charging battery while driving

[hamball00]

Hey all...I have a pull behind with a 12-volt...I know it's supposed to charge while I drive..but...my battery has an on/off switch...my question, now probably obvious...does it need to be turned on to charge, or does it not matter? Thanks tons..Steve

[Russb]

It needs to be on to charge.

[Papa-T]

Originally Posted by Russb

It needs to be on to charge.

I agree. 👍

[Wingerdinger]

If you are referring to the battery cutoff switch, yes it needs to be on except when storing your RV. Be aware, however that newer RV cutoffs don't completely cut off all power, and your battery can still go dead in a few days.
Also, your tow vehicle is only capable of charging with the vehicle alternator, which will charge rather slowly. You can't depend on running your RV battery bank down and have your truck charge it back up.
One more point.. most trucks are not equipped from the factory to have the battery wire 'live'. My 2013 Ford F-150 was used for towing for years by a previous owner, and the fuse and relay to enable the battery charge wiring was still in the glove box.