Charging trailer batteries

[Greg A]

One of these is the best thing ever threw in the tow box.
http://amzn.to/2hKdDkk
We just used it to repair a TV 7 pin issue at Scamp Camp SW.
Second would be a multimeter and as Alan says above turn your car key on and measure the charge line pin and ground and see if power is present at the TV 7pin. Usually if battery stops charging trailer from TV it is the fuse right off the +battery post, but if the car is equipped from the factory that fuse may be located on one of the fuse panels in the engine. On Scamps if the 30A fuse on the interior trailer power panel for the 12V line is blown, it will interrupt TV charging as well. Not sure if that applies to Escapes.

[gbaglo]

I have the 7-pin tester and a 4-pin tester. When I had a problem on the tow vehicle, I learned that there was a faulty 4-pin connection under the vehicle, that led to the 7-pin. Cleaned up some corrosion and was back in business.

[float5]

Originally Posted by Greg A

One of these is the best thing ever threw in the tow box.
http://amzn.to/2hKdDkk
We just used it to repair a TV 7 pin issue at Scamp Camp SW.
Second would be a multimeter and as Alan says above turn your car key on and measure the charge line pin and ground and see if power is present at the TV 7pin. Usually if battery stops charging trailer from TV it is the fuse right off the +battery post, but if the car is equipped from the factory that fuse may be located on one of the fuse panels in the engine. On Scamps if the 30A fuse on the interior trailer power panel for the 12V line is blown, it will interrupt TV charging as well. Not sure if that applies to Escapes.

Thanks. I will see about that.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

...so I suggest checking your 4Runner's towing receptacle (with the ignition off and no trailer plugged in) to see if there is power - hopefully and probably not.

Not sure what year 4Runner float5 has but on the 4th generation (2003-2009) models the power to the 7 pin terminal is off when the vehicle is off.

[float5]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Not sure what year 4Runner float5 has but on the 4th generation (2003-2009) models the power to the 7 pin terminal is off when the vehicle is off.

Fifth generation, 2011. Thanks.

Had someone at an auto parts place look at the battery but he is not familiar with a wire that would be used for a trailer. He couldn't find anything not connected though. Neither can I.
(photos above)

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Greg A

Usually if battery stops charging trailer from TV it is the fuse right off the +battery post, but if the car is equipped from the factory that fuse may be located on one of the fuse panels in the engine.

The 2011 4Runner should have a 30A fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. Position #5 that is called "SUB BATT" which is the trailer sub battery circuit. If this is blown it will kill power on the trailer charge line. I would check this.

Toyota 4Runner Fifth Generation (N280) (2010 – 2012) – fuse box diagram | Auto Genius

[float5]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

The 2011 4Runner should have a 30A fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. Position #5 that is called "SUB BATT" which is the trailer sub battery circuit. If this is blown it will kill power on the trailer charge line. I would check this.

Toyota 4Runner Fifth Generation (N280) (2010 – 2012) – fuse box diagram | Auto Genius

Thank you. Will look for that.

[float5]

Went to the trailer today. Were going to take it out shortly to charge batteries. Used the tug, up to 13.4 in 20 minutes. Last time no such charging in a longer time, nothing. The only obvious difference is that it was much colder last time. Today it is above freezing. That is probably not it. Will have to try it again in colder weather and see if there is the same result.

[padlin]

Don't you just love electrical problems.

[float5]

Originally Posted by padlin

Don't you just love electrical problems.

Yes, I am thinking it could have been something not quite right there.