trailer battery charge -- updated
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Plankinton, SD
trailer battery charge -- updated
Is there a wire in the original harness anywhere I can hook up to charge the battery in my trailer with my alternator when the trucks running? Don't think so, but thought I'd ask. If not, is there an easy way to do that? It would be nice to have that battery charging when I was towing. Otherwise, I have to open the front of the trailer up and charge it each time I want to go racing. It runs the winch, interior lights, etc.
As most of you know, electrical isn't my cup of tea, so here I am.
Thanks guys.
As most of you know, electrical isn't my cup of tea, so here I am.
Thanks guys.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: OR
Darin, if you have a relay in the #5 relay socket, your good to go. #5 is the upper right hand socket looking from the drivers fender. I'm guessing it was an option ? I don't have it. If you do, it should terminate somewhere under the bed.
Otherwise your gonna have to run a relay powered by the ignition. Relay, fused ignition source and I would run a fuse for the battery + lead also for safety. I think a #6 wire would do the trick. You're basically trickle charging as you drive.
Have you thought about how to connect your truck to the trailer ?
Someone here has the option in their truck. Hopefully they'll join the conversation.
Edited again! sheesh..
Otherwise your gonna have to run a relay powered by the ignition. Relay, fused ignition source and I would run a fuse for the battery + lead also for safety. I think a #6 wire would do the trick. You're basically trickle charging as you drive.
Have you thought about how to connect your truck to the trailer ?
Someone here has the option in their truck. Hopefully they'll join the conversation.
Edited again! sheesh..
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Plankinton, SD
Greg, I don't remember if I have that relay, I'll have to look. If I do, you're saying there is a wire under the bed somewhere from it? Any idea on color? I'm not sure on the connecting to the trailer either, I'm open to ideas.
Thanks for the help, we'll see if someone else can chime in with more information.
Thanks for the help, we'll see if someone else can chime in with more information.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: OR
Greg, I don't remember if I have that relay, I'll have to look. If I do, you're saying there is a wire under the bed somewhere from it? Any idea on color? I'm not sure on the connecting to the trailer either, I'm open to ideas.
Thanks for the help, we'll see if someone else can chime in with more information.
Thanks for the help, we'll see if someone else can chime in with more information.
Do you run a trailer brake ? If you do that would use up all the pins on the 7 pin connector. Attach another 7 pin conn. at the rear to transfer power ? Or something like the block heater bumper mod ? The connectors would need to secured while driving for sure.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: OR
Found a good link Darin. Explains allot.
Trailer Battery Charge 30 Amp Circuit - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com
Trailer Battery Charge 30 Amp Circuit - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Lady Lake FL
I was going to say it was red. If your truck has trailer towing package (can't imagine a PS not having it) I believe the plug is almost centered in dash near ob2 port. Should also be a plug in the back left near frame rail. This is going from memory from several years ago. Just use a meter on plug should find it fairly easily.
Hope this helps,
Paul
Hope this helps,
Paul
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: OR
After reading the dieselstop link, I went and looked under my hood. I don't tow yet but, would like to grab a TT in the near future. I also have the 7 pin connector. Never noticed after all this time I've been underneath my truck LOL.
Pic of the relays.
Pic of the relays.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
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From: AZ
You had me going there for a minute Greg. Both my trucks have the towing package but I didn't have the relay in the top right mentioned in post 2. But I have the relay you pictured in both my trucks. Darin, if you go to e trailer site they have some good diagrams of wiring for trailers. I know I have a hot wire but can't remember the color off hand. My batteries remain charged, its just a trickle charge like mentioned.
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Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Plankinton, SD
My trailer hookup is the 6 pin(I think) smaller silver round hookup. IIRC, the big connector is under the truck, and wired to this connector. I need to look again. I have never touched this part of the wiring besides adding my trailer brake control in the cab. I will look at that dieselstop link and e-trailer site later when I have more time.
Thanks guys. Reps where I could..
Thanks guys. Reps where I could..
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 307
Likes: 2
From: OR
You had me going there for a minute Greg. Both my trucks have the towing package but I didn't have the relay in the top right mentioned in post 2. But I have the relay you pictured in both my trucks. Darin, if you go to e trailer site they have some good diagrams of wiring for trailers. I know I have a hot wire but can't remember the color off hand. My batteries remain charged, its just a trickle charge like mentioned.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Southern West Virginia
Darin, if your truck has these two round connectors at the end of the driver side frame rail, you could try to find the factory 7 pin plug with the harness that plugs into them. If your truck does not have these, then you could find the charge wire, replace your six pin plug with a 7 pin and hook it up that way. The charge wire is in the plug with the gray on the ends. You may have these plugs under your truck, but they may be capped off with plastic caps.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Plankinton, SD
Thanks for the picture and words of advice Bill! I'm not sure how soon I'll get to look at it, but now I have some sort of a plan anyway. BTW, you were one I couldn't rep..
edit: One thing, what exactly am I looking for if I want to find a factory harness? Maybe a stupid question, but I don't know.
edit: One thing, what exactly am I looking for if I want to find a factory harness? Maybe a stupid question, but I don't know.