So I did this mod on my 2018 F350, but did not take pics. I just replicated it on the 2022 F450, and this time I took pics. For anyone with powered tilt/dump trailers, you know the trailer battery will quickly fade with multiple uses during the day, or when the trailer has been sitting for an extended time. I decided I wanted a way to power the trailer hydraulics directly from the truck, so I will never have the moment at the dump (it's always when it's busy too) where the trailer will not lift the load due to a dead battery. Overall, this was very simple to do. I used a marine battery selector in each of my trailers, so I have option to power the trailer from either my truck when I tow, or from the trailer battery if someone borrows my trailer. This system powers both my PJ flatbed (power up/down), as well as my Texas Pride (power up, gravity down) dump trailers. Hopefully this helps someone out there.

I used 4 gauge battery wire, and routed it along the frame from the bed to the engine compartment. The connectors are Warn Winch quick connects. Don't buy your solenoid switch from the local auto parts store. I tried several, and burned them all out. Ended up ordering a heavy duty one designed for boats, Blue Sea 250A Continuous solenoid switch.


This is 5th wheel wiring bracket (taped up the connectors to keep dust out while working) Drill 2 holes on the top of the connector bracket for the wires to run through, and make sure you have rubber grommets to protect the wires.

It takes awhile to work the wires down with the rubber grommets in place.


The size of the hole on the 2022. This is a different shape than the 2018, but still works just as well.

Everything hooked up, and about to be put back onto bedside.

How the connector sits once finished. Not my 2018, I ran a longer bolt through the warn connector into the factory location for the connector. On the 2022, the bolts are on the sides, but thankfully I already had other plans that helped me out here.

Connector bolted to the builtright bedside system. Not pictured is the plastic cover for the warn connector when not being used.

Solenoid Relay (Blue Sea 250 amp continuous)

2018 In-bed Wire connector for comparison's sake
wired to upfitter switch. Mounted on a 1" Aluminum flat bar bought from Home Depot, and used factory bolts located there.

 

Thanks for the write-up and pictures. I plan on doing something similar for my dump trailer when my truck finally arrives.

 

Few pics of the trailer side of the setup.


Battery selector, to switch between truck power and trailer power. As a note, this does not replace or change anything in the 7-pin connector to the trailer, just the hydraulic Motor's power source.

 

Sweet!

Compared to my set of jumper cables running from my hood all the way back I think your solution is superior.

 

I don't understand why trailer manufacturers don't offer a gas engine option for dump trailers. The added expense and maintenance would be cost prohibitive for casual users, but for every day commercial users it just makes so much sense (to me anyway). You can buy a gas powered 30ish ton log splitter for $1,200 - $1,500. That kind of power would cut dump times drastically and would cycle all day on a tank of gas.

Rant over. Thank you for posting this. I think this is a very clean install and can possibly benefit more than just people with dump trailers. Flatbeds with winches come to mind. I especially like that the plug is in the bed where it can be protected by a tonneau cover when not in use.