LED trailer lights

[plaicemat]

O/k, I'm probably the last to work this out but I've just discovered there are LED lights for trailers which you leave on the trailer when launching/retrieving. I wonder if these can be fitted retrospectively to my older Indespension trailer as Indespension sell them on a board which will presumably have to be removed for launching. On their new trailers they are fitted to a bracket which tucks away when launching http://www.indespension.co.uk/25-boat-trailers. I can't seem to get any sense out of Indespension as to whether or not I can fit these. Can I get something made and galvanised?

[Sam]

there was a stand at the boat show selling these, I cannot remember the company name, but they were completely waterproof and bolted onto any trailer,

 

you could either have a bracket made or removable ones i.e magnetic fittings.

 

we have been using led lights at work with magnetic brackets for nearly two years and they are brilliant

 

sam

[Rob]

I saw the Hella ones many years ago and though about is as they were 75% off.

 

In the end I didn't as my trailer is low and being able to launch in 1ft of water doesn't lend to be able to launch over a trailer board.

 

My only thought was to have the hanging on the boat when underway and clip to trailer arms during the launch.

 

I still remove a normal trailer board!

 

R

[plaicemat]

Thanks for the input Sam. Rob, what I'm trying to avoid is just another trailer board which I have to remove. The ones I am talking about are permanent brackets that bolt to the trailer and then tuck out of the way when launching.

[Ian.Jones]

I have a 14 foot trailer boat in New Zealand which is fitted with waterproof, submersible led lights - which seems to have been the standard there for over ten years. Works brilliantly, no fussing about with lighting boards that have to be suspended from somewhere, have to be removed for launching and get in the way in the car while at sea.

 

I can see no reason why retrofitting these to an existing trailer should be difficult, although UK number plates are inconveniently large for permanent fitting to a trailer.

 

A couple of things to be aware of though. Firstly the light units come with wires pre-fitted to maintain their water tight integrity, so the cables have to be run back to meet and be joined at the male electrical socket - therefore the cables have to be long enough to reach. This in turn also means that the electrical plug to your car should not be submerged when launching, as the electrics remain connected, which should be the case anyway. Also consider that if the led lens gets cracked and let's the water in, it will need replacing.

 

Another point to watch is that some older cars are not compatible with led lights. This is particularly true of the more expensive models that have clever systems that identify that a trailer is connected and whether a bulb has failed. This can be overcome by buying led light sets that have a higher resistance, but it is possible to make up a resistor box in the cable run to achieve this. Some car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes will sell an adaptor that does this but it is expensive.

 

I had this problem with my 10 year old Merc ML. The trailer tested perfectly, the car tested perfectly, but put the two together and they did not work due to feedback in the system. I overcame this by simply fitting a different set of lights, which was the cheapest option.

 

Having had numerous trailer boats in the past, I would definitely plan for submersible lights on any future rig as it make the whole process of launch and recovery so much simpler.

 

Ian

[plaicemat]

Thanks for your input Ian, very informative. I am now going to check to see if the square number plates that used to be used on vans quite a lot are still legal, I think one of these would be easier to fit than the usual rectangular one. TrailerTek seem to do a kit that would answer, about £65.00 for the kit.

[Jim]

Interesting point about the modern electrics.

Can you try before you buy ?

[Sam]

Hi terry,

 

we still use the square number plates on our small plant trailers and they are legal as long as lit from the top and mounted between the main trailer lights, I believe they are the same size as ones mounted on the back of motorbikes

[plaicemat]

Thanks for that info Sam, I am now looking at making plastic brackets attached with S/S fixings. I'll keep you informed how I get on, others may be interested.

[Rob]

Photo diary / build please!

[plaicemat]

I'll see what I can do Rob.

[plaicemat]

O/k, update. I have spoken to the marine director at Indespension and he informs me that I can get the complete kit, which includes side and front marker lights (these have to be included to keep the integrity of the wiring loom). It will, apparently, utilise the threaded hole that at present holds the bolt with the round handle that clamps the lighting board brackets. So far, all good. Downside, £320 plus v.a.t! As I can get a set of submersible lights, loom etc (without marker lights which I have managed without so far) for about £65, I think I am probably back to manufacturing my own system.

 

More to follow.