PJ dump trickle charge not working, hardwiring to truck?

[pitrack]

Hey guys I have had my PJ dump trailer for probably 5-6 years and noticed the trickle charge that it's supposed to have is not quite working anymore and I've heard this has happened to a few people with PJ dumps.

Place local to me that sells them says they have been installing basically a wire from the trailer to either the truck battery or alternator, I'm not really sure, so the trailer dumps off the truck. And they would charge me $500 to do it.

Was wondering if anyone has done this or know what I should do?

Is it as simple as hooking something to the battery terminals on the trailer and run them to a plug then hook wires to the battery on the truck and run that to a plug in the back then just plug into each other when I'm pulling the trailer?

Any help would be great. Thanks guys.

[Kepple Services]

Its easy to do, I did it years ago on a dump trailer I had. I ran a 4Ga wire off the battery, with a 150amp fuse, to a heavy duty 2 conductor plug and a corresponding plug off the batteru terminals on the trailer battery. I also got a better ground on the trailer doing this. Its a plug similar to the ones used on tow trucks.

I used one similar to this one.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/ma...FQiqnQodZT8AAg

[knox gsl]

Originally Posted by Kepple Services

Its easy to do, I did it years ago on a dump trailer I had. I ran a 4Ga wire off the battery, with a 150amp fuse, to a heavy duty 2 conductor plug and a corresponding plug off the batteru terminals on the trailer battery. I also got a better ground on the trailer doing this. Its a plug similar to the ones used on tow trucks.

I used one similar to this one.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/ma...FQiqnQodZT8AAg

What he said, you may also want to check the condition of the trailer battery, 5+ years old and its most likely shot.

[pitrack]

Originally Posted by Kepple Services

Its easy to do, I did it years ago on a dump trailer I had. I ran a 4Ga wire off the battery, with a 150amp fuse, to a heavy duty 2 conductor plug and a corresponding plug off the batteru terminals on the trailer battery. I also got a better ground on the trailer doing this. Its a plug similar to the ones used on tow trucks.

I used one similar to this one.

http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/ma...FQiqnQodZT8AAg

Is it a problem to run a 150amp fuse when that plug says it's rated for 50? Do you think I need that large of a wire (4ga)?

Thanks again

[pitrack]

Thanks guys!

I replaced the original battery probably 1-2 years ago and it lasted maybe a year and I had to start charging it to get it to dump heavy loads. I will try the hardwire, any idea if I can get that kind of plug at a local hardware store or anything?

[knox gsl]

Check a welding supply or industrial forklift supply.
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[knox gsl]

4 gauge at 12 volts should be fused for 150 amps near the battery on both ends.
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[ecurbthims]

I wouldnt run any smaller wire than that ,and would probably run something like a 4/0 if it was mine ,but it gets pricey for real wire .Theres another style plug available ,its round like a transport trailer plug,but only has one huge connector in the centre ,they are used to power transport trailers with lift gates .You can get them at a truck supply place ,and they are designed for exactly what your doing .

[ecurbthims]

you could also run a battery disconnect switch

[pitrack]

Originally Posted by ecurbthims

I wouldnt run any smaller wire than that ,and would probably run something like a 4/0 if it was mine ,but it gets pricey for real wire .Theres another style plug available ,its round like a transport trailer plug,but only has one huge connector in the centre ,they are used to power transport trailers with lift gates .You can get them at a truck supply place ,and they are designed for exactly what your doing .

If I go this route do you think I could get by with just running a hot wire from my truck and no ground since the trailer should already be grounded?