Who knows trailer wiring?

[barshnik]

Years ago I used the WalMart adapter and successfully wired my pop-up trailer lights.

Hooked up the brake controller yesterday (had electric brakes installed on the trailer), had to 'T-splice' a wire from the controller to the cold side of the Disco brake switch. Checked with a meter, turned out to be the green/purple wire on the brake switch.

Now, I'd like to wire the charging circuit so the RV batteries will be charging while driving (trailer does have the proper capability, and is already wired on the trailer connector end.)

Can I just run wires from the Disco battery back to the trailer connector for this, or do I have to somehow come off of the alternater? Thanks,

John F
LV, NV
2001 D2

 

[syoung]

Run straight from the battery with a self-resetting 30 amp breaker on it. Your brake controller 12V feed should be also getting 12V from the battery with self-resetting breaker as well.

 

[barshnik]

The trailer brakes pull 3 amps max each - I wired in a simple in-line glass fuse for the controllers 12v. Guess I'll replace it with a self-resetting breaker.

The tent trailer has 2 12v batteries wired parallel. No isolator or selenoid arrangement is necessary as long as I unhook the Disco when at the destination (which I always do)?

Thanks,

John F.

 

[mikemeyer0]

2 ways I typicaly do it depending on what you want...

run from batt to a starter silinoid to 30 amp breaker to plug, 8-10 gauge wiring
then run silinoid power to a "key run" position. now you are only charging your battery in the trailer when your truck is running. It will keep you from running your truck battery down while your not thinking about it.

or skip the silinoid and run it to plug with just 30 amp breaker in line like said abv.

 

[syoung]

You don't want to use fuses... If it overloads and trips, you want it to reset in hopes that the brakes come back to life. The 'standard' fitment is separate 20 to 30 amp (30's for sure if towing 4 axles) breakers for power to controller and power to trailer. I got the info from a guy who inspects motor homes at a major RV dealer.

 

[barshnik]

Thanks,

Think I'll skip the selenoid, I never leave the trailer hooked up. I appreciate your help,

John F
2001 D2