Trailer Wiring Question

[tmdvtpike]

So I am in the process of building a trailer dedicated for football tailgating. I'm at the point where I'm going to start electrifying the trailer with this basic plan:

Group 27 deep cycle battery to power:

• Marine stereo
  
• ARB fridge freezer
• LED lighting
• USB ports for charging electronic devices

I'm also going to install an on board battery charger so I can run the ARB fridge freezer 24/7 when it is parked at home to minimize having to load/unload condiments and drinks from the ARB. It will also allow me to top the battery off if necessary using a Honda EU2000i at the tailgates (we also use the generator to power a TV and satellite dish during extended tailgates).

My question is do I need to run a ground wire from the battery to the trailer frame and/or from a ground distribution block to the trailer frame to complete the circuit?

I have the trailer running lights grounded to frame. Will adding a ground from essentially a closed circuit cause any issues with the trailer lights and/or vehicle systems (towing with an LX470).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Semi Hex]

I have all of my new appliances connected to a negative buss bar that is also grounded to my trailer. I have never tailgate partied but it sounds like you have quite a setup.

 

[titanpat57]

Definitely ground to the trailer. One thing I would consider using is a Blue Sea, either 6 or 12 circuit box. I'm assuming your charger is 110v. I really like the NoCo stuff. There make an awesome weatherproof plug, and weatherproof chargers as well.

 

[tmdvtpike]

Thanks to you both. I have a Blue Sea 6 circuit panel waiting to be installed and had thought about picking up a negative buss bar to simplify routing a ground wire to the trailer frame. I've got one of the NoCo power inlets so I can plug an extension cord into the charger without having to open the door on the trailer. Based on the advice here, I'll do just that.

Thanks again.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

So I am in the process of building a trailer dedicated for football tailgating. I'm at the point where I'm going to start electrifying the trailer with this basic plan:

Group 27 deep cycle battery to power:

• Marine stereo
  
• ARB fridge freezer
• LED lighting
• USB ports for charging electronic devices

I'm also going to install an on board battery charger so I can run the ARB fridge freezer 24/7 when it is parked at home to minimize having to load/unload condiments and drinks from the ARB. It will also allow me to top the battery off if necessary using a Honda EU2000i at the tailgates (we also use the generator to power a TV and satellite dish during extended tailgates).

My question is do I need to run a ground wire from the battery to the trailer frame and/or from a ground distribution block to the trailer frame to complete the circuit?

I have the trailer running lights grounded to frame. Will adding a ground from essentially a closed circuit cause any issues with the trailer lights and/or vehicle systems (towing with an LX470).

Thanks in advance.

An isolated 120 volt ground wire (green) should be run since the generator is not grounded but with its own internal wiring