[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/charging-trailer-battery-from-tow-vehicle\/#LiveBlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/charging-trailer-battery-from-tow-vehicle\/","headline":"Charging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle","name":"Charging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle","description":"Power considerations are top of mind when towing a camper or trailer. Charging a trailer battery from a tow vehicle is one way to ensure your RV\u2019s 12-volt battery pack never runs too low. How to charge trailer battery from a truck? Is it possible? Sure! Charging camper or trailer batteries while towing is no […]","datePublished":"2021-06-21","dateModified":"2024-01-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/caravan-4488439_1920-600x400r.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/caravan-4488439_1920-600x400r.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/charging-trailer-battery-from-tow-vehicle\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0","name":"Wiring a trailer to charge off the tow vehicle","description":"In this video i explain how to wire a trailer battery to be charged from the tow vehicle. I attribute my successes to god and give him the glory.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/2DVrDMbLoZ0\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/2DVrDMbLoZ0\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/2DVrDMbLoZ0\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/2DVrDMbLoZ0\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/2DVrDMbLoZ0\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-07-07T09:00:01+00:00","duration":"PT6M41S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2DVrDMbLoZ0","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCy9mf05YoRlaWTQogCXdPVg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCy9mf05YoRlaWTQogCXdPVg","name":"Jason The Municipal Mechanic","description":"My channel consists of me at work and home repairing vehicle and equipment.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_nwvt388S9k25LXR26-1jVtsStWMU1IghZdBPNRzEVFwA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":200738}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1126}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA","name":"How to Install 50A Redarc DC-DC Charger","description":"\ud83d\udce2 Get Our Wiring Schematics \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider.com\/project\/12v-campervan-electrics-schematic\/\n\nWe install a REDARC BCDC 1250d into our campervan to charge our Lithium batteries, to get our 12V campervan electrical system working. Wiring up a DCDC charger to our lithium batteries doesn't go to plan, so we show you the journey we took to troubleshoot the problem. Spoiler: we solved the problem, but we created a new one... \ud83d\ude02\n\nVan Fuse Diagram Website: https:\/\/fusesdiagram.com\n\n12V Electrics Playlist \u27a4 https:\/\/youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLBUk1rT0I28gY9hKEFElBM3H5Ri4dxyxs\n\n\ud83d\udee0\ufe0fVan Conversion Layout Planner TEMPLATES \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider.com\/project\/sprinter-van-layout-planner\/\n\ud83d\udcd0EXPLORE Vanbuild Resources! \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider.com\/marketplace\/\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\n\ud83d\udcdd FREE Van Templates \u27a4 freedom-strider-ltd.ck.page\/free-sprinter-template-l3h2\n\u26a1 Van Electrics 101 Worksheet \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider-ltd.ck.page\/12v-electrics-101\n\u2705 Van Buying Checklist \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider-ltd.ck.page\/buy-van-chk\n\ud83c\udf0d Website   https:\/\/www.freedom-strider.com\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\n\ud83d\udd14 Remember to SUBSCRIBE! \u27a4 http:\/\/bit.ly\/FS-Subscribe\n\n\nSUPPORT FREEDOM STRIDER\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\n\u27a4 Buy A Sticker: https:\/\/freedom-strider-ltd.ck.page\/products\/freedom-strider-sticker\n\u27a4 Patreon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/FreedomStrider\n\u27a4 Tip Jar: https:\/\/freedom-strider-ltd.ck.page\/products\/freedom-strider-tip-jar\n\u27a4 PayPal: https:\/\/paypal.me\/FreedomStrider\n\n\ud83d\ude42 Special Thanks to our Patreons \ud83d\ude42\nBeglian  |  Sevdalina P.  |  Dimitar  |  Sue Mervis  |  Irina P. |  Frank Bellamy  |  Soohki & Paul\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f\ud83d\udd27 PRODUCT USED IN THIS VIDEO \ud83d\udd27\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\n--- UK Links ---\n\u27a4 Batteries | 100Ah LiFePO4 (x2):\n     \u27a4 Amazon: https:\/\/amzn.to\/312PtrU\n     \u27a4 Alpha Batteries: https:\/\/bit.ly\/309eUt4\n\n\u27a4 DC-DC Charger | REDARC 50A: https:\/\/ebay.us\/2fKoAn\n\u27a4 BMV 712 (Shunt) Battery Monitor: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3hzzj2i\n\n\u27a4 Multimeter: https:\/\/amzn.to\/32xM0pi\n\u27a4 Fuse Holders: https:\/\/ebay.us\/Rk6O3R\n\u27a4 Eyelets: https:\/\/ebay.us\/RBmunn\n\u27a4 16mm Cable: https:\/\/ebay.us\/lLDZfi\n\u27a4 Heatshrink: https:\/\/amzn.to\/2CDabV0\n\n\u27a4 Our Toolkit: https:\/\/amzn.to\/32ApNDn\n\u27a4 Heavy Duty Wire Crimpers: https:\/\/amzn.to\/38HQaNy\n\u27a4 Heatgun: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3lfr65y\n\n--- USA Links ---\n\u27a4 Batteries | 100Ah LiFePO4 (x2): https:\/\/ebay.us\/9HmxbQ\n\n\u27a4 DC-DC Charger | REDARC 50A: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3d5AeHf\n\u27a4 BMV 712 Battery Monitor: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3232dkH\n\n\u27a4 Multimeter: https:\/\/amzn.to\/2QeGvaE\n\u27a4 Fuse Holders + Big Fuses: https:\/\/ebay.us\/1QRxMC\n\u27a4 Eyelets: https:\/\/ebay.us\/Karjyc\n\u27a4 6 AWG Cable: https:\/\/ebay.us\/k0td0n\n\u27a4 Heatshrink: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3dtKppi\n\n\u27a4 Our Toolkit: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3t7Xvhz\n\u27a4 Heavy Duty Wire Crimpers: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3suE2q7\n\u27a4 Heatgun: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3s4ICuT\n\n\n\ud83c\udf0e FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES \ud83c\udf0d\n- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -\nPatreon \u27a4 https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/FreedomStrider\nFacebook \u27a4 http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Freedom.Strider\nTwitter \u27a4 http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/freedom_strider\nInstagram \u27a4 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/freedomstrider\nPinterest \u27a4 https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/freedom_strider\n\n\n\ud83d\udd14 SUBSCRIBE! \u27a4 http:\/\/bit.ly\/FS-Subscribe\n\ud83d\udce7 Contact US \u27a4 https:\/\/freedom-strider.com\/work-with-us\/\n\n(Some of the links above are affiliates - if you choose to click on them you will be taken to the real product at no extra cost to you. 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Due to factors beyond the control of Freedom Strider, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.\n\n#redarc #dcdccharger #vanelectrics","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-01-23T17:00:30+00:00","duration":"PT25M38S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_n1Z4Aa-cnA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCK35pD_E7uy9Ku7JBgd1G7A#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCK35pD_E7uy9Ku7JBgd1G7A","name":"Van Build Labs","description":"\ud83d\ude90 Van Build Labs is the DIY van build hub by Freedom Strider. \ud83d\ude90\n\nWe help adventurous families and couples design and build safe, livable, off-grid campervans \u2014 without the research spiral, conflicting advice, or expensive rework.\n\nExpect practical walkthroughs on:\n\n- life-fit layouts (not Instagram copies)\n- off-grid electrics, water, and climate control\n- build order + momentum (so you actually finish)\n\n\ud83d\udc49 Get the plan. Build the van. Go.\n\n\ud83d\udc49 Free training + resources: https:\/\/vanbuildlabs.com\/training-signup\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/VeFU--DVP0eXiH-fuz2mvjyDPyMhSZqCFBuzoVwLlTQDmkjKiPhXEF7x3QP_4WE1zygnaS8Lmw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":9611}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":118}]}],"about":["Off Grid","RVs"],"wordCount":1566,"articleBody":"Power considerations are top of mind when towing a camper or trailer. Charging a trailer battery from a tow vehicle is one way to ensure your RV\u2019s 12-volt battery pack never runs too low.How to charge trailer battery from a truck? Is it possible? Sure!Charging camper or trailer batteries while towing is no problem. However, you either need special equipment to do it, or it\u2019ll already be present and it\u2019s necessary to understand how to use it.            Table of Contents                                    show                                                Understanding Your Camper Trailer Battery Charging System                            How to Charge an RV Battery from a Vehicle                            Charging Camper Battery from Tow Vehicle                            Charging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle: Is it Any Different?                            How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving                            Charging Trailer Battery from 7 Pin                            What is the Difference Between 7 pin and 13 pin Electrics?                            7 pin Electrics                            13 pin Electrics                            DC to DC Chargers to Charge the Camper or Trailer                            Charge Faster and Be Ready for Dispersed Camping                            Using the Correct DC to DC Charger Type                            Closing Thoughts                            Related Articles        Understanding Your Camper Trailer Battery Charging SystemWith the camper trailer battery charging system, it\u2019s possible to hook it directly up to the electricity at home or in an RV campground.At home, it\u2019s either a 15- or 20-amp system. The RV park uses either 30 or 50 amps.Hooking up your camper or trailer to charge the batteries at home or on a campground is an excellent idea. This is because deep cycle batteries can suffer when their retained charge falls below 70% or so, with a significant chance of battery damage below 50%.Therefore, take every opportunity to keep all batteries topped up.However, when that\u2019s not enough, then you\u2019ll need to keep charging the house batteries while driving too. This won\u2019t happen automatically unless you\u2019re equipped to do so.Read Also: How to Watch TV with a GeneratorHow to Charge an RV Battery from a VehicleCharging Camper Battery from Tow VehicleCharging your camper battery with a tow vehicle isn\u2019t that difficult. However, you will need the proper equipment to do so. If you\u2019re charging a trailer battery while towing, then it may already have a universal mount or switch insert added near the hitch at the rear. Otherwise, this will need to be fitted for you.The idea behind supplying power to a camper being towed is it enables various systems like the brakes, lights, and turn indicators to function. This way, while the camper blocks the rear view of the tow vehicle for other drivers, nearly identical reversing, braking, and other light indicators are displayed on the towed vehicle instead. Read Also: Towing a Travel Trailer in High WindsCharging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle: Is it Any Different?With trailer battery charging, it shouldn\u2019t be any different from charging a teardrop camper (or another type).It\u2019s the same systems, and the same equipment too. Therefore, to charge trailer battery while driving is no more complicated.Does travel trailer battery charge while towing?A trailer battery charger is required to ensure power sent and received does charge the house batteries while on the road.At least, a 7-pin plug setup is necessary to do so and is covered in detail below\u2026Read Also: Fastest Way to Charge RV Batteries?How to Charge a Trailer Battery While DrivingThe trailer (or camper) needs a 7-pin plug (sometimes referred to as a 7-way). The plug connects your truck to the trailer or camper.Either you\u2019ll need to purchase the equipment necessary to charge via a 7-pin plug using your truck or car as a towing vehicle or have a specialist fit it.Read Also: How to Charge RV Battery with GeneratorCharging Trailer Battery from 7 PinThe 7 pin plug is designed to facilitate pass-through energy onto the towable\u2019s systems.Not only does it supply power for charging the house batteries in the camper or trailer, but it also does other things too.Each of the 7 pins inside the plug provides a different facility that\u2019s distinct from each other. Here is a breakdown list:Tail and running lights12V powerReverse lightsRight turn and stopLeft turn and stopBrake controller outputGroundThrough the 7-pin system, various lights on the rear of the towable are managed to ensure that when you brake, the brake light illuminates the rear of the trailer or camper for other drivers to see.Similarly, the brakes are activated via the brake controller output system.On the power side, 12-volt power is fed through from the truck to the trailer or camper. The charge is received by the house batteries topping them up while underway. https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0Video can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Wiring a trailer to charge off the tow vehicle (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2DVrDMbLoZ0)Read Also: How to Tell If a Deep Cycle Battery is BadWhat is the Difference Between 7 pin and 13 pin Electrics?You may have seen mention of a 13-pin electric connection too. Here we cover the differences:7 pin ElectricsThere are several different 7-pin systems to supply power, light signals, and more to the towable.Some are used for commercial or haulage purposes, whereas another relates only to RVs and towing your camper or trailer behind you. We\u2019re only concerned with the RV type.13 pin Electrics13-pin electric connections are far less commonplace. These are similar to 7-pin, but provide an extended list of facilities for the camper or trailer to use.Just like the 7-pin includes brakes, lights, and 12-volt power, the 13-pin goes beyond that.There are even 13-pin to 7-pin conversion kits if you need 7-pin and your current system is 13-pin. Fortunately, most RVers can easily access the 7-pin RV systems which are fairly universal now.Read Also: How Long Will A 12 Volt Battery Run a Refrigerator?DC to DC Chargers to Charge the Camper or TrailerWhile charging from the towing vehicle to the camper or trailer while driving works fine, it usually only trickle charges the battery.Also, it mostly works when driving, unless you\u2019re planning to run your engine while immobile, which isn\u2019t the best idea.Charge Faster and Be Ready for Dispersed CampingOnce you\u2019ve arrived at your destination, it\u2019s beneficial to use a DC to DC charger to boost your battery up to a satisfactory voltage level.DC-to-DC charging systems are designed to supply an electric current either from solar panels directly or from the tow vehicle\u2019s battery. Using this system works faster than relying on the alternator and has other advantages too.If you\u2019re at a campground and on a pitch with electrical hookups, simply plug into the 30-amp or 50-amp power to charge your towable\u2019s batteries.However, you may have a camping spot that isn\u2019t supported by hook-ups or be dry camping on BLM land.If so, ensure your camper or trailer batteries are fully charged. Otherwise, charge them up pronto! This is where DC to DC chargers come in.Using the Correct DC to DC Charger TypeWith a DC-to-DC charger, ensure it\u2019s compatible with your battery type.Depending on whether you\u2019ve got gel, lead-acid, AGM, lithium, or another type, pick appropriately and bear this in mind when replacing the batteries later too.Redarc BCDC Battery chargers come with dual inputs and handle 12-volt power. They\u2019re a robust solution and have products supporting charging from solar panels or the vehicle\u2019s battery.These products may support 12-volt and 24-volt for a towable with greater power requirements, as well as support for different amperage levels (12, 20, 25, 40, or 50 amps) depending on your needs.Choose these types of products carefully to ensure they\u2019ll deliver the service needed once at a campground or when dispersed camping.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnAVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to Install 50A Redarc DC-DC Charger (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_n1Z4Aa-cnA)Redarc Dual Input 50A in-Vehicle DC Battery ChargerCheck at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Closing ThoughtsKeeping your house batteries topped up is essential. Otherwise, you risk arriving at your destination and discovering that your camper is without power.Also, once most battery types (except lithium) fall below a 50% charge, their failing performance will be evident. Should that happen, they\u2019ll all need replacing at considerable expense.Charging your house batteries while towing the trailer or camper is a great way to keep batteries charged. Adding a DC to DC charging capability also ensures any shortfall in battery levels has a quick fix soon after arriving. That way, you\u2019re covered in either situation.Related ArticlesFastest Way to Charge RV Batteries?How to Charge RV Battery with GeneratorCan Animals Ride in a Towed Vehicle?Can Dogs Ride in a Pull Behind Camper?Do Outlets Work in an RV While Driving?How to Tell If a Deep Cycle Battery is BadHow Long Will A 12 Volt Battery Run a Refrigerator?Towing a Travel Trailer in High WindsHow to Increase Space in a Pop Up CamperHow to Watch TV with a GeneratorHow Long Do Camper Tires Last?"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Charging Trailer Battery from Tow Vehicle","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/charging-trailer-battery-from-tow-vehicle\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]