Charging trailer batteries

[B.G. Smith]

Heetseeker_1, question #1. If you don't plan on adding another battery, yes tie the + together and the - together and hook up to the batt. #2. Normally don't have fuses in these lines. #3. Yes, the breakaway switch has to have a + line to it so I would think this is it. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Blakers]

Does anyone know if there is a fuse in the charging line going to the back plug on my 1995 Ram? I'm trying to get power to charge the battery on my camper trailer, but have no power at that contact on the plug. All other lights and brakes work. It has the towing package.



When I brought my trailer home the battery in it was dead as a doornail and had frozen. Thus, it was probably dead shorted and would have blown a fuse.



Any suggestions please as I'm trying to get this thing going soon.



Thanks,



Blake

 

[Loren]

TowPro,



There is not a relay to disable the charging circuit when the key is off, at least not on my 2000 model truck. I use the hot (battery charging) line occasionally to run accessories, and I don't have to turn the key on.



Blake,



I don't know about the fuse in that specific line, but there is a black plastic box under the hood with lots of heavy-duty fuses in it. That box is right behind the left battery, and just ahead of the brake master cylinder. Check there.



Happy towing,



Loren

 

[Blakers]

Thanks Loren,



I found out what's wrong. First, the wire to the battery in the camper's 7-pin connector was corroded off. Then I found that my truck's plug is just fine and has power -- I was just reading the illustration from the wrong end and therefore checking the wrong contact



The new trailer connector goes in tomorrow, along with a 15 amp breaker to protect the truck's meager 14 ga wire.



Blake

 

[klenger]

I've been thinking about disconnecting the charge line to my 5er. We have solar panels and a generator on the 5er, and the truck actually loads the solar down when connected. I was also thinking about a battery switch in the charge line, and keeping it off most of the time.