ttford4x4
Texas
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Joined: 05/12/2008
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I tow a 34tt with the standard 6 pin connector. One of the pins is for battery charging. I checked it with a vote meter and there is power when the truck is running. I traced the line on the RV side and it does connect back to the RV batteries.
Question - why doesn't my RV batteries get charged by this while the truck is running and I'm towing it?
Is there something wrong? Is there a way to make this work.
Are your RV batteries charged while you are driving/towing your rv?
Thanks for any infor you guys have on this.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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The rate of charge is fairly low, maybe your just not giving it enough time to charge?
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins (lightly bombed),
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bldrbuck
colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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Your alternator is controlled by voltage. The truck battery probably is telling the alternator that it is fully charged so it will put out only a very small amount of current thus the battery in the trailer will receive only a small charge. That plus the loss due to the long length of wire from the alternator to the trailer.
93 Ford F350 Turbo Diesel, DRW, Crew Cab. PullRite Hitch. 90 Nomad 28' 5er, 375 Watts Solar, 2800 Watt Yamaha Generator, 1750 Watt Inverter, 4 Trogan T105 Batteries, Spare tire and wheel and folding ladder. Me, wife and 2 spoiled Maltise furkids.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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How old are your batteries? Older batteries can seem like they are taking a charge, but then drain very quickly.
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2000 F-250 SD 7.3liter, 3.73 rear,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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bldrbuck wrote:Your alternator is controlled by voltage. The truck battery probably is telling the alternator that it is fully charged so it will put out only a very small amount of current thus the battery in the trailer will receive only a small charge. That plus the loss due to the long length of wire from the alternator to the trailer.
Please dont take offense but that's not the way it works.
The charged battery will have no significant effect on the charge rate of the discharged battery (it will try to equalize with it). The weaker batt will have a lower internal resistance and will draw more current from the alt than the charged batt. You are correct about the long length or the relatively small charge wire, it's the biggest limitting factor.
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smkettner
Southern CA
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Have you checked that the voltage on the trailer battery increases when you plug into the running tow vehicle?
How much charge do you expect? You might get 10 amps if the trailer battery is super low but it will taper quickly. Count on a four+ hour drive per trailer battery to get a decent charge. The connection is more maintenance than actual charging.
2001 F150 SuperCrew 5.4 Lariat Offroad 4x4 Tow Package 4.10 Truetrac
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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PopBeavers
San Jose, CA
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I can run my fridge on 12 volts while towing and still charge the trailer batteries while towing.
This topic comes up from time to time. The most common problem is that the wire from the TV alternator to the plug is too small. Try replacing it with a larger wire.
Wayne in San Jose
2002 Chevy Silverado 1500HD 4x4 Crew Cab
2005 Trailmanor 2720
Valley Odyssey brake controller, Honda 2000 generator, McKesh mirrors
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MNtundraRet
Bloomington, MN
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There is usually a 30 amp fuse for the charging circuit in your pickup truck. It sounds like the fuse has blown.
Mark
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
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cewillis
Tucson, az, usa
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Joined: 01/24/2005
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PopBeavers wrote:I can run my fridge on 12 volts while towing and still charge the trailer batteries while towing.
This topic comes up from time to time. The most common problem is that the wire from the TV alternator to the plug is too small. Try replacing it with a larger wire.
Yes. The wire in the plug is waaay too small. Should have at least 6 gauge, 4 is better, and 2 even better.
I, too, ran my fridge on 12v and keep 2-6v batteries charged for almost two months in Alaska. No other charge source. Also, some so-call disconnect devices drop so much voltage (doesn't take much) that batteries never get a good charge even if large enough wire is used.
My suggestion is to use the existing 'charge wire' to activate a high current, continuous duty solenoid that makes/breaks connection to alternator, heavy gauge wire, and fuses in engine compartment and camper.
ScottG is exactly right about battery equalization: the alternator will keep charging until both battery (sets) - truck and camper, are charged.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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MNtundraRet wrote:There is usually a 30 amp fuse for the charging circuit in your pickup truck. It sounds like the fuse has blown.
Mark
Speaking of fuses... make sure you find the right one. On my F250, there are multiple fuse boxes. Check your owner's manual.
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