Trailer brakes battery

rossow (mn) · Nov 9, 2016

Question: I have a new (2015) trailer for hauling cars and light tractors. I don't use it very often (maybe once or twice a year). It is stored in a machine shed. What do I need to do to keep the battery for the electric brakes charged? Regular battery maintainer? Occasional stronger charge? I'm an old surge-brakes guy so need advice on electric brakes.

JoeM(GA) · Nov 9, 2016

They are not known for long life, I pull mine and keep it on a maintainer when the trailer isn't going to be used.

Dave Allgire · Nov 9, 2016

Since I don't have electricity close to where I store my tractors, I use a solar powered maintainer. You can get them from Bass Pro, Cabela's or maybe Menards or anywhere hunting equipment is sold. It will keep a fully charged battery in tip top shape for the next time.

Steve@Advance · Nov 9, 2016

A regular, low amp, low cost maintainer will work just fine.

RandyB(MI) · Nov 9, 2016

Doesn't take long to remove it and keep it in where there is heat also...especially where you live. I think the owners manuals even recommend this along with a charge one in a while. Mine is 6 yrs 7 yrs old now and still operated like new with once a year (winter) charge.

Hogleg · Nov 9, 2016

Most of the newer ones are a small gel cell bat and take the break just fine. If that is the case, a maintainer needs to have the capability of charging a gel cell, they are a bit different than lead-acid. I bought one and it works great on a larger gel cell I have, Never bothered to charge the one on the trailer.

John

gene bender · Nov 9, 2016

your 7 pin connecter has 12v to charge and maintain the batt when hooked up

rustyfarmall · Nov 9, 2016

My gooseneck trailer is 15 years old. Still has the original battery. That's all I will say.

Geo-TH,In · Nov 9, 2016

My dump trailer uses the same battery that powers the hydraulic system.

My implement trailer has a special built in charger for battery. It's powered off the truck battery. I usually remove the battery from trailer and check it. It about 5 years and always checked out good.
geo.

docmirror · Nov 9, 2016

If it's a standard lead/acid battery, you should take it off the trailer, keep it inside a garage, and on a batt maintainer. If it's a gel cell type, it might withstand deeper freeze, but would suggest a solar charger.

For a cheap solution, look on ebay for a VW solar charger. They were on many of the cars shipped over to the US back a while ago, and they are cheap. Already regulated for 12V but lead acid, so it will not be exact float voltage for gel cell but close enough.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VW-Volkswagon-Solar-Battery-Maintainer-Or-Trickle-Charger-/351876264977?hash=item51ed75b411:g

YEAAOSw4shX~rla&item=351876264977&vxp=mtr

Jon Hagen · Nov 10, 2016

I have an extra deep cycle battery on my trailer for an electric winch, I made a trailer plug adapter so I can connect a charging cord for the break away battery to the winch battery with a battery maintainer connected to the winch battery. It keeps both batteries fully charged during the off season.

Trailer brakes battery

rossow (mn)

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JoeM(GA)

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Dave Allgire

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Steve@Advance

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RandyB(MI)

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Hogleg

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gene bender

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rustyfarmall

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Geo-TH,In

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docmirror

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Jon Hagen

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