Do you want to know how to Install a Generator in a Cargo Trailer? Get the necessary material like electric drills, battery, nuts, bolts, wires, wrench, strap, and you are good to go. Begin the process by installing a circuit breaker board in the trailer, and make sure that you do the wiring properly. Cargo trailers are being used for various kinds of things all over the world.
Depending on the circumstance some extra resources would be needed to ensure smooth use of the trailer for whatever it’s being intended to be used for. Cargo trailers are not usually built with facilities that accommodate the mounting of generators such as fuel lines, exhaust systems and wiring harnesses.
This is why you should go for aftermath generators in the market which already have all these facilities integrated into its design. In this guide, we would be going straight to the point to show you how to perfectly install a generator in a cargo trailer for convenience.
So Let’s dive in.
How To Install A Generator In A Cargo Trailer
Materials Needed For Appropriate Installation.
- Electric drills
- Nuts and bolts
- battery
- built-in strap or metal grippers
- Wires
- wrench or spanner
Steps to Follow in Installing a Generator inside a Cargo Trailer
1. Circuit breakers should be installed
inside the trailer and ensure appropriate wiring. It’s of no use mounting a source of power when that power cannot be utilized or made use of. Hence you have to make sure that the cargo trailer is appropriately wired with the required connections and circuit breaker boards put in place before you can mount your generator.
It is from this circuit breaker board that the wire connected from the outlet of the generator can transmit light to the whole trailer.
Use type Uf residential wire which is rated for the maximum current or current capacity of the generator. Which should already be connected to the circuit breaker board.
Your generators should have three terminals in the outlet, where the uf wire would be connected to. Of which it is advisable to install a wire termination particularly called a crimp or solder to the end of the wire which would be connected to the outlet. You have to make sure the crimp you use or purchase matches the three terminals in your generators outlet and that the wiring is done appropriately.
2. Get a good generator and Installation materials
Here’s the deal,
A good generator in this case allows easy access and use on a cargo trailer. One that supplies the right voltage, has the right size and can also be maintained easily without stress. To avoid causing unnecessary problems or difficulties in the future. Considering what the trailer is for whether it’s going to be stationary, driving around or whatever. Buying generator for an enclosed trailer requires a lot of hard work on your part so that you can get the most satisfactory result.
In regards to getting good Installation materials, it’s important to buy materials that will last in the long run. Materials that can endure harsh weather conditions considering what you are going to be using the trailer for and where it’s going to be located overall.
3. Choose a position to mount your generator
You should map out a suitable position in your trailer where the generator can be mounted. Putting into account the noise which the generator is going to be creating and smoke which is going to be going out of the exhaust.
Which it’s why it is advisable to mount the generator in an inhabited location that connects to the outsides of the trailer. And the trailer has no storage base located under it with the doors taking up the entire rear walls that connect to the outside. Most people go for the towing tongue of the trailer.
When you have chosen your location, then you use your drill to create 3 to four holes in that location. Where nuts and bolts will be used to fasten the generator to that location.
You can use markers to pinpoint the exact point of drilling by lifting your generator on top of that location and marking out possible hole sites for nuts through the pre-drilled holes in its underside frames. When you have successfully done that then you use your nuts and bolts to screw tight the generator to that location.
If the frames of your generator do not permit drilling you can consider installing a frame in the form of a cage. which can be drilled with an electric drill or welded to your desired location. Where your generator can successfully fit inside.
4. Install a battery for starting near the generator
Unless your generator requires to be pulled before starting. You should install a battery box near the generator which would be used to start it after the appropriate connections have been made from the generator to the battery and the trailer.
You must consult your manufacturers guide for a safer approach to doing this to avoid any troubles going forward in the future. A good battery that can be used for this purpose is a lawnmower battery.
5. Ensure the Generator is Appropriately Covered
After installation is complete you have to ensure that the generator is appropriately covered and shielded from harsh weather conditions. Depending on its location in the trailer. To avoid any spoilage of parts in the future.
Safe Practices
Consult your manufacturer’s guide before indulging in any form of Installation.
This is to know what can and can’t be done with the generator and also to know the manufactures methods to doing things appropriately to ensure the longevity of your generator. This way Installing a generator in a cargo trailer would lead to less trouble for you.
Avoiding mishandling of gas or fuel
You should make sure that the fuel for your generator is kept appropriately to avoid starting fires of any kind in the future.
Exhaust Filtration
Exhaust can cause a lot of damage to human health. So it’s important to ensure that the generator is positioned in a way and that appropriate facilities are put in place. To ensure the safe passage of exhaust from the trailer.
Let’s be frank,
Installing generators in enclosed or cargo trailers in a way that hampers health standards. It’s not worth the benefit of the power you get from the generator so it’s better to keep things safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator in enclosed trailer?
Yes definitely, but you will have to open up a vent at the roof for obvious reasons. Which is to allow the exhaust that is going to be pumping out to be vented out through the roof. Hence you need to set up a vent system that allows this. Because carbon monoxide will build up when there is no escape passage for it. You will also need to make sure that your generator is fastened to a particular position in the trailer. You can try using grounding rods to achieve this. So yes you can run a generator in an enclosed trailer.
Does a generator charge a trailer battery?
Trailers use lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries. And these batteries can be charged by a generator when connections are made appropriately from the generator to the battery. This also depends on the size of the generator and the state of the battery which are very important things to take note of.
Conclusion
We believe that this piece is very helpful on how to Install a Generator in a Cargo Trailer. Generators are installed in trailers for various reasons and purposes but appropriate installation involves careful planning and handling while using the required tools and taking the appropriate precautions. Hence, whatever you’re doing lasts overall and doesn’t lead to any harm.
