• Welcome to Ranger6G.com everyone!

    If you're joining us from Ranger5G, then you may already have an account here! As long as you were registered on Ranger5G as of March 27, 2020 or earlier, then you can simply login here with the same username and password.

Sponsored

7-way charge line compatible with DC-DC converter?

chasc

Active Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
32
Reaction score
30
Location
Illinois
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ranger
I’m not interested at this time in running a separate high gauge wire for charging and know this will limit max amperage. I was hoping to put a DC-DC charger in my trailer, inline with the charge wire from the 7-way plug, to boost the voltage for charging LiFePO4 batteries. I saw a couple posts on other Ford model forums that made me worry the circuitry in the Ranger tow controller may not enable charging unless it sees a trailer battery’s voltage first and thus may be incompatible with a DC-DC charger. Does anyone have experience in a ‘24 Ranger to know if this works?
Sponsored

 

stormrider151

Well-Known Member
First Name
joe
Joined
Jul 30, 2024
Threads
5
Messages
52
Reaction score
37
Location
Atlanta Ga
Vehicle(s)
2024 ranger XLT, 2018 F250 SD
Occupation
Retired firefighter
Based on the limited information. It would seem to achieve that an RV converter would be your best bet. Or maybe I'm completely off base. My SD charges my travel trailer through the house converter.
 
OP
OP

chasc

Active Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
32
Reaction score
30
Location
Illinois
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ranger
I do have a “converter” that charges the batteries when plugged into shore power. I’m interested getting some limited charging while driving and connected to the trailer plug. I’m hoping to understand what interlocks the truck has before it supplies power to the battery charge pin of the 7-way connector: Ignition on, door closed, voltage sensed, etc.
 

stormrider151

Well-Known Member
First Name
joe
Joined
Jul 30, 2024
Threads
5
Messages
52
Reaction score
37
Location
Atlanta Ga
Vehicle(s)
2024 ranger XLT, 2018 F250 SD
Occupation
Retired firefighter
I'm not sure how it does it but when I'm plugged into the truck and driving the truck does charge the trailer battery. Some trucks are always hot at the pin and others are hot only when driving. The best way to know is test the pin when the truck is off and then on. I just use a test light on the pin but you can also use a multimeter. It is pin #4 on the truck side.
 

Jason B

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jason
Joined
Apr 27, 2023
Threads
0
Messages
447
Reaction score
328
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
2024 Ranger XLT FX4
Occupation
machinist
I'm not sure how it does it but when I'm plugged into the truck and driving the truck does charge the trailer battery. Some trucks are always hot at the pin and others are hot only when driving. The best way to know is test the pin when the truck is off and then on. I just use a test light on the pin but you can also use a multimeter. It is pin #4 on the truck side.
That might work, but on some vehicles there is nothing at that connector UNTIL a trailer is hooked up.
I don't know if that's how it is on 6G, because in the excitement of buying a new truck, my greed resulted in getting one without the tow package.
Sponsored

 
 







Top