Trailer Power Management
MT81 Security Trailers are designed to operate autonomously and be fully powered by the trailer’s included solar panel system. This article outlines best practices to ensure the system remains online and resilient in cloudy weather and during the winter months with shorter daylight hours.
Trailer deployment best practices
Use the trailer configurator to verify the solar panel system will provide sufficient power for your devices based on local weather patterns.
Undersized trailers are prone to routine downtime and are not recommended.
If your current configuration does not meet the 99% uptime threshold, consider the following adjustments:
Upgrade Storage: Switch to the MT81-13KWH model if you have not already done so to maximize battery capacity.
Optimize Device Load: Reduce the power draw by selecting the VVC1 camera configuration. If uptime is still insufficient, reduce the number of devices on your trailer.
Identify a Secondary Power Source: If hardware adjustments are not enough, ensure the trailer is deployed in a location with easy access to a generator or a standard AC outlet (120V AC / 15A) for supplemental charging.
Power off non-essential devices when not in use: Reduce the power draw by turning off non-essential devices when not in-use by using the Remote port shut-off instructions in the section below.
Always maximize solar input:
Follow section 4.7 of the install guide.
Point the trailer south.
Angle the panels for your region and time of year using this calculator.
Battery management
This section outlines the best practices to follow if your trailer battery is critically low or if the trailer has gone offline due to a complete loss of power.
Set up Low Power alerts
Users can configure Low Power Alerts to receive an immediate notification when their MT81 trailer’s battery capacity falls below a specified threshold. Set up low power alerts with the guide here. <link to low power alerts KB>.
Remote port shut-off
This feature allows users to disable select cameras on the trailer via Verkada Command to conserve energy. Turning off non-essential cameras when not in use reduces the power draw on the battery, effectively extending the system's remaining runtime.
To turn off cameras, follow these steps:
In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Trailers.
Select the specific trailer you wish to manage and click View Details.
Under the Connected Cameras section, locate the camera you wish to disable and select the Turn Off option.
Once disabled, the camera will stop drawing power, helping to preserve the battery.
The camera will remain powered off until a user manually turns it back on. Choose cameras strategically to balance security needs with maximum battery longevity.
Recovering from a Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)
When the trailer’s battery drops too low, the system enters a Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) mode. LVD automatically cuts the power load to preserve enough energy to resume charging when solar input returns.
If the battery falls below the minimum output voltage, it may fail to restart automatically, even when sunlight returns. In this case, you must manually restore power to exit LVD and restart the system.
Manually restore power
Connect the trailer to shore power if available.
The trailer uses a 15A charger at 120VAC. Avoid connecting other devices to the same outlet, as that could trip the fuse due to overdraw.
If you use a generator, provide more than 3kW to prevent tripping the trailer's fuses.
Check that the AC power source circuit breaker has not tripped if the trailer does not accept a charge.
Jump-start the battery with a vehicle.
Remove the battery case.
Use jumper cables to connect a vehicle battery to the trailer battery terminals to restore power.
Perform the manual override routine.
Ensure the sun is shining and orient the trailer for maximum solar input.
Turn OFF all circuit breakers while keeping the Main Power dial ON to reduce system load.
Wait 30 seconds, then turn the circuit breakers back ON once the solar panel receives full sunlight.
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