Do I need power at pin 4 on my tow vehicle?
I think y'all think I be dumb. I know I need to plug that big black rubber thing on my trailer into my truck (what else will keep the trailer from falling off the ball ;)) This year we're going to...
Forum Discussion
The answer in NO but it is nice to have it... My Truck provides 12VDC to my trailer AUX 12V Lead coming from my Truck Start Battery system only when the Truck Ignition key is ON... This is used to provide trickle charging for the batteries when in travel mode.
It is required however to have your 7-way cable plugged into the truck when being towed over Public roads...
Your TRUCK start battery system provides power for all of your DOT required Safety lights on your trailer including DC power to operate the Brakes. These required DC voltages come from plugging into the 7-way connector on the Truck Vehicle...
Be sure to check the local DOT rules from your licensed State for the safety lights and the Brake Controller as this is an enforceable law and could be a fine or work against you Insurance wise if you are involved in an event where it was determined you did not have an ON-BOARD Trailer working Battery when traveling down Public roads... $$$ Having your Battery Disconnect Switch in the disconnect position would not be a good idea when your trailer is being towed over public roads. It's all about being as safe as you can be and follow the established DOT Safety rules. Don't think these rules only are for commercial vehicles...
In my state we have annual RV trailer inspections and I have a valid State Inspection Sticker on my trailer tongue... I know the check all of the working DOT Safety lights and they pull the wheel to inspect the brakes etc... I have never seen them actually work the brakes from the truck side...
Just saying...
Roy Ken
It is required however to have your 7-way cable plugged into the truck when being towed over Public roads...
Your TRUCK start battery system provides power for all of your DOT required Safety lights on your trailer including DC power to operate the Brakes. These required DC voltages come from plugging into the 7-way connector on the Truck Vehicle...
Be sure to check the local DOT rules from your licensed State for the safety lights and the Brake Controller as this is an enforceable law and could be a fine or work against you Insurance wise if you are involved in an event where it was determined you did not have an ON-BOARD Trailer working Battery when traveling down Public roads... $$$ Having your Battery Disconnect Switch in the disconnect position would not be a good idea when your trailer is being towed over public roads. It's all about being as safe as you can be and follow the established DOT Safety rules. Don't think these rules only are for commercial vehicles...
In my state we have annual RV trailer inspections and I have a valid State Inspection Sticker on my trailer tongue... I know the check all of the working DOT Safety lights and they pull the wheel to inspect the brakes etc... I have never seen them actually work the brakes from the truck side...
Just saying...
Roy Ken
