Boating is an exciting way to spend your time outdoors. But, to keep yourself and your vessel safe and sound, you need to make sure you have the right lighting system on your boat trailer. Having a set of LED boat trailer lights is a great way to make sure you’re seen while towing your boat. This guide will help you learn how to install LED boat trailer lights so you can stay safe and legal on the road.
How to Install LED Boat Trailer Lights
Installing LED boat trailer lights is a relatively easy process. You will need to identify the wiring harness for the trailer and locate the appropriate connectors for the LED lights. Then, you will need to disconnect the existing wiring and connect the LED wiring using heat shrink connectors and electrical tape. After that, you will need to mount the LED lights onto the trailer and connect the wiring to the trailer‘s battery.
- Start by locating the trailer’s wiring harness. This will usually be found near the trailer’s tongue and will include two wires: one for the left side and one for the right side.
- Disconnect the trailer’s wiring harness and identify the left and right side wires.
- Attach the left side wire to the positive terminal of the left side LED light and the right side wire to the positive terminal of the right side LED light.
- Connect the negative terminals of the LED lights to a ground wire.
- Connect the ground wire to a secure ground in the trailer frame.
Once all the wiring is done, turn on the LED lights to make sure they’re working properly. If all is good, secure the wiring with zip ties or electrical tape and you’re ready to hit the road.
Do LED trailer lights need special wiring
What You’ll Need for Installation
To install LED boat trailer lights, you will need a drill, mounting hardware, wire cutters and strippers, electrical tape, waterproof connectors, and a wiring harness. You may need a circuit tester to make sure you have a good connection between the lights and the wiring harness. Before beginning the installation process, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. You should also have a detailed plan for how you want the lights to be installed, as well as the route you will take for the wiring which can also be helpful for drain plug led lights. It is also important that you are familiar with the wiring requirements for your boat trailer, as well as any relevant safety codes.
Materials
- LED Boat Trailer Lights
- Mounting Hardware
- Marine Grade Wire
- Wire Connectors
- Wire Crimpers
Tools
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Wire Strippers
- Voltmeter
- Wire Cutters
- Drill and Bits
Choose Your Lights
The first step in installing LED boat trailer lights is to choose the lights you want to install. You’ll need to choose lights that are designed for boats and trailers, as regular automotive lights won’t be as bright or durable. You’ll also want to make sure the lights you choose are compatible with the wiring harness you have.
Choose the Right Type
When it comes to LED boat trailer lights, there are several different types available. You can choose from LED stop lights, tail lights, side marker lights, clearance lights, and license plate lights. Depending on the size of your boat and trailer, you may need more than one type of light.
Choose the Right Size
In addition to choosing the right type of LED boat trailer lights, you’ll also need to choose the right size. LED lights come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you measure the area you plan to install your lights before you buy.
Prepare the Wiring
Once you’ve chosen the lights you want to install, you’ll need to prepare the wiring. This involves connecting the wiring harness to the trailer and running the wires through the trailer to the location of the lights.
Connect the Wiring Harness
The first step in preparing the wiring is to connect the wiring harness to the trailer. This involves connecting the wiring harness to the trailer’s brakes, tail lights, and other electrical components. Make sure the wiring harness is securely connected and that all the wires are connected correctly.
Run the Wires
Once the wiring harness is connected, you’ll need to run the wires through the trailer. Start by running the wires through the frame of the trailer and then up to the location of the lights. Make sure to leave some extra wire so you have enough to make all the connections.
Test the Connections
Once the wiring is run, you’ll need to test the connections. This is done by using a voltmeter to make sure the wiring is connected correctly and that there are no shorts or other problems. Once you’ve tested the wiring and it’s working correctly, you can move on to the next step.
Install the Lights
The next step in installing LED boat trailer lights is to install the lights themselves. This involves mounting the lights to the trailer and making the necessary connections.
Mount the Lights
The first step in installing the lights is to mount them to the trailer. Depending on the type of light you’re installing, you may need to drill holes in the trailer frame to mount the lights. Make sure the lights are securely mounted and that all the connections are tight.
Make the Connections
Once the lights are mounted, you’ll need to make the necessary connections. This involves connecting the wiring harness to the lights and making sure all the connections are secure. Make sure to use the appropriate wire connectors and crimpers to make sure the connections are secure.
Test the Lights
Once the lights are installed and connected, you’ll need to test them. This is done by turning on the lights and making sure they are working correctly. You should also test the brakes and turn signals to make sure they are working correctly.
Final Touches
Once the lights are installed and working correctly, you’ll need to make sure all the connections are secure and that the wiring is routed correctly. This involves making sure all the connections are tight, that the wiring is routed correctly, and that the lights are mounted correctly.
Check the Connections
The first step in making sure the connections are secure is to check the connections. Make sure all the connections are tight and that there are no loose wires.
Route the Wiring
Once the connections are secure, you’ll need to make sure the wiring is routed correctly. Make sure the wiring is routed away from any moving parts or sharp edges and that it is secured properly.
Mount the Lights
You’ll need to make sure the lights are mounted correctly. Make sure the lights are securely mounted and that they are positioned correctly.
Can you replace regular trailer lights with LED
Yes, you can replace regular trailer lights with LED lights. LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer, and are brighter than regular trailer lights. The process of replacing regular trailer lights with LED lights is generally the same as replacing any other trailer light. Before replacing regular trailer lights with LED lights, it is important to make sure the wiring is compatible. LED lights require less power than regular trailer lights, so the wiring may need to be updated to accommodate the lower power requirements. Some LED lights are designed to be water resistant, while others are not. If the trailer lights will be exposed to moisture, make sure to select LED lights that are designed to be water resistant.
Conclusion
Installing LED boat trailer lights is a great way to make sure you are seen while towing your boat. This guide will help you learn how to install LED boat trailer lights so you can stay safe and legal on the road. With the right materials and tools on hand, you can easily install LED boat trailer lights and keep yourself safe.