Let's talk TRAILER electrical systems

ArkansasDon said:
which has 10 to 12 years life span
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IF..you keep it charged properly and don't cycle it down too low. Which is the case with all batteries. Drawing a battery too low too many times and physical damage will occur internally, and it won't carry a charge as long.
 
Has anyone thought about (I am sure all of you have, I am not a smart man) having a dual battery set up in your vehicle and a third battery on the trailer? More specifically, how do you wire it so the trailer battery is charging while driving and is disconnected once the trailer is dropped?
 
^^^^Standard 7 pin plug has a hot wire to charge trailer batteries. That's a normal arrangement on travel trailers, etc.
 
:p maybe I should have been more clear in my question....... My understanding is that the power wire in the 7 pin is pretty light and is good for trickle charging an emergency break away battery but lacking in keeping a full size battery charged, is this not the case?

What dual battery systems do you guys use? I have seen the painless (moderately expensive) the Genesis (really expensive) and then some that just use an inexpensive isolator. What is your opinions and pros vs cons for each?

TIA:salute:usa
 
FireJeep said:
:p maybe I should have been more clear in my question....... My understanding is that the power wire in the 7 pin is pretty light and is good for trickle charging an emergency break away battery but lacking in keeping a full size battery charged, is this not the case?

What dual battery systems do you guys use? I have seen the painless (moderately expensive) the Genesis (really expensive) and then some that just use an inexpensive isolator. What is your opinions and pros vs cons for each?

TIA:salute:usa
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As far as charging from a 7 pin using factory wiring harness, I have not experienced any problem in my 13Tundra. I am using a very large battery on my cargo trailer. My buddy gave it to me. It is out of a transformer that Comcast uses. I don't know the exact specs, but it has not caused my wiring to fail.

I have been looking at this for my RZR. You may find it interesting
 
FireJeep said:
:p maybe I should have been more clear in my question....... My understanding is that the power wire in the 7 pin is pretty light and is good for trickle charging an emergency break away battery but lacking in keeping a full size battery charged, is this not the case?

What dual battery systems do you guys use? I have seen the painless (moderately expensive) the Genesis (really expensive) and then some that just use an inexpensive isolator. What is your opinions and pros vs cons for each?

TIA:salute:usa
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Redarc has the best system for this scenario. CTEK makes one as well.

They're both Dual Input, One for alternator from the 7 pin, the other input for Solar.
Both optimize incoming voltage to charge AGM batteries.

The Redarc is a bit more robust, designed for harsher environments than the CTEK.

I just happen to offer both on my website :D Let me know if you'd like a coupon.

http://adventurewired.com/shop?olsPage=t/solar-systems
 
Mitch said:
IF..you keep it charged properly and don't cycle it down too low. Which is the case with all batteries. Drawing a battery too low too many times and physical damage will occur internally, and it won't carry a charge as long.
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Mitch, just wanted to thank you for your input on my electrical. Many thanks, everything worked out great on your suggestions
 
Thanks Mitch! So am I understanding correctly that the 7 pin power is sufficient to power either the Redarc or the CTEK which is mounted in the trailer and connected to the trailer's battery?
 
FireJeep said:
Thanks Mitch! So am I understanding correctly that the 7 pin power is sufficient to power either the Redarc or the CTEK which is mounted in the trailer and connected to the trailer's battery?
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With the right charging device, it can be made sufficient, yes.

Many people use these methods without issue.

Add a solar panel, and it just makes the whole process easier.

If it's a permanently mounted solar panel that gets good sun in camp and while driving, both devices will COMBINE the efforts of the solar and the alternator simultaneously to charge the rear battery.
 
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