Cargo Trailer Build – Part 3
In Episode 3 of this cargo trailer build, I run electricity from the tow vehicle into the trailer and add water tanks which will allow me to take outdoor showers.
The tow vehicle for this trailer is currently a 2006 Ford E350 van with a Renogy 300 watt 24 volt solar panel which powers two 31 series AGM deep cycle batteries. The solar is controlled with a Victron solar controller.
I used a double stud terminal mounted fuse block and ran 6 gauge wire to an Anderson Powerpole plug at the rear bumper. Six gauge wire continues to bring the power into the trailer where it reaches a Blue Sea Systems 12 circuit fuse block. From there it branches out to an interior light and two Blue Sea Systems 12v power plugs. Each socket got its own 20amp fuse. With the additional water pump on its own fuse, it leaves me with 8 open circuits for future growth.
I bought two 20 gallon undermount water tanks, each with a “fitting kit”. Connecting two tanks together was definitely more work than typically installing a single tank, but because I was putting them under the trailer, space between the crossmembers was limited. I could’ve either got 1 tank and cut/reattached a crossmember which would’ve required welding; or gone the 2 tank mount and did more plumbing. I chose the latter.
The tanks were supported with 3/4″ plywood which was sealed with deck stain/sealer for protection from the weather/environment. I then bolted the plywood to the crossmembers with 8 bolts. After numerous hose clamps I had all the fill, vent and feed lines together only to have a leak at the fill T fitting. The T Fitting I bought from the local marine supply store was too small for the 1-3/8″ fill hose to seal properly. I found a Tee fitting from Lasco (part # 1401012) fit the 1-3/8″ hose perfectly.
I undermounted the Shurflo water pump and debris filter then ran the fill line to a ball valve from Home Depot. I used some garden hose quick connects so I could easily attach a hose and shower head to shower.
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Electrical:
Blue Sea Systems ST Blade Fuse Block – 12 Circuits with Negative Bus & Cover
Blue Sea Systems Terminal Fuse Block
FTZ heavy duty lugs ring terminals
Cable: 6 Gauge 25 Feet Black and Red Welding Battery Pure Copper Flexible Cable Wire – Car, Inverter, RV, Solar
Anderson Power Products SB50 Connector Kit, 50 Amps, 36V Gray Housing, w/ 6 AWG, 6319 (Pair)
Blue Sea Systems 1011-BBS Dash Socket, 12V
Blue Sea Systems 285-Series Circuit Breaker – Surface Mount / 60A
Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 Charge Controller
FTZ Correct Crimp Heavy Duty Lug Crimp Tool
130 PC. Dual Wall Adhesive Marine Heat Shrink Kit – 3:1 Shrink Ratio – Black and Red
Morris Products 11752 Flange Spade Terminal, Non Insulated
Water:
SHURFLO Aqua King Standard Pump 3.0 Gpm
SHURFLO (255-313) 1/2″ Twist-On Pipe Strainer
I’ll do a couple more videos on this trailer. I’d like to show everyone how everything works, how I pack the trailer, and some general maintenance items.
