Whether your enclosed trailer is a mobile shop, a vending setup or just a rolling toolbox, power makes it far more useful. Interior lights, a vent fan and a place to charge tools are the usual first needs. Here are the main options and how to choose.
Start by adding up what you need
List every device and its wattage, then estimate hours of use per day. A few LED lights and a fan draw very little. Compressors, saws and air conditioners draw a lot. Your total decides which option below fits.
Option 1: Deep-cycle battery
- Good for LED lighting, a fan and phone or tool battery charging.
- Mount it in a secured, ventilated box and fuse the positive cable close to the battery.
- Keep it separate from the trailer breakaway battery, which has its own job.
Option 2: Portable power station
- Plug-and-play, no wiring needed, and you can carry it to the truck or home to recharge.
- Check the rated watt-hours against your daily use.
- Secure it so it cannot slide in transit, and consider a lock for theft.
Option 3: Solar panel with battery
- A roof-mounted panel and charge controller keep a battery topped up between jobs.
- Works well for light, steady loads, less so for heavy tools.
- Use proper mounting and sealant, and ask a qualified installer if you are unsure.
Option 4: Shore power inlet
- An exterior inlet lets you plug into a job-site or shop outlet for outlets, lights and a small heater or cooler.
- Have a licensed electrician handle wiring, breaker protection and grounding.
Option 5: Generator
- Best for heavy loads like compressors and welders.
- Never run a generator inside a closed trailer. Exhaust carries carbon monoxide, so keep it outside and well away from doors and vents.
Plan the wiring before you buy
Many trailers can be ordered with the right framing and a clean interior for wiring. Our E-track and shelving guide helps you lay out the interior, and our LED lighting guide covers the exterior lights. Also read our theft prevention guide to protect your gear.
Find the right enclosed trailer
Trailer Place is a family-owned dealer in Wharton, TX (moving to Rosenberg mid-2026) serving Texas and Louisiana. Browse enclosed cargo trailers, in-house STAR trailers and Diamond C. Financing available and nationwide shipping. Call (979) 532-1486.
