I will be borrowing a friends fuel transfer pump next week and would like to run it from my 7 pin trailer connection if possible. Not sure of the exact model of pump but I did a search and most seem to be 20A. Would this be feasible? Otherwise I will have to run a cord back from one of the batteries. It would be easier not having to open the hood.

 

Should be feasible. Do you know if the 20 amps is start-up or continuous? Looks like duty cycle is limited on some and amp draw can be under 10 amps with others. Hard to be exact without knowing actual draw. How much fuel are you planning on pumping?

Steve

 

about 100 gallons over the course of 2 weeks, probably in increments of no more than 35 gallons at a time. Using it to extend my range to drive from PA to Houston using my own biodiesel. I don't want to melt any of my wiring, so I'll make sure to check the actual fuel pump specs before doing so and have a backup cord to reach the battery.

I was hoping someone here had actual experience doing this. Thanks for your reply.

 

I had to run mine last weekend to take fuel out of my rear tank to replace the fuel pump. I ran it off of the 12v battery charging system on the trailer as the battery was easy to reach in relation to the truck. Ran for a little over an hour, didn't miss a beat. My transfer pump is made from a standard AC Delco 12v fuel pump.

 

Look here: American Wire Gauge table and AWG Electrical Current Load Limits with skin depth frequencies

Unless your trailer plug has 10gauge wire, I wouldn't try to run a 20A pump on it.

 

The fuse for that circuit is 20A. So if the pump draws 20A, you're right on the edge. It's it's 20A max at startup you might be OK. But if it's 20A continuous you'll probably blow the fuse on startup.

I suppose you could try it. The worst that will happen is the fuse will blow.

 

thats what I was wondering, don't want a situation where the wires themselves are damaged- its hard enough getting trailer lights and brakes to work!

 

As David said, it's fused, but any time I have a concern, I just put a fuse in series with whatever I am working on.

Steve

 

I have my transfer pump wired to a 7 prong plug it works fine.I pump 80-100 gallons a day through it when im working.