Battery Charge while towing?

[74bronco]

Just got back from the maiden voyage of a week-long trip, dry-camping through Death Valley and Kern River area in Southern California.

My wife and Kids love the new trailer. I love the quality and they love the space.

To the point. The batteries do not take a charge while towing. This is new to me. My last two trailers took a charge. I quick look at the junction box where 7-pin trailer plug's cord terminates. It appears to have a wire connected to a thick guage red wire leading into the trailer that I would guess to be a power feed cable.

Any insights would be appreciated!

[flyrotor]

With a test light check your 7 point pins in your truck's trailer plug, there should be a hot wire.

If you have a hot lead then it will be in your trailer connection, now you need to check the red wire you are talking about while plugged into your truck to see if there is still is still power, if you do not have a hot lead, then check your fuse box of your truck.

Have you towed trailers previously with your current truck and did you have issues?

[herk7769]

Also check the fuse for the hot wire. (See your fuse panel description in your owner's manual for location).

[KyDan]

If you've got a meter or 12v test light you can test
between the 1 o-clock and 7 o-clock pins as shown
in the picture in Lou's post.

Also be aware that your trailer batteries are way down
stream from your engine battery.
Often, the voltage regulator in your engine alternator
will see the engine battery as charged and lower
the output voltage to a point where the trailer batteries
get little if any charge.
This is typical.
Some folks here say their trailer batteries get a charge
while towing.
Some say not.
Mine does not charge much while on the road and yes, I
am sure there is 12v at the trailer plug.

You need to check your plug and then go from there.....

Good Luck!

[herk7769]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Often, the voltage regulator in your engine alternator will see the engine battery as charged and lower the output voltage to a point where the trailer batteries get little if any charge.

This is exactly why using the TV as a charger to avoid buying a generator is FALSE economy. There is very little power there to replace the hundreds of amps used by your battery while dry camping.

Buy a generator and use it to power a dedicated battery charger. Even your camper's power converter will only top off your battery after days of shore power.

[74bronco]

Thanks to everyone. The plug diagram was helpful...saved me the effort to go find it!!

Checked the fuse on the truck tonight. It was blown. Never happened with the last trailer. I'll check the amp load next time I hook up.