Direct Charge Circuit
I would like to run a direct line from my truck alternator to the house batteries in my fifth wheel trailer. Has anyone done this project that could offer some suggestions on how to and what materials...
Forum Discussion
Diesel big rig plug and socket for electromechanical trailer lift gate
ONE GAUGE wire from the ALTERNATOR OUTPUT STUD to a fenderwell mounted 60 amp fuse, then out of the fuse, through a slitted garden or heater hose sheath all the way back to where it goes vertical and passes through your bed fender well and into the Cole Hersee or POLLACK one pin socket.
You MUST install a 2nd fuse coming off of your trailer batteries. Then run the line up to the plug. I borrowed something else from big rig technology: A suspension spring which prevents the cable from sagging and getting snared.
How much to expect? Around 30-45 amperes maximum. Even with 1 AWG wire.
Don't forget! You must as in, HAVE TO run a ground wire that is compatibly large. If you do not, you will lose the ground connection for your trailer brakes and quite possibly smoke the original TT umbilical wire and connectors.
It was worth the hassle IMHO. I would never consider towing a trailer without such a beefed-up charge lead wire.
ONE GAUGE wire from the ALTERNATOR OUTPUT STUD to a fenderwell mounted 60 amp fuse, then out of the fuse, through a slitted garden or heater hose sheath all the way back to where it goes vertical and passes through your bed fender well and into the Cole Hersee or POLLACK one pin socket.
You MUST install a 2nd fuse coming off of your trailer batteries. Then run the line up to the plug. I borrowed something else from big rig technology: A suspension spring which prevents the cable from sagging and getting snared.
How much to expect? Around 30-45 amperes maximum. Even with 1 AWG wire.
Don't forget! You must as in, HAVE TO run a ground wire that is compatibly large. If you do not, you will lose the ground connection for your trailer brakes and quite possibly smoke the original TT umbilical wire and connectors.
It was worth the hassle IMHO. I would never consider towing a trailer without such a beefed-up charge lead wire.
