7 pin wiring and trickle charge?

[jim2312]

I have a 2001 Coleman Sant Fe and need to replace the camper and truck end connectors.  they are just too caroded to clean and for 20 bucks I would rather have new one.

The question is what is the center pin used for?  I thought this was to trickle charge the battery?  I do a great deal of dru camping and for the past 6 years thought that I was charging the abttery as I drove but when I disconnected the trailer end plug nothing was attached to the center pin!

Any help is greatly appreciated!  

Hello to CHasd60 and FFEMT will be at acres of wildlife this summer many times.

Jim

[Recumbentman]

here is a pin out for a 7 way connector which is the RV standard for connectors. You will see that the center pin is an aux pin and most people use it for back-up lights. pin #4 is for your battery. But keep in mind that this charge will only maintain your batteries charge. it will not charge up a battery. Charge your battery with a good 3 stage charger the night before your trip and you should be good to go.

[PattieAM]

You might consider using di-electric grease on your connections (new or old) as it helps prevent corrosion and increases the connnectivity.

[Timburn]

Nice set of diagrams, thanks. My new to me Jayco 1206 came with a mishmash of wiring that did not work and did not make sense or follow any color code I was able to figure out. My TV ( toyota 4runner) has a flat 4 connector wired in.
I have wired trailer the old fashion way with a testlight for lights. I have no electric brakes. I would like to run a wire for battery charge. Does anyone have thoughts on how. Is directly off TV battery OK? This would not be regulated. Can I jump off a circuit in back of vehicle?
Thanks,
            Tim D

here is a pin out for a 7 way connector which is the RV standard for connectors. You will see that the center pin is an aux pin and most people use it for back-up lights. pin #4 is for your battery. But keep in mind that this charge will only maintain your batteries charge. it will not charge up a battery. Charge your battery with a good 3 stage charger the night before your trip and you should be good to go.

[wavery]

Nice set of diagrams, thanks. My new to me Jayco 1206 came with a mishmash of wiring that did not work and did not make sense or follow any color code I was able to figure out. My TV ( toyota 4runner) has a flat 4 connector wired in.
I have wired trailer the old fashion way with a testlight for lights. I have no electric brakes. I would like to run a wire for battery charge. Does anyone have thoughts on how. Is directly off TV battery OK? This would not be regulated. Can I jump off a circuit in back of vehicle?
Thanks,
            Tim D

It's best to run a separate wire for your battery. If you splice into an existing circuit you may (and probably will) blow a fuse.

If you go directly to the battery, be sure to install a 30A in-line fuse right at the battery. I'd use 10 or 12G wire. Marine grade wire is best because it is tinned. That makes it easy to solder and prevents corrosion. Be sure to solder your connections for best results. I would also invest in plastic conduit (available at some auto parts stores) to protect the wire along the run back to the trailer connector.

Wayne

[flyfisherman]

I've done the center pin directly to the battery for my Starcraft; seperate 12ga wire with a 20amp fuse. Use it for the interior lights; also, occasionally for the small T.V. and a 12 volt oscilating fan. Used, of course, for dry camping.



Fly

[austinado16]

You might consider making your "battery charge wire" hot only when the ignition is on.  That'll keep you from possibly running the Toyota's battery down should you stop somewhere and forget that the fridge is running on 12v.

[coach]

charge line

use a self resetting circuit breaker 30 or 40 amp.
#10 or # 8 wire, the smaller the gauge (bigger wire) the better.
Having a relay so it is not hot without the key is a plus

Favorite link about no charging from the TV alternator! Charging trailer battery from TV alternator

[Chuck L]

I use a battery isolator. My understanding is that they are easier on batteries and they dont require an ignition on circuit.

The charged vehicle battery does not try to equalize the discharged battery.

[jim2312]

Thanks Everyone!!  Even though I just replaced the plug and recepticle I was worried that I did not have a trickle charge since the center pin is not used.  I looked at the diagrams and spoke to others.  I do have two larger gauge wires for the battery charging and there is an inline fuse just prior to the battery.

Once I get my new replacement water lines, which all cracked this past winter and repack the bearings I am good to go...  and after being layed off I have many trips planned!!!  

Jim