need electrical advice -- something about a diode

[Hemmen1]

we pull a trailer with its own automotive size marine battery that powers a 5000lb. winch -- when we hook the truck to the trailer the current from the trailer feeds back to the truck creating some electrical issues with the truck -- when trailer is unhooked no electrical issues with the truck. what do I need to do -- somebody said install a diode -- none of the auto parts stores stock can get an automotive diode or is there such a thing??? where do I buy one ect...

 

[ramtifosi]

I'm no electricial engineer, but with that said, I will try to explain about a diode. A diode is a one way valve, it allows current to flow in one direction through a wire, it can go left to right but not right to left. You seem to be suffering from reverse feedback, but you need to identify the source of the feedback first. Your statement of "current from the trailer feeds back to the truck creating some electrical issues with the truck ". What electrical issues are you suffering? Please explain what the sypmtoms are you are encountering. Hey anyone who is more knowledgeable please jump in. I would look for a diode (online) in any of the electronic dealers online. They are very easy to install (wire in and a wire out). Amperage is the determining factor not voltage for a 12 volt DC system, what I mean is a lot of diodes are rated for 125/250 volts (ok) but the amperage rating is more important. Hope this helps.



Charlie

 

[nickleinonen]

yep... diode is electrical check valve... you will loose 0. 7v-1v across it...



how stuff works diode page 3



6a diodes from parts express this might not be enough for what you need, but you could always put many of them in parallel with each other... at work, we have diodes that are pretty big [1-1/4" accross with a 6awg cable coming out of it] and if you have a surplus shop around, you could probably find some diodes that are out of arc welders... they are beefy too... [just bring a multi meter that can test diodes with you if buying from a surplus place to make sure you don't get any nfg ones]

 

[klenger]

An RV battery isolator would do the trick. You would only need to use 1/2 of the isolator. A note about diode current capacity: Diodes have a published max. current capacity, but this spec assumes that the diode is properly heat-sync'd. Comming up with the diode and heat sync and mouning the parts can be more trouble than it's worth, which is why I suggest the battery isolator. You can see an example on the Camping World website at http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=6687. They are also available at most auto parts stores.

 

[AKAMAC]

A cheap fix is a diode pack off a motorcycle. They are weather tight and durable. You can get one cheap from a local motorcycle wreaking yard. Just hook it up in the hot line of the trailer connector wiring harness. Bolt it to the trailer frame and forget about it. Mike

 

[Jeff H]

Ive got a 5th wheel trailer also. Some day plan on installing a winch. Also was thinking of installing a battery on the trailer.

I was thinking of running heavier ground and positive wires from the truck to trailer battery and winch.

Running smaller gauge wiring between truck & trailer, would create too much resistance or voltage drop under extreme current draw when winch is working hard. Also will use good amount of current to keep battery charged on the trailer.

Then again I may just do a hydraulic wich instead.