Recommended Power Inverter and LED Trailer Lighting for Enclosed Trailer with Deep Cycle Battery

Question:

I have a 8x16foot enclosed trailer that is currently wired for the interior lights to only work when the tow vehicle is plugged in with the ignition ON. The trailer is a double axle electric brake trailer with a 7 pin wiring plug to the tow vehicle. I would like to install a deep cycle battery system that will run the interior lights, future exterior flood lights and an A/C inverter for 115v power. I run the trailer at night where I need the interior/exterior lights and from time to time, need 115v AC power. Can you recommend a kit or wiring diagram that I can add to my trailer?

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

One thing to note first is that the vehicle's 7-way +12V power circuit being key-controlled can be changed to provide power at the trailer connector at all times. Some vehicles keep their +12V hot at all times while others are key controlled. You can easily make yours an always-on setup by re-routing the wire for the 12V power circuit directly to the battery, connecting it through a 40-amp breaker like # PK54540. You can also just replace that complete connection using 10-gauge wire # 10-1-1 and ring terminals # DW05705-1 along with the breaker.

I recommend using LED-type lighting throughout. LED lights use a small fraction of the power need by standard bulbs; they are brighter; they do not require routine replacement; and they do not create as much waste heat, especially valuable for the trailer interior. I linked our ranges of LED interior and utility lights so you can see the options.

For an inverter I suggest the Wagan 1000-Watt model # WC3720 which offers three AC outlets and which includes power cable for connection to your battery. Please see the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R