When you’re building out an enclosed aluminum trailer for work or play, some of your most important upgrades include lighting and power options. Why? Because one way or another, somewhere along the way, you’re going to need both of these important items: a source of light and a place to plug in your phone. Maybe you also need to plug in a power tool, a credit card reader, or a refrigerator - your ALCOM enclosed aluminum trailer business buildout options are nearly endless. We make it easy to get started with optional lighting and power upgrades.

When you order an ALCOM enclosed aluminum trailer, you don't just get to choose the interior decking and exterior skin color(s); you have a wide array of options available, and if lights and power are your priorities, talk with your local dealer. They can help you choose exterior and interior lighting upgrades, power packages, or power and lighting accessories when you order your enclosed aluminum trailer.

How do you know which options to choose? Let's review the different types of trailer power - and ALCOM's lighting and power options available for each. 

12V vs. 110V Power - What’s the Difference?

What does it even mean when you see 12V and 110V on the ALCOM options menu? If you’re new to trailers or mobile power, here’s a basic breakdown:

12V DC (direct current) electricity is low-voltage electricity which runs directly off of deep-cycle batteries charged by the tow vehicle, a converter, or solar panels. Think of charging your phone when it's plugged into a port inside your car: your phone is charged using 12V DC power. This lower voltage power also runs the lights on your trailer, like turn signals and brake lights.

110V AC (alternating current) electricity uses standard outlets; it's the type of electrical service found in your house to run appliances like the dishwasher. Its flow can change direction and travel much longer than DC power can; it also uses higher voltage. To use AC power in your trailer, you will need a generator or shore power - a place to plug in, like a hookup at a campsite. 

When it comes to mobile power, essential components like lights, pumps and fans are frequently 12V battery-powered, while 110V appliances like an air conditioner or refrigerator require shore power or a generator. For most users, a hybrid system works best, and the specific components depend on how you plan to use the trailer. 

If you're planning to do a lot of off-grid adventures, it pays to prioritize your 12V system with additional battery capacity that can power interior lights and outlets when you’re on the go. If you're building a food truck, you may want a 110V power package including a shore line and a generator compartment so you can hook up to serious power at fixed sites.

ALCOM’s 12V Lighting & Electrical Options

When you order an enclosed aluminum trailer from ALCOM, you can add 12V lighting and electrical options from a long list of upgrades. Choose everything from marker light upgrades to interior power outlet options on the 12V page of ALCOM’s upgrade menu.

Looking for lights? Get additional LED bullet-style marker lights; LED backup and stop/turn/tail lights; LED loading and porch lights with a switch; mid-ship turn signals for tandem fenders; angled backup lights; interior 12V dome lights or puck light package; interior LED strip lighting package; or LED orange oval flashing safety lights.

Upgrade to a 12V electric pedestal jack with or without battery and box installed; get a 12V power jack (cigarette lighter plug-style); add a 12V USB-C & USB-A dual recessed receptacle. Get a wireless backup camera system with a 7” LCD screen, permaseal wire connectors, and upgrade to a 7-way plug with junction box (from a 4-way plug). Finally, to power your 12V accessories and outlets, add a deep cycle marine battery and box with a trickle charger for the battery.

ALCOM's 110V Power Packages & Accessories

When you roll into a campground, motocross meet, or music festival this summer and want to plug your trailer into an electrical hookup station, you will need one of ALCOM's 110V power packages. This is the type of power that requires a generator, or a motor base plug, shore line and hookup. ALCOM offers five standard 110V Power Package options:

110V Package #1 features one (1) 15 AMP motor base plug; a wall switch and wall receptacle; one (1) 4’ LED wraparound light. There are no extra additions with 110V Package #1.

110V Package #2 includes one (1) 30 AMP breaker, one (1) 25' shore line, two (2) 3-way wall switches, one each standard and GFCI wall receptacle(s), and two (2) 4' LED wraparound lights.

110V Package #3 includes one (1) 30 AMP panel, one (1) wall switch, one (1) GFCI and four (4) standard wall receptacles, four (4) 4' LED wraparound lights, and a brace & wire stub for an air conditioner unit.

110V Package #4 includes one (1) 15 AMP motor base plug and two (2) wall receptacles.

110V Package #5 includes one (1) 60A breaker panel with a 60A converter and 50A motor base plug, two (2) 3-way wall switches, one (1) each standard, USB and GFCI wall receptacle(s), two (2) 4’ LED wraparound lights, 12V deep cycle battery and box.

Additional a la carte upgrades to your 110V Power Packages include a 15A motor base plug; a 30A motor base plug (replaces shore line; 110V Power Package required); a 30A power converter; a 30A or 50A power cord (25’) for motor base plug; additional 110V wall receptacles installed (including GFCI and USB receptacles); a 13,500 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner; or a CADET electric heater. Check availability for each specific upgrade for the trailer you want when you work with a local ALCOM dealer to customize your ideal aluminum trailer.

Why Power Up Your Enclosed Aluminum Trailer?

To build a mobile workshop, a portable pet grooming service, a boutique to go,  a food truck, and so much more, you’ll need power in your trailer. Start with a setup that gives you all the components you need - just bring the generator or find the hookup site and you're good to go. Talk with your local ALCOM dealer to decide which 110V power package is best for your trailer. 

Maybe you're planning to build an off-the-grid camper trailer. Add a rooftop catwalk to start your solar panel installation platform; get an integrated wall stud package to construct a custom, easily adjustable interior; add windows to your trailer walls for ventilation and comfort. Let your ALCOM dealer help you build the ideal enclosed aluminum trailer with the power and lighting options that will help you kick-start the ultimate off-grid camper build. 

Whatever your goals, your local ALCOM dealer can help you choose and customize the ideal aluminum trailer for your needs. With rust-proof aluminum construction and multiple manufacturing sites in the USA, our enclosed aluminum trailers are available when and where you need them. Visit our brand sites below to browse trailers and use the Dealer Locator tool to find your nearest ALCOM dealer in the United States and Canada.