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Old 12-09-2021, 05:18 AM   #1
leemedic
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Tow vehicle charging

The question I have is, while towing our Montana, does our tow vehicle also charge the battery in our 5th wheel.
 
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Old 12-09-2021, 06:02 AM   #2
Ram Montana High Country
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IMHO, the charge is minimal. it might be enough to run the resi-fridge if you have one.
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Old 12-09-2021, 07:01 AM   #3
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They generally do. There are a couple reasons why they my not. The best thing to do is hitch up and check the trailers battery voltage with the truck running.
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Old 12-09-2021, 08:31 AM   #4
Daryles
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Yes the tow vehicle provides some charging to the RV battery. The most I have measured is about 7A.
I installed a 60A DC-DC charger.
My write up.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...hlight=charger
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Old 12-09-2021, 08:35 AM   #5
mhs4771
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On some TVs, before it will charge the RV Batteries, they require the installation of a Fuse in that charge line. If your TV was ordered or purchased with a complete Towing Package you should be all set, but if it didn't come with a Towing Package the installation of a fuse might be required.
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Old 12-10-2021, 04:49 AM   #6
RMcNeal
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In addition to the fuse, I have learned with my Ford Super Duty that I have to hit the brakes with the trailer attached so that the truck recognizes the trailer before it will activate the aux circuit. I forget how it is worded in the manual, but essentially push the brake a couple times with 7 pin cable attached to activate the aux circuit and supply power.
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Old 12-15-2021, 03:02 PM   #7
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Brake 2 tiomes for 2 seconds. Some Super Dutys require a very short backup.
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Old 12-15-2021, 04:17 PM   #8
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Good point. We learned this because our iNCommand system did not recognize the tow vehicle immediately when the 7 pin was attached. But as soon as we put in gear and/or tapped brakes the system would indicate "Engaged."
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Old 12-29-2021, 12:49 PM   #9
Todd & Mary
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victron DCtoDC charger

I have installed a 30amp DC to DC charger which i power from the truck with a 6 ga. wire from the main battery. Works very well while we are traveling. However, be aware of low RPM as some alternators do not provide enough cooling and may start on fire!
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Old 02-17-2022, 09:42 AM   #10
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Ours charges trailer fast. 2 220 alternators.
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Old 02-17-2022, 01:13 PM   #11
Andy Smith
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my TV keeps my batteries pretty close to 100% charged throughout my drives. Usually I'm driving 4-6 hours a day and running my fridge and occasionally some lights while driving and I've never noticed any significant drop in battery level. I was checking the voltage on the battery and unplugged for a few minutes was around 13.3v, and when plugged into the TV I was seeing between 13.6-14.6.
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