charge the battery and keep a small fridge cold (for instance)

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