Trailer 12v lead

[ChrisA]

I'm just about to buy a car hauler to tow my car to the race track and needed to install some of the trailer wiring. I've just finished (well almost) installing a Prodigy brake controller and the 7-way connection on my 2000 Tundra. Since it was cold and getting dark I didn't do the 12v to the trailer battery; the line is already run to the dash. Is there a good accessory line I can tap into to complete this? I would prefer to use a switched line, so I don't put a drain on the battery when the truck is parked. Or could I go to something like the cigarette lighter and just unplugh the trailer when parked? I would also prefer not to have to go to the battery again, since I already have a Reese T-one for the 4-way, the Prodigy and maybe a car alarm/remote start going up there. What are my options?

Thanks!

[mdbrjb]

Hi, Maybe it just me, but I would be a little worried about connecting the trailer 12 volt line to anything associated with other truck wiring (like in the dash). I know it's extra work but I would run it to the battery with a circuit breaker in the line (20 or 30 amp). If you want to shut it down when you turn the truck off that can be done with a relay.

You might be able to find further info by doing a search of this site or others. I connected to the battery. I didn't use a relay but I always unplug the trailer if I'm stopping for any prolonged period of time.

A short or bad trailer battery can cause problems so I would suggest trying to isolate the truck as much as possible.

[ChrisA]

Thanks. I found a post that was somewhat similar to mine, except it was dealing with a camper, and thus greater electrical concerns.

I guess I'll just run it up to the battery as suggested and just unplug the trailer.

This truck is new to me (got it in Dec.), so I'll probably be asking more questions in the future.

Chris