Battery charging wire from TV

[benfox49]

My TV is a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, Trailer is a 176 MAC. I need to run a wire to my 7 pin connector to charge Trailer battery.
I would like to have it setup up with a relay to shut off when ignition is off.
I have a couple Micro2 fuses in fuse block that are powered up with ignition switch that I could use.
Here's my problem, if I use a fuse tap I don't think it will fit in the position that fuse is located, [right next to a relay}. They seem to take up a lot of room in fuse box . I've seen fuse taps that are just metal tabs the fit over the fuse leg .but they don't seem to make them in Micro2 fuse size.
My TV also has 4 fuses that are for a trailer, 2 that are listed as trailer power and 1 each for left and right turn, brake .
My TV did not come with towing package although it is available on this model
I'm wondering if there is a factory connector at rear of TV for these circuits.
It would have been nice to be able to use these instead of buying the aftermarket wiring harness.

So, to get to my point, I need suggestions to get power from my fuse block to relay in a clean safe manor and also if anyone has a 2017 /2018 Pacifica TV that can answer my questions about the trailer circuits in fuse block and where they terminate.


Thanks,
Ben

[Chuck_S]

I assume some salesman told you that you can tow this?

Your Chrysler Pacifica has a 1500 pound maximum towing capacity. Your trailer weighs more than that "empty" and probably 800 pounds more than that loaded. No surprise there's no trailer battery charge line or 7-pole connector on the back.

Check the options list for what's in the HD tow package. May be simple to add. May require mechanical modifications as HD tow will pull 3600 (not 1500) pounds.

-- Chuck

[CedarCreekWoody]

Also be aware that just "running a wire" may not provide enough current to recharge your battery. There are several discussions on the forum regarding the upgrades needed to accomplish this.

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

I assume some salesman told you that you can tow this?

Your Chrysler Pacifica has a 1500 pound maximum towing capacity. Your trailer weighs more than that "empty" and probably 800 pounds more than that loaded. No surprise there's no trailer battery charge line or 7-pole connector on the back.

Check the options list for what's in the HD tow package. May be simple to add. May require mechanical modifications as HD tow will pull 3600 (not 1500) pounds.

-- Chuck

The 176 MAC weighs 1550 empty , I don't plan on carrying much in the way of cargo, so I'm comfortable with pulling it.

Ben

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Also be aware that just "running a wire" may not provide enough current to recharge your battery. There are several discussions on the forum regarding the upgrades needed to accomplish this.

Not sure what you mean by " just running a wire" , My plan is to run a #10 wire from Battery switched on and off through a relay controlled by ignition.

How else would I power it?

Ben

[Chuck_S]

You're aware your trailer exceeds your maximum capacity when both the trailer and van are empty so there are probably liability and legal ramifications to towing it when something goes wrong. Probably warranty issues with the infamous weak Chrysler transmission as well. Max towing capacity is computed with only a 150 pound driver in the vehicle. Add your family, dogs, and other stuff and the real towing capacity is closer to 1000 pounds with this inadequate vehicle.

You'll probably get away with it for a while...

-- Chuck

[MNtraveler]

If you Google "how to wire chrysler pacifica for trailering" you will find a lot of information on this including videos on how to do the wiring from eTrailer and other sources and some step-by-step descriptions with photographs.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by benfox49

Not sure what you mean by " just running a wire" , My plan is to run a #10 wire from Battery switched on and off through a relay controlled by ignition.

How else would I power it?

Ben

There are a number of things that can come into play, such as alternator size, wire size, voltage conversions, etc. A search of the forum, and other sources, will give you much info.

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

You're aware your trailer exceeds your maximum capacity when both the trailer and van are empty so there are probably liability and legal ramifications to towing it when something goes wrong. Probably warranty issues with the infamous weak Chrysler transmission as well. Max towing capacity is computed with only a 150 pound driver in the vehicle. Add your family, dogs, and other stuff and the real towing capacity is closer to 1000 pounds with this inadequate vehicle.

You'll probably get away with it for a while...

-- Chuck

I appreciate your concern , but really just looking for someone who may have knowledge of the Pacifica trailer wiring circuits that are already built into my van.

Ben

[benfox49]

since I'm not sure if I have the 180 or 220 amp alternator ,I think I'll just not run the wire for the battery charging.
thanks for the responses.

Ben

[Wolf26]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

You're aware your trailer exceeds your maximum capacity when both the trailer and van are empty so there are probably liability and legal ramifications to towing it when something goes wrong. Probably warranty issues with the infamous weak Chrysler transmission as well. Max towing capacity is computed with only a 150 pound driver in the vehicle. Add your family, dogs, and other stuff and the real towing capacity is closer to 1000 pounds with this inadequate vehicle.

You'll probably get away with it for a while...

-- Chuck

You can lead a horse to water,...….. well, you know the rest.

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

You're aware your trailer exceeds your maximum capacity when both the trailer and van are empty so there are probably liability and legal ramifications to towing it when something goes wrong. Probably warranty issues with the infamous weak Chrysler transmission as well. Max towing capacity is computed with only a 150 pound driver in the vehicle. Add your family, dogs, and other stuff and the real towing capacity is closer to 1000 pounds with this inadequate vehicle.

You'll probably get away with it for a while...

-- Chuck

Funny that the weak transmission is capable of pulling 3600 lbs with towing package ,my van has the transmission cooler as does the towing package equipped ones.
I've owned 6 chrysler vans ,pulled a cargo trailer loaded with cabinets and cabinet biulding material on many occasions with no problems of any kind and no transmission issues.
I posted a question about wiring ,and get your opinions about the quality of my TV, I thought this forum was to help answer questions, I guess I made a mistake.

Ben

[Wolf26]

Sorry Dude, we didn't mean to ruffle any feathers. Just hate to see you possibly damage your vehicle.

[Chuck_S]

I thought this forum was to help answer questions, I guess I made a mistake.

Not a complete mistake but good forums will not enable folks to create or drive unsafe rigs. You opened up a can of worms when you told us you were going to tow with such an inadequate vehicle. We, or at least I, would rather you not tow overloaded.

HD Towing packages typically include a HD transmission cooler/radiator and often a better engine radiator. See what yours should have to tow much more than 1000 pounds (1500 pounds minus the load in the minivan).

Chrysler transmissions are notorious for failing in towing applications. An auxiliary transmission cooler is literally mandatory without the tow package.

-- Chuck

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Not a complete mistake but good forums will not enable folks to create or drive unsafe rigs. You opened up a can of worms when you told us you were going to tow with such an inadequate vehicle. We, or at least I, would rather you not tow overloaded.

HD Towing packages typically include a HD transmission cooler/radiator and often a better engine radiator. See what yours should have to tow much more than 1000 pounds (1500 pounds minus the load in the minivan).

Chrysler transmissions are notorious for failing in towing applications. An auxiliary transmission cooler is literally mandatory without the tow package.

-- Chuck

Chuck,

You got me wondering, so I checked the specs of my Pacifica, it comes standard with a 220 amp alternator and a transmission oil cooler.
I have an after market class 3 hitch installed.
I'm not sure about the radiator ,but will check with dealership. Mine has the stop -start system so has a very large capacity battery

So, it has most of the features of the factory towing package already installed.

Hopefully now maybe I can get a response to my actual question.

thanks,
Ben

[upflying]

How about a simple, in line fused, charge wire running off the positive terminal of the battery? This separates the charge wire from everything else in the Pacifica.
Unplug the TV from the TT when parked/camping.
These new cars all run on a bunch of easily damaged modules and I hate making mods to modern electrical systems.

[kcmusa]

I am not up on the pacifica but if you do it you may want to look into an battery isolator

[Chuck_S]

According to Chrysler: The HD tow package on the Pacifica includes:

220-amp alternator
7-pin/4-pin trailer-tow wiring harness
Heavy-duty radiator
Trailer hitch with 2-inch receiver and integrated connector
Trailer sway damping technology

Wiring harness is frequently already in the vehicle. Manufacturing economy often just has one (1) wiring harness and connects optional equipment into it. There may even be a brake control connector under the dashboard although you're not heavy enough to have one legally required.

Check around in the back of the vehicle under the plastic panels. If the 7-pin harness is there you have the trailer battery charge line assuming the appropriate relay and fuse are in the box.

The transmission radiator is often combined with the engine coolant radiator.

-- Chuck

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

According to Chrysler: The HD tow package on the Pacifica includes:Wiring harness is frequently already in the vehicle. Manufacturing economy often just has one (1) wiring harness and connects optional equipment into it. There may even be a brake control connector under the dashboard although you're not heavy enough to have one legally required.

Check around in the back of the vehicle under the plastic panels. If the 7-pin harness is there you have the trailer battery charge line assuming the appropriate relay and fuse are in the box.

The transmission radiator is often combined with the engine coolant radiator.

-- Chuck

I don't need the anti sway, just checked with dealer and I'm good to go .

Dealer couldn't tell where the connector terminated so I guess I'll have to search.

Doubt I'll find an actual 7 pin trailer connector but, maybe just a connector they would plug the 7 pin into when option is installed.

If not ,I'll go ahead and run a #10 wire off mains and use a cutout relay so I don't have to remember to disconnect trailer plug on long stops.

I guess I'll use a fuse tap to get input for cutout relay control.

Thanks,
Ben

[benfox49]

Originally Posted by upflying

How about a simple, in line fused, charge wire running off the positive terminal of the battery? This separates the charge wire from everything else in the Pacifica.
Unplug the TV from the TT when parked/camping.
These new cars all run on a bunch of easily damaged modules and I hate making mods to modern electrical systems.

I really don't want to have to remember to unplug it. I agree about being careful with wiring and finding a spot to mount a cut out relay will be interesting.

thanks,
Ben