battery charging relay

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 4, 2011 | 08:46 AM

#16

BPofMD

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 65,938

Likes: 1,432

From: Millersville, MD

That 12v in the trailer plug isn't a large enough gauge wire to keep your battery charged in the trailer......Not unless you want to keep your truck RUNNING for 8 hours at a time!

Nov 23, 2011 | 08:37 PM

#17

kidoo

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 933

Likes: 0

From: Québec

So what is the solution to properly charge the batteries on our trucks?

Nov 24, 2011 | 08:40 AM

#18

AB1946

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 64

Likes: 0

From: michigan

Have your trailer wiring installed properly for what ever you're pulling and get the relays installed under the hood as is shown above.

Nov 24, 2011 | 09:29 AM

#19

Mud Doc

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,222

Likes: 4

From: Texas

If the batteriy(s) on the trailer are charged to start out, the truck charging circuit should help to maintain the charge. But, if the batteries are down, the truck can barely help. If you have a monitoring panel on the trailer, check the battery status with the truck hooked up, running and not running, to see if the monitor panel indicates a charging status. And, it is easy to see if the charging circuit is working by checking the voltage on the #4 contact, IF the truck is running.
Joe

Oct 20, 2014 | 10:16 AM

#20

Bauerfeind

New User

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

I picked up a comatible relay from NAPA - the AR272. It ran just under $21 and popped right in. It is a 5-prong (50 amp?) relay. Much cheaper and easier than going through the dealer.

Apr 10, 2015 | 10:56 PM

#21

msgtord

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 1,490

Likes: 16

From: Arizona/Texas

Ok, so do newer trucks need the relays?

Apr 10, 2015 | 11:07 PM

#22

Mud Doc

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,222

Likes: 4

From: Texas

If your truck has a factory hitch and the 4-pole/7-pole plugs at the bumper, you have everything you need to run trailer lights and charge the battery. BUT, would check for power at that #4 pin when the truck is running.
Haven't kept up, but think all newer SDs are equipped to tow...but if you don't have the IBC on the dash, you would need an aftermarket brake controller, and the truck is already wired for it with a connector under the dash.
Joe

Apr 11, 2015 | 11:00 AM

#23

BPofMD

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 65,938

Likes: 1,432

From: Millersville, MD

If it wasn't ordered with the trailer tow package you WILL need the relays if no previous owner didn't install them.

FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

Brett Foote

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Michael S. Palmer

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Verdad Gallardo

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Joe Kucinski

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Brett Foote

Apr 12, 2015 | 08:09 PM

#24

msgtord

Posting Guru

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 1,490

Likes: 16

From: Arizona/Texas

Checked mine today and I have 12v.

Dec 24, 2015 | 04:17 PM

#25

coolpoprocks

New User

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: Owensville, Mo

Would the FOAB 14B192-AA FAILING cause me not to have lights on when sw turned on/ aLSO NOTHING HAPPENS When key is turned to on. acts like truck has no ground. battery is good. 1997 ranger 4w drive

Jan 1, 2016 | 10:53 PM

#26

speedwrench72

Posting Guru

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 1,065

Likes: 2

From: western washington

a good tech will in stall a relay so the plug on the truck is cold when engine is off so your batt will not get drained on your tow rig when you remain hitched to your camper when camping...