Parts Needed to Add 30 Amp Shore Power and Solar Panels to Cargo Trailer

Updated 04/27/2020 | Published 04/24/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter - GFCI - 2,000 Watt - 12V

(171)

$759.99

Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel

(77)

$543.59

Go Power Overlander Expansion Kit - 200 Watt Solar Panel

(109)

$374.39

Mighty Cord RV Power Cord w/ Pull Handle - 30 Amp - 90 degree Twist Lock - 25'

(154)

$107.75

Progressive Dynamics 4000 Series RV Converter w/ Charge Wizard and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 60 Amp

(454)

$286.33

Question:

Hello - I am converting a utility trailer to a camper and I have a question about power. I am planning to setup the trailer for 12 volt solar power as well as 30 amp shore power. I will need a 30 amp breaker box, 12 volt breaker bar, converter, 2,000 watt inverter, etc. Is there a unit available that has all of the above components and perhaps some components not listed? Thanks

asked by: Michael N

Helpful Expert Reply:

There isn't a single unit that will contain everything you are looking for, but we have the parts you are looking for to complete this setup. By the way, I'm a huge fan of cargo trailer conversions and I'd love to see more of your build.

Here are the parts you will want:

-Power Center # PD4060LIK (for lithium batteries)
or
-Power Center # PD4060K (for standard batteries)
-2K Watt Inverter # 34278156
-30 Amp Twist Lock Inlet # 277-000137 (White) or # 277-000138 (Black)
-30 Amp Power Cord # A10-3025ED90
-Overlander Solar Charging System # 34282181 (You can add more solar panels to this system as needed)

The power centers I listed above have converters that are rated at 60 Amps, but I recommend finding your battery bank Amp Hour rating before purchasing a power center. When buying a power center, you want to choose one that is rated for approximate 30 percent of your battery bank's amp hour rating.

For example, if you have two 100 Ah batteries, then your battery bank will have 200 Ah. 30 percent of that is 60 Amps, so the power centers listed above would be perfect for you. If your battery bank is not around 200 Ah, please let me know and I'll be happy to get you the right parts.

The Overlander solar panel kit I listed will not only provide enough power to charge your batteries in storage, but it will also maintain your battery charge level for a weekend of overlanding camping. If you plan on doing some overlanding or boondocking, but still want more of the creature comforts of home, then I'd add another 200 Watt panel to your setup with # 34282182. I attached one of our help articles on how to calculate how much solar you will need for you to check out.

These are the core components you will need to power your lights, outlets, appliances, etc. If I can help any more with this build or explain something further, please just let me know.