I have read where newer Ford Super Duty trucks with a factory installed Trailer Brake Controller must detect the presence of a trailer before the truck will supply a charging voltage to the vehicle’s 7-pin connector, pin 4. Since you have ~12 volts on this circuit this is likely okay on your F150. I think it is very likely you have a problem in your trailer’s wiring. By the way, my older 2011 Super Duty with the factory Trailer Brake Controller supplies voltage whenever the truck is running.
An easy test of your trailer’s wiring would be to connect a 10 or 15-amp fuse between pins 3 and 4 on your trailer’s plug. This should light your trailer’s running lights with power from your trailer's batteries. You can also use a meter to read between the trailer’s 7-pin connector, pin 4, to ground where you should read the battery voltage.
X2 on checking voltage when connected and not connected. There is a 30amp fuse in the junction box that the 7 pin cord goes to that controls the 12v from the truck. Took me 3 weeks to find it. Once I did, I replaced it with a self resetting breaker and all is well.
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2014 Stealth Evo 2850- "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7- "Clifford"
2013 Honda Accord Coupe V6 w/Track Pack- "Julia"
If you are running a fridge or heavy load on that inverter while towing it is unlikely you truck will maintain the charge (without serious modifications. )
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Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
If you are running a fridge or heavy load on that inverter while towing it is unlikely you truck will maintain the charge (without serious modifications. )
I realize every refrigerator is different but I can run a freezer on an inverter. Replaced my Outside Kitchen refrigerator with a similar sized freezer. While running it draws less than 10 amp DC to feed the inverter.
Since i am charging via a DC-DC charger that is putting out the full 20 amp, the power is being split 50-50 between inverter and batteries.
Not exactly a rapid charge on my Battleborns but more than enough to take care of keeping them charged while powering the usual dc loads while towing.
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"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)
"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"
2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change)
I have 12+ volts at the 7 pin and same going to the batteries. This is the first time I have traveled with the inverter that was installed. I tried searching the internet to see if I should leave the inverter on while driving and everyone said yes, but I think because its left on Im drawing more power from the inverter then can be charged from the truck.
Last week I brought home a new 2020 F350D to replace our older 04 F250D for towing our Phoenix 5th wheel. All connections from truck to trailer worked as should on the 04 truck. Upon plugging into new truck found the RV left side turn signal and emergency flasher did not work, while the right side worked fine. Discovered the 7 pin connecter wiring plug for the bed plug wasn't pushed in to truck wiring plug completely. Now the turn signal and emergency work, but RV running lights came on and want go off till unplugged.
Now this is where it gets confusing; Idea; Plug into the bumper 7 pin plug, and voila, RV running lights go off and light when the truck running lights or on, but now no charge to RV battery. When plugged into bed plug I get some power to battery and RV running lights on continuous, like hour later, and when plugged into bumper plug, RV running lights don't come on and no power to battery, WHATS UP WITH THIS? Remember all was well before the new truck.
I have been in touch with the selling dealer, 100 miles away, they say bring it in and they will check the wiring, but I'm thinking I can deal with it till something more serious happens, or truck needs service. If anyone has had this same issue or a suggestion, I welcome your comments.
I have 12+ volts at the 7 pin and same going to the batteries. This is the first time I have traveled with the inverter that was installed. I tried searching the internet r see if I should leave the inverter on while driving and everyone said yes, but I think because its left on Im drawing more power from the inverter then can be charged from the truck.
Yes your inverter will draw more than the truck supplies unless you have modifications such as that made by titan Mike above. That is why you need a good battery bank - to supply supplement the power shortage from the truck. Once arriving at your destination the power depleted from the batteries is then replenished by the converter or a solar source. Most people with residential fridges do run them when towing, hence the reason for the inverter and battery bank.
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Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
Don't need the inverter on for any reason. My refrigerator runs on gas. Next time I travel Im going to leave it off and see if the batteries charge.
Yes, certainly leave it off if not needed. I run my fridges on gas why towing, I don't even have an inverter. You rarely see an inverter without a residential fridge (as far as I know,)
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Cedar Creek Lake, Texas
2019 Keystone Loredo 290SRL
2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins crew cab
Andersen hitch
Yes, certainly leave it off if not needed. I run my fridges on gas why towing, I don't even have an inverter. You rarely see an inverter without a residential fridge (as far as I know,)
In their first post, the OP stated that they installed an inverter, along with a pair of new batteries.
"I had replaced my 12 volt batteries with two six volt and installed a inverter"
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Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
The OP stated inverter/charger, which leads me to believe he meant converter/charger. The inverter changes 12v DC to 120v AC, and the conveter does the opposite. If you really do have an inverter installed, be aware that it uses power if it is on, even when not being used.
The OP stated inverter/charger, which leads me to believe he meant converter/charger. The inverter changes 12v DC to 120v AC, and the conveter does the opposite. If you really do have an inverter installed, be aware that it uses power if it is on, even when not being used.
Some INverters do actually charge the battery.
They have a separate section in them specifically for charging the onboard battery.(ies)
Again, not all but some.... so maybe the OP did mean the INverter.
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2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2024 Ford F-Series SCREW•7.3L•4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
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Through the factory trailer wiring harness in your truck? Or have you upgraded.
On my truck (I realize different brand) I installed a Renogy 20 amp DC-DC charger that draws 27-29 amp through the factory wiring. Unfortunately I only got 13-15 amp at the batteries. I installed a separate #8 awg duplex wire from truck battery to hitch and use andersen connectors to connect to trailer. Now I get a full 20 amp charge.
No, ran a 4 gauge all the way from truck battery (through a 60 amp fuse) to rear license plate, used an xt 90 connector to trailer and a Victron 30 amp dc/dc charger. They tend to under rate their charger, as another person on the FB forum put in a 20 amp model and was getting 25 or so amps. He called VIctron and their response was that they under rate them, presumably to get rated performance in various installations.
I have a 2019 F150 and agree with Mike 134 above. The wiring is so small that not much charge gets to the trailer battery. My former truck would charge the TT batteries in a bit over an hour.
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2021 2205S Rockwood Minilite
2019 F 150 Lariat 3.5 Eco Fx4 Max Tow
Equal-i-zer WDH, 1809 lb payload
It can heat up the alternator. It is a constant rather stiff load. 20 amp is a good choice for a regular alternator, I have the upgraded alternator so the 45 amp load should not hurt.
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