Recommended Parts To Add Solar, Battery, Generator, and Shore Power to Enclosed Cargo Trailer

Question

Question:

I am a general contractor. I do remote builds and I use a 7 x 20 enclosed cargo trailer. I want to be able to plug my trailer into my generator and the ability to plug into extension cord pulling power from residence to power my lights and outlets camera and 12v charging station for my battery operated drills and saws . I will have 2 interior plugs and two exterior plugs. I want to add batteries and solar as a back up Can you help me with the needed equipment to make this happen?

asked by: Mike R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'd be more than happy to help you out!

You're going to need a complete setup like what you find on an RV for what you're needing to do. This is based off of a battery bank but the power will be provided by the various methods you mentioned. Here are the parts I recommend using and then you can find the explanations for them below:

Control Center - # PD4135K
Pure Sine Wave Inverter - # FIVBDP10A
Transfer Switch - # 34264403
30 Amp RV Power Inlet - # A10-30INBKVP
RV Power Cord Adapter - # A10-1530D90VP
Solar Panel Kit - Like part # GP39MR (see attached calculator for best option)
Solar Cable Entry Plate for MC4 Cables - # 34273842REVA

The control center is the main hub for your power. It takes in the AC power and then provides AC and DC power to the parts of your setup that need it since it also has a converter/smart charger for your battery bank. The inverter takes the DC power from your battery bank and makes it AC power to send to the control center.

The transfer switch is what controls where the power is coming from. When you aren't connected to your portable generator or residence power (also known as shore power) then the transfer switch pulls from the battery bank. As soon as you hook up to the generator/shore power though the switch stops pulling power from the batteries and pulls solely from the generator/shore.

The solar panels are a little different in that they aren't used to power your setup alone as they need a battery bank. So you'll want to reference the linked solar panel calculator to choose a system that will provide enough power to your battery bank for your needs.

You should be able to connect the lights on your trailer to the DC side of your control center but you'll need to find standard AC outlets for your charging station. We typically recommend using 10 Gauge Wire # 10-1-1 and Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-10 for running 12V power but you'll also need some heavy duty wiring to connect your batteries if you choose to have a multi-battery bank, and some AC panel breakers and DC fuses for the control center.

If you have any other questions please feel free to reach back out!

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

In order to determine which solar kit you're going to need to first determine how much solar you need for your RV. A good rule of thumb is that a 100w solar panel can produce about 30Ah per day, so you can use this to estimate the amount of…

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Answer 2

WF-8735P is a 35-amp panel model. To upgrade to a lithium ready system you will need the Progressive Dynamics #PD4135K Converter/Smart Charger rated for 35-Amp. this system includes a high voltage output to provide full, quick charge for your…

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Answer 3

By themselves, the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550022 and the Curt Turning Point are not compatible together, however there is a way to get these two to work with each other. What you can do is lock out the Turning Point…

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Answer 4

Yes, the autoslide function of the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550022 will work in both forward and reverse, which will make backing into tight spots a breeze.

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Answer 5

We have the Progressive Dynamics Converter/Smart Charger at 35 Amp, #PD4135K. This is a replacement for WFCO WF-8735 that works with lithium-ion, flooded lead acid, AGM, and gel batteries. Please note the attached product review video and follow the…

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Answer 6

I have a solution for you because as you know what you have now cannot charge Lithium batteries. You will need the Progressive Dynamics #PD4135K which is designed to replace your WF-8735P and is compatible with Lithium batteries. When this is…

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Answer 7

If you are just looking for a new converter, the Replacement Converter for Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers part #PD4635V will be a direct upgrade for the Magnetek Converter Series 6300 Model 6332 that you have now.

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Answer 8

According to the instructions for the Progressive Dynamics RV Power Control Center with AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger #PD4135K, the negative side of your battery will need to be connected to the backside of the converter. I have attached a…

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Answer 9

The black wire you have shown is power for the converter that's built inside the Power Center #PD4135K. You'll need to wire it to a 15 amp circuit breaker on the AC side of the power center.

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Answer 10

I spoke with Progressive Dynamics and they informed me that you cannot replace just the converter section and you would need a new panel, the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger part #PD4045KA. The Progressive…

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Recommended Parts To Add Solar, Battery, Generator, and Shore Power to Enclosed Cargo Trailer

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