Battery question when towing

westend wrote:
You need a battery that is wired and powered up on the trailer so that the emergency brake system can operate in the event that the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Ford, Chevy, and Dodge differ on the way trailer wiring is enabled. Ford has a relay that opens when the ignition circuit is off. Some GM models require the addition of a relay or fuse into the distribution box to enable the charge circuit. Dodge, I have no idea.

+!

In fact, you will find that it is flat out illegal to tow it with the battery NOT hooked up. The reason is the brakes are supposed to lock up if you lose it on the road, and that requires battery power. The fines are hefty, as they should be. And I'll wager that your insurance company will refuse to pay for the damages if you have THAT accident and the battery is disconnected.

Having a battery wired up in your trailer when towing is a DOT SAFETY REQUIREMENT and if your run-away trailer might cause some damage or worse when breaking loose from your truck the Insurance folks may have a field day with your claim if the battery was missing, not working, or disconnected, etc...

It definitely is part of my PRE-CHECKS before towing my trailers that have electric brakes installed.

Roy Ken

Fenderdude wrote:

westend wrote:
You need a battery that is wired and powered up on the trailer so that the emergency brake system can operate in the event that the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Ford, Chevy, and Dodge differ on the way trailer wiring is enabled. Ford has a relay that opens when the ignition circuit is off. Some GM models require the addition of a relay or fuse into the distribution box to enable the charge circuit. Dodge, I have no idea.

That makes total sense Westend, I appreciate the quick reply, I have the fishing bug and am getting ready!

Where 'ya headed?
My Nephew is down in Phoenix and I have a couple of fly rods going down to him this week.

BTW, no worries on leaving your F250 hooked up on the trailer. It won't discharge your truck battery if the key is turned off or in your pocket.

westend wrote:
You need a battery that is wired and powered up on the trailer so that the emergency brake system can operate in the event that the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Ford, Chevy, and Dodge differ on the way trailer wiring is enabled. Ford has a relay that opens when the ignition circuit is off. Some GM models require the addition of a relay or fuse into the distribution box to enable the charge circuit. Dodge, I have no idea.

That makes total sense Westend, I appreciate the quick reply, I have the fishing bug and am getting ready!

AirForceAngler wrote:
No. If you have the correct wiring on the tow vehicle, it will charge the battery for you as you're driving. If you do stop for a long time somewhere, you may want to disconnect the trailer so you don't run the truck battery down.

Thanks, for the quick reply, I have a 10' f250 so I am sure it has the right wiring as it has the two package.
I appreciate it.

You need a battery that is wired and powered up on the trailer so that the emergency brake system can operate in the event that the trailer detaches from the tow vehicle.

Ford, Chevy, and Dodge differ on the way trailer wiring is enabled. Ford has a relay that opens when the ignition circuit is off. Some GM models require the addition of a relay or fuse into the distribution box to enable the charge circuit. Dodge, I have no idea.

No. If you have the correct wiring on the tow vehicle, it will charge the battery for you as you're driving. If you do stop for a long time somewhere, you may want to disconnect the trailer so you don't run the truck battery down.