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Topic ClosedBattery charge from TV
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EasyriderSLC View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battery charge from TV
    Posted: 07 May 2013 at 10:09am
I am sure this question has been asked and also answered on this site but I cannot seem to find it.  I am wondering if I am able to trickle charge my 13 RP 172 while towing from my 12 Jeep Grand Cherokee?  I am using the 5 pin plug and we are planning an extended vacation in the coming weeks.  Again thanks in advance to any response, this site is awesome for us "new campers".
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bhamster View Drop Down
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Posts: 165 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 10:35am
Are you sure it's a 5-pin plug? If so, then there is no charge line and therefore your trailer won't charge. You need to use a 7-pin plug to get the charge line.
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 10:36am
The 5 pin wiring spec does not provide a 12v feed to the trailer.

EDIT..

Are you sure you have a 5 pin.. I really can't imagine a new truck not having either 4 pin or 7 pin, usually both. (all of mine have since the late 90's)

EDIT AGAIN... Jeep says if you have a tow package, you have a 4 and 7 pin. The Pod has a 7 pin..
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bhamster View Drop Down
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Posts: 165 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 10:37am
In fact, now that I think about it... the 5-pin plug doesn't even have a brake line. What brake controller are you using and how is it connected to the trailer?
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EasyriderSLC View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 12:09pm
I will have to double check when I get home.  But from what you are saying, if it is the 4 and 7 and I am using the 7 then it should charge the Pod as I am in transit?
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hogone View Drop Down
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Posts: 1042 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 12:10pm
Are you guys saying that with a 7 pin plug you do get a trickle charge or may be capable of modifying something to get it?  I don't think I do on my 10' F-150.  It would be nice if this is possible and an easy fix/solution.
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bhamster View Drop Down
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Posts: 165 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 12:14pm
If you have a 7-pin connector and it's properly setup, then it will charge the pod. The rate of charge is entirely dependent on your car's setup. In my case it's like the pod battery and the car battery are connected, so they charge together (fairly quickly). It's more than what I would call a "trickle". When my car is running and I plug in the pod after a long trip I can hear the engine tone change, so it's definitely putting a load on the alternator.
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 12:46pm
Originally posted by EasyriderSLC

...using the 7 then it should charge the Pod as I am in transit?

Maybe.

The charge line must be connected (and fused) to your vehicle's battery.  This is often not the case with many manufacturer-installed trailer connectors and occasionally not the case with aftermarket installations.  A charge line is not necessary for safe use of the trailer, so some may skimp on it.

The wire from your vehicle's battery to the connector must be of sufficient gauge (I'd say at least 8ga) to carry enough power (its a fair distance and resistance in the wiew becomes a factor) to be of use.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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EasyriderSLC View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 1:11pm
The feedback on this site is awesome, thank you all.  I will go home and check the connector and see if their is a gauge coming from my car battery to the hitch.

Thanks again.
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bhamster View Drop Down
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Posts: 165 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2013 at 1:56pm
You can also test it with a multimeter across the upper right pin (charge) and the lower left pin (ground). It should be 12+ volts. Here's a diagram:
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