Horse Trailer Battery

Submitted by joelaw9 t3_11uvk7b in DIY

I want to be able to run a few lights in my horse trailer while it's disconnected. To do this I need to install a battery and use the AUX and neutral wires off the trailer adapter so that it charges while hooked up, but I'm not sure if I should just hook those up directly to it or if I need to run it through a charge controller of some sort. Anyone got any advise?

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SomethingIrreverent t1_jcq7fbc wrote

You shouldn't need a charge controller - the truck's alternator handles that, limiting the supplied voltage to 14V.

You might want to install a diode to prevent the trailer battery back-feeding the truck.

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joelaw9 OP t1_jcqfj91 wrote

Cool. So the schema should be 7way AUX -> diode -> Battery terminal -> Battery terminal -> trailer frame correct?

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SomethingIrreverent t1_jcqgspa wrote

I think you have it right, assuming you're not connecting the two terminals together :)

Getting the right polarity on the diode may present a small challenge.

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joelaw9 OP t1_jcqgwlj wrote

Excellent, thank you for your help.

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VividlyDissociating t1_jcqih7r wrote

If you're planning to use a battery to power the lights in your horse trailer, it's generally a good idea to use a charge controller to ensure that the battery is charged safely and efficiently. A charge controller helps regulate the charging process, which can help prevent damage to the battery and extend its lifespan.

In your case, it sounds like you'll be charging the battery using the AUX and neutral wires off the trailer adapter. Depending on the voltage and amperage of these wires, you may need to use a charge controller that is compatible with the input voltage and amperage of your power source. Additionally, make sure to choose a charge controller with the appropriate charging capacity for your battery to prevent overcharging or undercharging.

Another consideration is the size and type of battery you'll be using. Make sure to choose a battery that is appropriate for your needs, and that it is designed for deep cycle use (rather than a car battery, which is not recommended for this purpose). You'll also need to make sure that the wiring between the battery and the lights is appropriately sized to handle the voltage and amperage of your system.

Overall, while it's possible to connect the battery directly to the AUX and neutral wires, using a charge controller can help ensure safe and efficient charging, and can help protect your battery and other electrical components.

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crankshaft123 t1_jcr0fe8 wrote

There is no "neutral" in DC wiring.

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VividlyDissociating t1_jcr1vhx wrote

I mistakenly referred to the "neutral wire" when I should have referred to the negative wire. The negative wire serves as the "return path" for the electrical circuit and completes the circuit back to the battery, rather than a "neutral wire" as found in AC systems

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adventureBigBoy t1_jcraw1f wrote

There are some trailer brake away devices that use a small 12v sealed 4 or 7 amp hour battery to provide backup power to the brakes if the vehicle gets disconnected. These will include a small battery charging circuit to prevent overcharging for the battery as well as a “sense” to only charge the batteries when the vehicle is running preventing the drive battery from going flat. This is usually accomplished with a relay or solenoid that will trigger when there is power to the other trailer lighting (search battery isolation relay). As always correct fusing must be provided to prevent faults in the trailer from effecting the drive vehicle as well as other precautions.

However, solar charge controllers are so inexpensive these days on Amazon that I’ve converted my cargo trailer and work truck to contain a 100W panel and a sealed lead acid battery with a small solar charge controller and I can’t go back. It’s worry free and self contained from the rest of the vehicle. Nothing more frustrating then troubleshooting trailer wiring or tail lights just to find it’s something to do with the charger or something silly…

I wouldn’t bother with DC-DC battery chargers unless you want to be charging larger batteries and then I think it would just be pointless since the trailer harness can only supply so much current usually somewhere between 5-15A

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VividlyDissociating t1_jcr295b wrote

If you want to run lights in your horse trailer using a battery that charges while the trailer is hooked up, it's generally a good idea to use a charge controller to regulate the charging process and ensure safe and efficient charging of the battery.

Instead of using the "neutral wire," you'll need to connect the positive wire from the trailer adapter to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative wire from the trailer adapter to the negative terminal of the battery. This will allow the battery to charge while the trailer is connected to a power source.

It's important to choose a battery that is appropriate for your needs and is designed for deep cycle use. You'll also need to make sure that the wiring between the battery and the lights is appropriately sized to handle the voltage and amperage of your system.

Overall, while it's possible to connect the battery directly to the trailer adapter, using a charge controller can help ensure safe and efficient charging and protect your battery and other electrical components.

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