Solar Powered Roof Vent for Cargo Trailer

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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

0

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

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Answer 1

There are large RVs, over 40 foot Winnebagos as an example, that only use up to a 4K generator. It seems like a generator is what you need for the power the items you want to have in the trailer. We currently do not have generators or inverters that…

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Answer 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

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 9

Great question, William! The Karrier ST225/75R15 #KE63KV is a KR35 while the Karrier ST225/75R15 #AM10303 is a KR03 according to Kenda. There is a slight variation in the tread pattern and from what Kenda says about them it looks like the KR03 is…

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Answer 10

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 11

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 12

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Solar Powered Roof Vent for Cargo Trailer

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