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Rob Hentges · 07-08-2020, 03:48 PM

Setting up my like new 2016 bay star sport to tow my Jeep Wrangler. I was hoping to run a charge line to the Jeep battery. However, none of the pins on the RV’s 7-pin connector are hot either with RV off, or RV on. I’m assuming there should be 12v on one of the pins while running. Any help?

**Lt Dan** · 07-08-2020, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Hentges

Setting up my like new 2016 bay star sport to tow my Jeep Wrangler. I was hoping to run a charge line to the Jeep battery. However, none of the pins on the RV’s 7-pin connector are hot either with RV off, or RV on. I’m assuming there should be 12v on one of the pins while running. Any help?

It may be a fuse, or not all chassis are wired for the 12v. I know I had to run a separate line on our Itasca from the fuse block to the trailer connection. On both of our Tiffins there is 12v power but only when the ignition is on. The only way to know for sure is check the back of the connector to see if there is a charge line to the auxiliary pin.

Rob Hentges · 07-08-2020, 04:08 PM

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there are plenty of wires going to the connector!

Algoma · 07-08-2020, 04:10 PM

The Ford chassis does not have the 12v connected when it is delivered.

Rob Hentges · 07-08-2020, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Algoma

The Ford chassis does not have the 12v connected when it is delivered.

So is there an easy way to connect it? I’d prefer to not run a new line when there are already wires at the connector.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 07-08-2020, 04:55 PM

Rob-

Newmar provided the orange and black wires for this purpose. All the details you need to use the wires are in this post:

Power Wiring to Trailer Plug

Note: Ford does not supply a 12V charge line on the F-53 chassis. They leave that to the coach builder.

Rob Hentges · 07-08-2020, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

Rob-

Newmar provided the orange and black wires for this purpose. All the details you need to use the wires are in this post:

Power Wiring to Trailer Plug

Note: Ford does not supply a 12V charge line on the F-53 chassis. They leave that to the coach builder.

Absolutely fantastic info. Thanks!

knightstorm · 07-08-2020, 05:17 PM

I was told that line is powered through the 30 amp fuse for the trailer tow electric brake controller but I never verified that.

This link may help. See pages 24-29.
https://madocumentupload.marketingas...b3568&v5=False

You can also email Newmar support with your question and coach number. They may be able to help.

bucks2 · 07-08-2020, 06:08 PM

Invisibrake uses the taillight power to trickle charge the battery and replace whatever it's compressor uses. Seems like a diode in line would be prudent if one were to use that.

PetesMH · 07-08-2020, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bucks2

Invisibrake uses the taillight power to trickle charge the battery and replace whatever it's compressor uses. Seems like a diode in line would be prudent if one were to use that.

I just dealt with this very issue on my 2019 Bay Star Sport. I called Newmar and they told me pin 4 is intentionally left unconnected because different customers might have different needs. Some might need trailer brakes while others of us need it for charging our Jeep’s battery. As someone noted above there are two unconnected wires for you to choose. If you look in the wire loom going to the connection at the hitch you’ll find an orange and a black wire doubled back and taped off. Up under the steering wheel you’ll find the other ends of those same wires. They were readily apparent on mine. Just pick one and hook it to pin 4 in the back and to the fuse block on the drivers side wall down by your feet. The side towards the front of the vehicle is ignition switched 12v and there will be a couple of unused male spade connectors already there and waiting for you. Just crimp on a female spade connector plug in a fuse and you’re good to go. It was really pretty easy! Good luck.

knightstorm · 07-09-2020, 05:54 AM

Interesting. The 7 pin trailer plug supports auxiliary power (charging) and trailer brakes on two different pins. There’s no reason why both can’t be connected. My pickup truck has GM factory wiring and brake controller. I’ve pulled trailers and my toad with it.

veraken · 07-09-2020, 06:22 AM

At first I installed a fused line from the MH to the toad. After doing so, I was concerned that if there was a problem with the MH charge system it would drain the toad battery and I would be stuck on the side of the road with 2 dead vehicles. Purchased a "Toad Battery Charger" from RVI and have not had any problems keeping the toad battery fully charged. I connected it directly from the battery to the MH plug's "+ Auxiliary terminal" then connected the corresponding toad terminal to the RVI Toad Battery Charger which is connected directly to the toad battery

Pine Stump · 07-09-2020, 06:27 AM

Little off topic but I use a solar charger I place on the dash and have a direct to the battery that I use and works great.

Talloaks · 07-09-2020, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veraken

At first I installed a fused line from the MH to the toad. After doing so, I was concerned that if there was a problem with the MH charge system it would drain the toad battery and I would be stuck on the side of the road with 2 dead vehicles. Purchased a "Toad Battery Charger" from RVI and have not had any problems keeping the toad battery fully charged. I connected it directly from the battery to the MH plug's "+ Auxiliary terminal" then connected the corresponding toad terminal to the RVI Toad Battery Charger which is connected directly to the toad battery

That is a very real concern that needs to be addressed one way or another on any charge line connection from a motorhome to a toad. The standard approach is to install a diode between the plug connection on the toad vehicle and the battery. Inexpensive and easy to install. I purchased one through eTrailer. Just need to be sure you get the correct rating. And also make sure you fuse the line to the rating of the conductor.

Some people find that their charge line does not do an adequate job of keeping their toad battery fully charged, in particular that it works ok when first installed but then becomes less effective over time. One potential reason for this is lack of an adequate ground connection. The tow hitch/bar hardware can develop high resistance with corrosion, grease and dirt over time, so you need a hard wired ground wire connection of adequate size through the plug connection between RV and toad. I tied this ground wire directly to the toad battery negative terminal and found this resolved the issue.