Battery didn't charge while Driving

[jennykatz]

We have a 07 Sequoia without a tow package bet we had installed a bargeman 7 pin connector Only 5 pins are working It's hooked up to trailer a boat with disc brakes I'm missing the brake and charging circuits .
I didn't realize I could take the power off the 12 volt plug in back of vehicle .I'm going with a prodigy RF unit that does not need the brake component just need the charging circuit . I will look at 12 volt in back see if it's strong enough 12g ? Thanks for any advice Jim

[MCDenny]

Hi Jim, I had a 7 amp load plugged into the "12v power port" aka cigarette lighter socket in the back of my Jeep. After ten minutes it was too hot to touch.


Denny Wolfe
Wanderingourway.wordpress.com

[sokhapkin]

Originally Posted by jennykatz

I will look at 12 volt in back see if it's strong enough 12g ? Thanks for any advice Jim

Run a dedicated wire with self reset 30A fuse from battery to the 7 pin connector, do not re-use existing 12v socket.

[Jon Vermilye]

The best way to determine the adequacy of a already installed charging system between the tow vehicle & trailer is to actually measure the charging current under normal conditions. Find someone with a clamp on DC amp meter (Sears sells a relatively inexpensive one that is also a multimeter that can measure resistance & voltage).

With the tow vehicle connected & the refrigerator on 12V DC, run the engine at your normal driving RPM & put the clamp on meter around the wire going to the #4 pin on the 7 pin connector. If the current is equal to or over the refrigerator's draw, you system is adequate. If not, then improving the wiring is worth doing if you plan to run the refrigerator on 12V while driving.

While measuring voltage gives you some idea of the charging system, it is not alway accurate since it depends on the the state of charge of both vehicle's batteries and other variables. The amperage measurement is more accurate.

I also suggest checking that the tow vehicle connection shuts off with the ignition. Some do, and some don't. A inexpensive solenoid can be added that will do it automatically, saving remembering to unplug during long stops.

[jennykatz]

Thanks Denny ,and the rest for helping .I will run a 10ga wire from battery with 30 amp fuse and put solenoid where?

Denny we sold the Snoozy will be buying a 21 ft Escape a little more room for Grandkids and it has all the options I was going to do to Snoozy. hope all is well Jim

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by jennykatz

Thanks Denny ,and the rest for helping .I will run a 10ga wire from battery with 30 amp fuse and put solenoid where?

..

etrailer has many guides on the topic, such as:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-18098.html

There might be one more specific to your case but many are similar.

You MIGHT be able to use the 12 volt socket in the rear of the tug to control the solenoid but not supply the actually charging current, assuming the socket is "on" only when the engine is running. If your charge wire is run under the tug as most are you would need a wire from the socket to the solenoid somewhere near the charge wire but the best location is vehicle dependent.