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Old 04-29-2012, 05:44 PM   #1
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how to charge trailer battery while driving

Dose any body know how to wire A truck & trailer so I can charge up my trailer battery while I drive Jim Williams
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Old 04-29-2012, 06:01 PM   #2
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This has been discussed a few times, so a search should turn up past discussions.

Basically you need to run a wire from your battery to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to a relay, then to a terminal on a 7 pin connector on the TV.

From the trailer battery you need a run a wire to a circuit breaker or fuse to the 7 pin trailer connector.

You need to run at least 10 gauge wire including the ground.
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Old 04-29-2012, 06:37 PM   #3
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Thank You Jim Williams
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Old 04-29-2012, 06:49 PM   #4
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The relay you want is called a "Solenoid type Battery Isolator" and they are available at RV stores. Although they "Look" like a starter relay, they are not. A starter relay is designed for high current-short cycle use and will usually fail quickly when used as a battery isolator. The relay will prevent your trailer from draining your engine battery when you are parked but are not disconnected.



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Old 04-29-2012, 10:32 PM   #5
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I use a 30A LED lit switch instead of an Isolator or a continuous service relay. This leaves me the onus of switching it off when leaving the TV hooked to the trailer. In my case I don't use any 12V loads of any magnitude while going down the road, so there is seldom any serious consequence to an occasional oversite, unless we are overnighting!
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Old 04-30-2012, 10:23 AM   #6
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I use a solenoid, but also a switch so I can choose to not use the alternator to charge the batteries.

With a solar panel now putting out a little from even the darkest clouds the charge line is not used any more (except during night driving I guess).
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Old 04-30-2012, 01:09 PM   #7
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Got to say... the first time I read this it said "how to CHANGE a battery while driving". I thought to myself "Neat trick if you could do it!"

The 16' Scamp we're getting (only a month a half until we pick it up!!!) has a solar charger.
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Old 05-02-2012, 06:29 AM   #8
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There's also this... The prop blade and generator look cool on the Pierce Arrow but maybe invert a Fantastic Fan to create a generator (yeah..probably too flimsy)
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Old 05-02-2012, 08:20 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FelixVW View Post
There's also this... The prop blade and generator look cool on the Pierce Arrow but maybe invert a Fantastic Fan to create a generator (yeah..probably too flimsy)
Plus, you could power the prop for emergency passing.
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Old 05-07-2012, 01:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FelixVW
There's also this... The prop blade and generator look cool on the Pierce Arrow but maybe invert a Fantastic Fan to create a generator (yeah..probably too flimsy)
I like it! I have a generator for a VW (12v) I envision a ducted fan housing on the back of my 13' Burro, a.k.a. Escape Module.
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Old 05-07-2012, 04:41 PM   #11
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You might find this wiring diagram of use. It's for an automatic isolator/regulator the only difference between wiring that and the suggested relay approach is the relay would get a switch or wired to an accessory circut to turn it on. The automatic version reads secondary batt voltage and charges as required which is nice. Have used the relay can not vouch for the automatic system. Complete Battery Source also carries it, have looked at it there.

Manual with wiring diagram http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/thesh...113-Manual.pdf

Electronic isolator Amazon.com: Sunforce 60113 150 Amp Battery Isolator: Automotive

Or a relay Amazon.com: Stinger 80 Amp Battery Relay Isolator: Car Electronics
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