Trailer direct connect to truck batteries.

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by 24kHotshot, Jul 28, 2019.

  1. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    I have 2 batteries on my trailer. One for the hydraulic system and one for the winch.
    I have this connector on my trailer as well:
    [​IMG]

    My truck has dual batteries and an upgraded alternator.
    Can I get rid of the batteries and have a direct connection to my truck and still have it all work when the truck is running without an issue?

    Trying to lighten the weight off my drive axle. Will be moving more stuff off the rear of my truck like the spare.
     
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  3. Pucsc

    Pucsc Bobtail Member

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    Shouldn't be a problem. Check how many amps the trailer draws when hydraulics/winch is being used (shouldnt be an issue with the high output alternator). Just make sure you don't have any parasitic drains on your trailer more than anything. It isn't any different than hooking up a winch or hydraulic pump on your truck, but the extra length of the leads will require some heavy wires.
     
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  4. Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    If you're getting rid of the truck batteries completely then be absolutely sure that connector can handle the amps of the starter without a problem.
     
  5. Pucsc

    Pucsc Bobtail Member

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    I think he's removing the trailer batteries instead of his truck batteries. That plug he has pictured is a 12 volt quick connect. He just needs to get some 2 or 4 gauge wires (same as whatever is on the trailer) and the male plug that matches the trailers female.
     
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  6. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Also make sure your trailer still has a small breakaway battery. I've seen on some with lager 12 volts they will omit the little breakaway & just power it off the winch battery. Without a functioning breakaway, you will fail level 2 & 3 inspections..

    How much weight on the drive is this actually going to save you?
    Is 80-90lbs really worth all this? Just asking..

    Contact Texas Pride & see what they think about this idea. IMHO, that is just a charging wire. Possibly not large enough to completely support the deck operation. I also think you may prematurely stress out the trucks starting batteries. They are cranking, not deep cycle & you need them both to roll over that cummins.
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2019
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  7. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    I'm looking to get a couple of aluminum plates to replace the steel ones, move the truck's spare to the rear of the trailer over the trailer axles and take off both tool boxes maybe and just use the trailer tool boxes.
    No solid plans yet, just researching what I can do to lighten the drive axle load. Might just get rid of one battery but will still need the quick connect to keep it charged. In addition I might just fill 25 gallons of the 52 gallon secondary fuel tank.

    If the trailer is transferring 25% of the weight, every 1 pound off the rear is 4 pounds of load extra I can carry.
     
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  8. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Standard truck comes with 1 battery. I have dual batteries and upgraded alternator because of the snow/plow prep the truck has.
    Will talk to an auto electrician to get a professional opinion on the matter before I do anything.
     
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  9. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Standard gas truck has one battery. All cummins powered Rams have come with 2 batteries since 1994. Unhook one of your batteries ground cables & try to start it. It won't..

    I would think it wise though to get that opinion. That why I mentioned TP. I really don't know for sure. Just throwing out things I'd consider..
     
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  10. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Yep, you're right. I didn't know that. All the diesels I owned before this one were sedans.
     
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  11. singlescrewshaker

    singlescrewshaker Road Train Member

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    Sometimes a salesman will make stuff up as they go to make something sound more enticing.? You never know..

    The bigger alternator will help, but I'd bet the trailer must have a pretty big current draw in order for the manufacturer to spec it with 2 deep cycle batteries. Just do as you were thinking & get a professional opinion. I may just be being overly cautious..
     
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