Rig Build with FWC Hawk

Next question: I have a 7-pin connector in my bed for a fifth-wheel camper, and have done the research that the 7-pin trailer connector can run the FWC with an adapter.

That being said, how do I wire a male 7-pin connector to this? I am handy with the actual hands-on wiring, but not so much with the schematics part of the process.

 

See my reply on your other post.  Or, if you want to use the existing socket on your truck, buy a male plug, and the matching plug on the FWC side, then wire up an extension to the back of your truck. 

See my reply on your other post.  Or, if you want to use the existing socket on your truck, buy a male plug, and the matching plug on the FWC side, then wire up an extension to the back of your truck. 

 

Do the exterior driving lights on the FWC act as a third brake light when wired up? Not sure how that would work with just 3 wires coming from the FWC...?

Do the exterior driving lights on the FWC act as a third brake light when wired up? Not sure how that would work with just 3 wires coming from the FWC...?

No

Do the exterior driving lights on the FWC act as a third brake light when wired up? Not sure how that would work with just 3 wires coming from the FWC...?

I believe it’s just 12VDC, ground, and clearance lights.  

I believe it’s just 12VDC, ground, and clearance lights.

You are correct, sir.

So in my research of the electrical, I opened the battery compartment yesterday to find a major swelling AGM battery that was almost too hot to touch. I promptly pulled the battery out and set it outside as to not burn down my new camper. The battery was original to the camper and plugged into shore power since new.

 

After needing a new battery, I decided to pull the trigger on a single 100Ah Battleborn Lithium unit for our small off-grid stays. 

 

With that being said, my current charger/converter won't be the best option for a lithium battery. I am looking at an Iota charger/converter that is suited for lithium charging, but want to know if anyone has any other recommendations instead of the Iota unit? Thoughts?

Sorry to hear about your cooked battery. Glad you avoided a disaster!

I’m very partial to the Victron gear. PKYS.com has good prices… no affiliation.

Redarc makes good stuff too.

I have a 25A Victron unit in my camper.

Sorry to hear about your cooked battery. Glad you avoided a disaster!

I’m very partial to the Victron gear. PKYS.com has good prices… no affiliation.

Redarc makes good stuff too.

I have a 25A Victron unit in my camper.

 

Not surprised about the battery, but very very glad I took it out before letting it collect a charge for multiple days on end!

 

I spoke to Brenda at FWC and she informed me that the new units coming from the factory are running lithium and being charged with the Victron Blue Smart IP22 Charger. I am partial to Victron equipment as well so I am likely just going to order this unit and swap it out in place of the current Iota unit.

 

I am not going to tie the truck into the camper's electrical as I don't see a need to do so considering how we camp. We'll be on shore power 80% of the time and can stay one or two nights off-grid with the single Battleborn battery.

 

I'll likely add a solar panel to the roof at some point this spring with a Victron MPPT solar charger, but for now I just want to get the basic electrical up to par.

If you want to try out a cheaper option and not have to replace the charger, this little module should do the trick for lithium batteries:

 

https://www.amazon.c...r/dp/B07FK4HFZN

Edited by tstumpfig, 08 March 2023 - 12:39 AM.