Adding Lights to trailer Guides

[dtappeiner]

Hi.
I want to add a second set of lights to the trailer guides I installed which are the white PVC type 4 feet high. I figure if the submersible lights fixed to the trailer go bad I will then have the second set up high. But how do I wire this? Do I just splice into the existing wires? I have a bracket that will mount the lights to top of guide post and then I figure I just run a wire down to the existing light wires and splice it in making sure to crimp and maybe use the heat shrink sealing stuff?
Any suggestions?
thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

splicing into existing wiring would work, but a couple things to keep in mind....

* most trailer light fixtures are grounded through the mounting bracket to the trailer frame, instead of a separate ground wire. Mounting on PVC, you won't have a path to ground unless you add a jumper wire from the fixture hardware to trailer frame.

* the added load of the extra set of lights might very well overload the vehicle trailer circuit; if so you'll be blowing fuses left & right. It'd be ok to just move the existing lights up on to the guide-ons. Mine's been like that for 30 years no problem. Added bonus: you don't need submergible lights.

* my fixture wiring is just crimped. No solder, no heat shrink. Open to the elements. Those crimp connections have always lasted at least until the fixture, or the harness itself needed replacing. If you do end up just moving your existing lights, I'd think about just getting a new harness, to avoid having an underwater splice.

 

[dtappeiner]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

Thanks, JT. I might just move the lights up the guideposts. Seems like the best option for now.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

"Light trailers" and "over 80" trailers have specific lighting requirements. I'm not sure that dual tailights are legal. Better check with your DMV. Also, if you move them, the tag needs to be moved too. THe left light has to illuminate it.

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

If you want to spend some money get get another useful tool, try these.

http://www.iboats.com/LED-Load-Mate...2343883--**********.518990306--view_id.483822

They have a float switch that will let you know when the trailer is backed to the proper depth. I put them on mine and it worked great.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

Wow, that looks like a handy gadget.....but OMG what will they think of next to get their hands on our money...LOL.

When I back up my wife just yells "stop". Or If I'm alone I look out the side mirror and stop when the water level comes up to my mark on the fender.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Adding Lights to trailer Guides

I dunno, "proper depth" sometimes seems to vary by the slope of the ramp.

True, and I've thought about adding a tag light, just never seem to get around to it...........