Battery and Power Question
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2021
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Battery and Power Question
I have a 1973 F100 with a 390. I use it for work almost daily. I have a couple of different trailers that I use that require power. One has a winch that use to pull logs onto the trailer and the other is a portable sawmill that needs electrical power for some controls. All are 12V. I would like to be able to just use the vehicle battery for these since i only use them intermittently. I don't want to use secondary batteries on each trailer. I would like to hear recommendations or suggestions on the best way to set this up. I have done some reading on the issue and have seen some suggestions about upgrading the alternator and the existing vehicle battery. Are there other things I should consider such installing a capacitor or any other electrical/wiring upgrades? Also is there anything I should consider upgrading on the engine since I have a third trailer that I will be using to transport a compact tractor to job sites? I haven't had any issues yet towing some of the logs I get that weigh from 3000-3500lbs but the tractor and trailer weigh between 5000-6000lbs. Thanks for any assistance.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Run 2ga wire down the frame to the bumper and use a Anderson 2ga quick connection mounted under the bumper with a 150amp circuit breaker t the truck battery connection. Then install the matching Anderson connector on each of the trailers and you are set for 12v. As for towing 6k with a F100 well that's definitely not advisable.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 855
Likes: 56
From: Des Moines, Washington
No comment on towing capacity but 2X on the Anderson connectors. In the ham radio world, they are known as Anderson Powerpoles and are almost an industry standard.
You’ll find the bigger ones on electric forklifts and tow trucks. I used a set of 80(?) amp ones to replace the proprietary connector on my lawn mower.
Michael
You’ll find the bigger ones on electric forklifts and tow trucks. I used a set of 80(?) amp ones to replace the proprietary connector on my lawn mower.
Michael
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 3
No comment on towing more than your truck is rated for, I'm definitely not innocent.. trailer brakes go a long ways though..
X3 on the Anderson connectors, only way to go.. how big is your winch? That will decide the cable size you would need to run, this is one area you cannot skimp on without disastrous results, like your truck burning down.. if you have like a 5k winch, I think you would be fine with 2 gauge wire, anything bigger, I would feel better having a bigger cable, like 1/0 on that long of a run
X3 on the Anderson connectors, only way to go.. how big is your winch? That will decide the cable size you would need to run, this is one area you cannot skimp on without disastrous results, like your truck burning down.. if you have like a 5k winch, I think you would be fine with 2 gauge wire, anything bigger, I would feel better having a bigger cable, like 1/0 on that long of a run
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
On my 06 F-350 dump I ran heavy copper cable from the battery (fused at battery) back to rear of truck and connected it to a heavy duty commercial 2 pin receptacle. Fitted an appropriate mating plug on my trailer winch. The Anderson connectors mentioned are an excellent choice. I wanted a receptacle-type with a weatherproof cover so went with a different style and it looks and mounts like a typical trailer wiring connector with a flip cover. All the materials were available from my local auto electric shop. The truck has dual batteries. You'll want to install dual batteries and a hi output alternator.
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