Cargo Trailer Conversion For Hunters - Converter To Go From Shore Power 120V AC To 12V DC

Published 01/07/2026

Question:

I’m building a cargo trailer conversion for hunting trips. I’ll have shore power at camp but need to run 12V LED lights and a roof vent fan. Would a PowerMax converter work for that? Thought about not doing converter and just running a charger, but I'd prefer to have shore power running to the 12v loads and not pulling battery juice when trying to charge.

asked by: Tyler

Expert Reply:

Hey Tyler, that sounds cool! And yes sir, that’s a great use case for a standalone PowerMax converter. A unit like the PowerMax # PM34VR 45 amp can plug into shore power and convert that AC power into clean 12V DC to run your LED lights, vent fan, and other basic accessories.

You’d wire the converter to a small DC fuse panel so each circuit is protected, and you can add a battery if you want 12V power when you’re not plugged in. If you don’t add a battery, the converter will still run your 12V loads anytime shore power is available; I just recommend getting a battery as well to help out when you don't have the generator or shore power there.

How many lights and accessories are you planning to run in the trailer? Have you done builds like this before? It sounds neat. I have a buddy that did something similar awhile back.

expert reply by: Andrew N