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Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:37 pm
by squints1404
Hello all, new here. I recently bought an old cargo trailer that i'm looking to convert. I want to get the required lighting in place so I can register and title the trailer.

The trouble I'm having is I'm confused about the light requirements. Different websites seem to have slightly different descriptions and diagrams, and none of the example images seem to match my trailer. My trailer is 80" wide at the fenders and 12 foot long.

Any advice would be really appreciated. I've looked at the examples on e-trailer and a few other websites, so it's possible i'm overthinking the lighting requirements.


https://i.imgur.com/wQPk3ya.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EQx2SLF.jpg

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Thu Mar 30, 2023 3:17 pm
by hankaye
squints1404, Howdy;

Welcome aboard! Good first question.
Here's a link to the Federal standard (good anywhere), scroll down to
fig. 16. your information is below that;
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/393.11

Hope that takes the worry bug out of your brain.

hank

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 12:35 pm
by squints1404
Thanks Hank, this is much more legible than the other things I have found.

Can I ask why I would use fig 16 instead of fig 14 or 15?

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 12:09 pm
by hankaye
squints1404, Howdy;

squints1404 wrote:Thanks Hank, this is much more legible than the other things I have found.

Can I ask why I would use fig 16 instead of fig 14 or 15?


So sorry, I misread the figure titles. The most appropriate figure is the one that is the second
one below the Converter Dolly figure. I believe that to be Fig. 15.

Very sorry about the confusion more used to captions being below an item then above.

hank

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 12:19 pm
by tony.latham
so I can register and title the trailer.


Does your state inspect trailers before a title transfer? (Idaho doesn't)

Tony

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Sat Apr 01, 2023 3:54 pm
by squints1404
Does your state inspect trailers before a title transfer? (Idaho doesn't)


I'm in Illinois. I am a little unsure about the rules for titles in Illinois, but I am assuming my state is going to make this as much of a hassle as possible.

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Sun Apr 02, 2023 1:09 pm
by hankaye
squints, Howdy;

squints1404 wrote:
Does your state inspect trailers before a title transfer? (Idaho doesn't)


I'm in Illinois. I am a little unsure about the rules for titles in Illinois, but I am assuming my state is going to make this as much of a hassle as possible.


That's the Illinois way for sure! :lol:

Used to drive for a Co. that told us that if we fueled in Il. we'd be fired! No if, ands or butts. chucklin'

hank

Re: Converting a cargo trailer.

PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:32 am
by Dalton07
The first is to complete the electrical system. Normally, electricity for converted cargo trailers tends to come from a 12-volt battery connected to an inverter. But you should decide if you want the supply to originate from solar panels or a lithium RV battery.