Auxillary Light Question
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Auxillary Light Question
Hi all, this is my first post to the forum and I thank you in advance for your help.
I have a 2002 F350 7.3 diesel SuperCab that I use to pull a horse trailer. The trailer is equiped with inside lights and an external loading light. When connected to my old (Chevy) truck, these lights worked whether or not the truck was running, which was great because I often need the lights when the truck is parked.
However now with my Ford these lights only work when the truck is running (or I suppose when the ignition is switched on). How can I get them to work whenever the trailer is connected to the truck (like the running lights)? The trailer has the 7 pin RV connection and I believe that the lights in question use the pin in the center of the plug.
I have a 2002 F350 7.3 diesel SuperCab that I use to pull a horse trailer. The trailer is equiped with inside lights and an external loading light. When connected to my old (Chevy) truck, these lights worked whether or not the truck was running, which was great because I often need the lights when the truck is parked.
However now with my Ford these lights only work when the truck is running (or I suppose when the ignition is switched on). How can I get them to work whenever the trailer is connected to the truck (like the running lights)? The trailer has the 7 pin RV connection and I believe that the lights in question use the pin in the center of the plug.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
The 12V feed on the Ford is switched, so that the trailer does not run down the truck batteries when the truck isn't running.
The best way to do what you want to do would be to get a small Deep Cycle battery and find a place to mount it on your trailer, then connect it to the 12V circuit. The truck will charge the battery while it is running and the battery will provide lights for you when the truck is off.
The only other way would be to re-wire the 12V feed on the truck. It is not the center pin, however. A 7 pin diagram is here, along with everything you ever wanted to know about trailer wiring.
Trailer Wiring Diagrams | etrailer.com
The best way to do what you want to do would be to get a small Deep Cycle battery and find a place to mount it on your trailer, then connect it to the 12V circuit. The truck will charge the battery while it is running and the battery will provide lights for you when the truck is off.
The only other way would be to re-wire the 12V feed on the truck. It is not the center pin, however. A 7 pin diagram is here, along with everything you ever wanted to know about trailer wiring.
Trailer Wiring Diagrams | etrailer.com
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Thank You
Thank You David, that makes perfect sense. My trailer does have a small battery for the electric brakes. Do you know if it's possible to use that one for the 12V lights instead of installing an addtional one? Seems like that might work, but maybe I'm forgetting something?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
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From: Scio, OR
I don't see why not. I'm not sure about the design of the small battery, though. On my stock trailer, the small battery is (I think) kind of a special use that holds a charge for a very long time and is designed really for that one time emergency use.
As far as wiring it, I think you'd just have to connect the positive of the battery to your 12V pin to auxiliary lights wire. Then the battery would get used and charged.
One of the RV experts will probably be along to comment on the advisability of that, though.
As far as wiring it, I think you'd just have to connect the positive of the battery to your 12V pin to auxiliary lights wire. Then the battery would get used and charged.
One of the RV experts will probably be along to comment on the advisability of that, though.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Smithers, BC, Canada
I know only a little about RVs, but I do know a bit about horse trailers
On most horse trailers, the battery for the breakaway is a small battery that is just there to power the brakes incase of an emergency. Most of the non LQ trailers that I have seen did not charge this battery, and many of them are not even chargable.
I have also found that many of the people have no idea what the condition of the breakaway battery is. When I bought my trailer, the battery had been toast for along time. I got a new battery and I check on it every month, durring the winter it gets put on a battery minder periodicaly.
I think your best bet is too add a battery like David sugested.
On most horse trailers, the battery for the breakaway is a small battery that is just there to power the brakes incase of an emergency. Most of the non LQ trailers that I have seen did not charge this battery, and many of them are not even chargable.
I have also found that many of the people have no idea what the condition of the breakaway battery is. When I bought my trailer, the battery had been toast for along time. I got a new battery and I check on it every month, durring the winter it gets put on a battery minder periodicaly.
I think your best bet is too add a battery like David sugested.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: Tri-Cities, TN
You should just be able to replace the small battery for the brakes with a larger deep-cycle that can run your lights. Connect it to the wiring so that the truck will keep it charged and you should be good to go.
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