Charging Winch Battery on open trailer
 

Hi Folks,

I need some advice. I have an 04 CDT 2500 that I am using to tow a race car trailer. I just added a winch to the trailer and decided it might be easier and cheaper to just place a battery in a box next to the winch for power.

I was wondering how to use the truck-2-trailer electricals to charge the battery. I don't think a direct connection makes sense since the current draw to/from the truck depending on battery charge states might fry the wiring.

What's the best approach here?

Thanks Robo

The best approach would be to get a solar panel (like the ones used for deer feeder batteries but a little bigger). No matter if your hooked up to the trailer or it sits for 2 months, its constantly getting a trickle charge. Simple cheap and it works.

Hey ROBO,
Give this site a look http://www.hellroaring.com/rv.htm.
it should help you out,, DAN.

I'm running a trailer mounted 2000 lb Superwinch direct off the truck's 12v wire in the plug, and it doesn't fry anything up.

If you put a deep cycle battery in the trailer and run the winch off of it, and run the 12v from the truck plug to the battery to charge it up, it'll work fine. The battery will soak up the heavy amperage draw of the winch, and the truck's alternator will slowly charge it back up as you drive.