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12-21-2014, 07:12 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
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Keep Plugged In Or Not
I am currently hooked up to AC. However, tomorrow night I will connect for an early take-off the following morning. I would like to go ahead and hook up the electrical cord, as it will be very dark in the morning. Is there any problem hooking up the electrical cord from the trailer to the truck while keeping the AC cord connected to the campground post?
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 Chillbilly
2013 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8244WS
2015 Ford F250 Quad Cab w/6.2 Engine
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12-21-2014, 07:18 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,255
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillbilly
Is there any problem hooking up the electrical cord from the trailer to the truck while keeping the AC cord connected to the campground post?
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Not a one. You're good to go.
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12-21-2014, 09:10 PM
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#3
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Cyber Phrenologist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern Crescent
Posts: 1,806
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Like you I like to get the trailer all hooked up and ready to roll the night before, to the point all I have to do is get into the truck and turn the key. It never quite works out that way but pretty darn close.
To that end, I always disconnect shore power cable for fear I will forget it and drive off with it attached. But as the others have stated, there is no electrical reason you can't leave truck and shore power both attached overnight.
As the trailer sits ready to tow overnight, the only battery draw is the fridge controller board and the LP detectors for about 10 hours. Not a problem.
What do you feel is the advantage of keeping shore power attached until the last minute? Are you at home or in a campground?
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KU4OJ
2008 (or is it 2009?) Rockwood 8280SS - 2022 F-250 7.3L
Lot's of mostly Kenwood radios
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12-21-2014, 09:24 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,024
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I'm always paranoid about leaving my truck and trailer connected because my dealer told me the trailer will drain the truck battery if I left it connected. (Not sure how fast it, actually, would and if that only means when dry-camping.)
But I did hear if your truck battery is dead, you can connect the camper and, supposedly, can get enough juice to start the truck...also not something I've tested!
__________________
Rick & Karen
(Retired USAF, MSgt)
Monument, Colorado
8-year Travel Trailer RVers
2013 Forest River Rockwood Ultra-Lite 2904SS
2014 Toyota Tundra Maxcrew SR-5 TRD 4x4 (with Firestone airbags in the rear)
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12-21-2014, 10:19 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,499
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Nope. No problem.
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2018 Forester 3011 DS
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12-21-2014, 10:30 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 762
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColoradoRick
I'm always paranoid about leaving my truck and trailer connected because my dealer told me the trailer will drain the truck battery if I left it connected. (Not sure how fast it, actually, would and if that only means when dry-camping.)
But I did hear if your truck battery is dead, you can connect the camper and, supposedly, can get enough juice to start the truck...also not something I've tested!
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But I did hear if your truck battery is dead, you can connect the camper and, supposedly, can get enough juice to start the truck...also not something I've tested![/QUOTE]
I always worry about the trailer draining the truck battery too! I disconnect it if the truck will be off for long periods of time although I don't no if it is really necessary. I don't think the wiring that runs from the camper battery to the truck's starter could handle the current required for engine starting though. Maybe someone will say either way for sure on both accounts . 
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Aviator Wright-Flyer#1908
1996 Holiday Rambler
2012 Ram 2500HD CTD
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12-21-2014, 10:36 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lodi CA
Posts: 1,211
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On my truck there is a relay when you turn off the key it disconnects the battery charging circuit. Also will not be enough amps to start truck you would melt the wire. Also yours must have the relay if it was set for towing or it should to prevent from back feeding to your truck. And yes I leave mine plugged in till I leave just don't forget to disconnect you will have damage to both the trailer and cord.
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2001 Ford F-350 DRW 7.3
2011 25 RL Wildcat
former fiver 1976 Fourwinds had for 35 years
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12-21-2014, 10:47 PM
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#8
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Berkshire 390QS
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,489
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Leave a sticky note on steering wheel - "UNPLUG CORD"
__________________
2011: 54 days, 2012: 218 days, 2013: 175 days, 2014: 196 days
2015: 188 days, 2016: 72 days, 2017: 185 days: 2018 182 days
2019: 156 days (2009 Berkshire, 390QS, and toad)
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12-22-2014, 12:53 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Grayson County, Texas
Posts: 21,587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onetonford
On my truck there is a relay when you turn off the key it disconnects the battery charging circuit.
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Same with my GMC.
__________________
2015 FR Wildcat 295RSX / GMC Sierra
Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78; Booked for 2024 = 69 |
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12-22-2014, 03:58 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 32
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I agree with NO3putt. Use a "sticky note".
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12-22-2014, 05:12 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Posts: 320
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I've heard advice given by several people to disconnect the tow vehicle from the trailer when camping without shore power to conserve your vehicle's battery but, as advised by a couple of people in this message string, your truck battery is not connected to your trailer. Instead, your alternator output feeds your trailer only when the truck is running. Your trailer can't drain your truck battery, nor can it help start your truck. Providing shore power to your trailer while hooked to your truck will not harm your truck.
I imagine some vehicles without factory wiring to supply power to charge the trailer could be wired by someone to go directly from the battery to the trailer but neither the manufacturer or an RV dealer would wire things that way. An RV dealer, etc., would use a battery isolator (relay or diodes) to keep the batteries isolated.
If the truck is factory wired to support the standard 7-pin vehicle to trailer plug, your all set.
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12-22-2014, 07:17 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
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Radio asked why I wanted to have both connected. It's for heat! I want to get up early and pull the AC plug, get in the truck and drive away without waking up my sleeping neighbors.
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Chillbilly
2013 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8244WS
2015 Ford F250 Quad Cab w/6.2 Engine
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12-22-2014, 07:23 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,255
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TGR
your truck battery is not connected to your trailer. Instead, your alternator output feeds your trailer only when the truck is running.
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Yes.. that is correct. And only when you have the appropriate relays. So no issues whatsoever keeping your 7 pin plugged in for an early start in the morning. The OP is good to go!
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12-22-2014, 07:47 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Wewahitchka , Fl
Posts: 101
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Without fail ! ! !! the very last thing I do before getting in the truck to leave is DO A QUICK WALK AROUND !! ! Can save some major issues
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12-23-2014, 03:10 AM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: BrookPark,Ohio
Posts: 78
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 47chevy
Without fail ! ! !! the very last thing I do before getting in the truck to leave is DO A QUICK WALK AROUND !! ! Can save some major issues
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X2 Always do a good walk around before you leave.
__________________
Jeff & Debbie
2015 Tracer Air 255
2015 Ram Laramie Power Wagon 2500
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12-24-2014, 07:09 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 134
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My real concern is whether the trailer 12v appliances would draw down the truck battery to where I wouldn't be able to leave at all. I don't even know if the truck battery powers anything other than the lights.
__________________
Chillbilly
2013 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8244WS
2015 Ford F250 Quad Cab w/6.2 Engine
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12-25-2014, 09:43 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Western MA
Posts: 603
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chillbilly
My real concern is whether the trailer 12v appliances would draw down the truck battery to where I wouldn't be able to leave at all. I don't even know if the truck battery powers anything other than the lights.
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As others have mentioned, all modern trucks from the big three disconnect the charge line in your seven way RV plug from the trucks battery when the key is off so it would be impossible to run down your trucks battery through trailer 12V usage. So, by shutting off the key, you are essentially disconnected from the trailer other than the driving light circuits. ( exterior parking, turning, and brake)
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12-25-2014, 10:13 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ventura
Posts: 166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColoradoRick
I'm always paranoid about leaving my truck and trailer connected because my dealer told me the trailer will drain the truck battery if I left it connected. (Not sure how fast it, actually, would and if that only means when dry-camping.)
But I did hear if your truck battery is dead, you can connect the camper and, supposedly, can get enough juice to start the truck...also not something I've tested!
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Find a new dealer for advice
__________________
F-250 . stealth 3210 solar pannels, fantastic fans. and life line batteries
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12-25-2014, 10:21 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Western MA
Posts: 603
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John McClain
Find a new dealer for advice
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Agreed. The reverse charging to the truck trick wouldn't play either as it's only a 30 amp circuit for the battery charge line.
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12-25-2014, 11:32 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NO3putt
Leave a sticky note on steering wheel - "UNPLUG CORD"
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Got this tip from a friend of mine. Put an old golf club driver cover over the shifter handle, prompting you to do your pre-flight check list, which you have previously prepared and is handy at your fingertips, then your off!
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