Solar Powered Roof Vent for Cargo Trailer

Question

Question:

I would like to use this fan to help exhaust heat from a small cargo trailer, only 350 cu ft volume. I like this unit because it is low profile and can be used regardless of weather. I really only need it to function well when the trailer is in direct sun which really heats up the inside. Would it be possible to hardwire this fan to a 30 watt solar panel that would be mounted to the roof adjacent to the fan? If the fan is 12V and 2 Amp draw that is 24 watt if my math is close. A 30 watt panel mounted flat would not ever reach full output so seems safe. Regardless, I can work out the solar panel compatibility. But this way, as soon as the panel was in direct sun it would power the fan on, if the switch was left in the on position, and when shaded it would shut off. Is there a problem you can see with this logic?

asked by: Kevin W

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Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, it is a smaller fan unit but we have an item that will function in the way you are looking for. The MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent, # MA00-03851 that you linked to needs a fairly stable power supply of 12 VDC and draws slightly less than 2 amps to operate. Wiring directly to solar panel will not support this as the power will fluctuate greatly and eventually damage the electronics in the in the fan. To operate, you need a stable 12 VDC power supply from either a power grid or from a battery bank.

The Ultra-Fab Solar-Powered Plumbing Vent for Motor Homes, # UF53-945001 is a smaller fan with the units overall dimension being only 7" in diameter. However, you can install more than one if you choose too and it will operate in the way you are wanting it to.

The MaxxFan Mini Plus Manual RV Roof Vent, # MA00-03851 will move more air but you will need a solar panel, a solar controller, battery and associated wiring and fuses. I also recommend that you have a low voltage shut off between the fan unit and the battery to protect the battery from deep discharge.

I also recommend that you add a side vent to help with air flow, something such as the 2-Piece Polypropylene Trailer Vent for 3" Diameter Hole, # HMAV2-AVT2 for black or, # WHMAV2-WAVT2 for white. And then we also have a metal vent option with the 2-Piece Side Vent for Enclosed Trailers, # 9139.

expert reply by: Michael R

0

Answer 1

We have the Ultra-Fab Solar-Powered Plumbing Vent for Motor Homes - 7" Diameter x 3-3/4" Tall #UF53-945001 which is designed to be mounted on the roof. My recommendation is to use this roof vent and allow your side vents to stay as they…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 6

Typically 4-way wiring consists of 18 and 16 gauge wires. For a 4-way that has all 16 gauge wire you would want the Wesbar 4-Pole Flat Connector #W787264. The part #HM38138 uses 18 gauge for all wires but the white that uses 16 gauge.

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Answer 7

The only difference between 7-Way Utility and 7-Way RV is the color of the wires. The pin outs are the exact same so either would work just fine with the other. If you check out the picture I attached you'll see that the functions are all the…

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Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Solar Powered Roof Vent for Cargo Trailer

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