Recommendations To power Lights In Trailer When Not Hooked To Towing Vehicle

Updated 03/14/2017 | Published 03/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(820)

$32.29

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(103)

$1.80

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID

(68)

$1.48

Battery Box Vented - U1

(54)

$18.20

Question:

I have trailers that are used to transport cargo and they have built in LED lights on the ceiling. The 18 wheeler tractor has a connection at the hook up end that connects to the trailer and powers the lights. The problem is we want to use these lights while it is connected to the loading dock with no tractor. There is no power connection at the rear of the trailer for the lights. Could I retrofit a plug on the rear of the trailer to the lights that we could connect t an extension cord and connect the extension cord to the buildings 115V power plug? If it is possible would I need special devices or could it be wired directly to the lights?

asked by: Shawn

Expert Reply:

You would need a power inverter to allow you to power the 12V LED lights in your trailer with a 115V power source. That could prove to be expensive. I do have another solution that will work for you. To be able to plug into AC power the trailer would need to be set up with a transfer switch and electrical panel similar to what is on a house. This is a major conversion for a trailer that is not already set up for it.

I recommend you use a junction box along with the additional battery to power your lights. The junction box I recommend is part # 38656. To secure the additional battery in your trailer I recommend a box like part # DW03188. You can use wiring like part # 10-1-1 that is sold by the foot and you can use ring terminals like part # 44-5310A to attach the wiring to the junction box terminals.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L