Trailer frame rail suspension for electric and hybrid transport

A method for managing electrical power on a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) trailer having a conditioned space, comprising:

• disposing an electrical storage device on a containment area suspended from a common frame with a tractor trailer slide rail suspension, the common frame defined by a pair of elongated parallel rails, the elongated parallel rails having a spacing based on an alignment with longitudinal frame members supporting an underside of the trailer;
• establishing an electrical connection from a bank of trailer roof mounted solar panels to the electrical storage device for charging the electrical storage device;
• establishing an electrical connection from the electrical storage device to a refrigeration compressor on the trailer for cooling an interior of the trailer;
• and
• monitoring, from a controller disposed on the containment area, a power level in the electrical storage device for:
• switching power from the electrical storage device to the refrigeration compressor;
• and
• directing power from the solar panels to the battery.

A slide frame undercarriage apparatus for a trailer vehicle, comprising:

• a pair of elongated rails adapted to engage with a trailer vehicle frame having a plurality of engagement positions for receiving a suspension undercarriage assembly;
• a containment area suspended from the elongated rails, the containment area supporting a storage battery;
• a locking mechanism for securing the elongated rails at one of the engagement positions of the plurality of engagement positions;
• and
• a cooling system in fluidic connection with the battery, the cooling system contained withing the containment area and rails, and adapted for circulation of a cooling medium for thermal exchange with the storage battery.