Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

[colbyt]

I am going to upgrade trailer lights to LED. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of two different mounting methods.

This is one method of mounting ovals 6" Oval Mounting Bracket - Cequent Trailer Products 106873 - iboats and this is the other Trailer Steel 6" Oval Box Tail Light Guard Metal 2" Side Light Utility Truck Set | eBay

Both have some apparent advantages and disadvantages. The open bracket promotes rapid drying after submersion but subjects the back of the unit to road hazards. The enclosed steel box makes it easy to add the side marker and protects from road hazards but looks like it would trap moisture even if one drilled drain holes.

I would love to hear from anyone with experience with either.

 

[GT1000000]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

Honestly don't have experience with either one, but if the LED lights are the waterproof/submersible types, I would think the open unit would be a better choice since there is no likelihood that water could get trapped, however I understand your point about being protected from flying road debri...

Maybe a deflector could be added in front of the light units to protect them...something like this...???



Good topic and one I would like to see some opinions on...

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

It seems to me that both of them would be susceptible to corrosion if you dip in salt water. One method you may not have considered are having the LEDs mounted as part of a guide on post:

These are referred to as "LED Pipe Lights" and they are made to insert on top of ordinary PVC guide ons. In my case, I wanted taller guide ons anyway and so I then inserted another short section of PVC and spliced in a LED post light kit to cap off the whole thing:

The post lights are really just overkill as the pipe lights are what overwhelmingly catch the eye. All told, the guide ons are tall enough to be seen over the plane of the top of the windshield to aid me in backing my trailer.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

It seems to me that both of them would be susceptible to corrosion if you dip in salt water. One method you may not have considered are having the LEDs mounted as part of a guide on post:

View attachment 208313These are referred to as "LED Pipe Lights" and they are made to insert on top of ordinary PVC guide ons. In my case, I wanted taller guide ons anyway and so I then inserted another short section of PVC and spliced in a LED post light kit to cap off the whole thing:

Salt water will never be an issue as the nearest is 700 miles away and this boat would not be suitable even if it was closer.

I took a serious look at the pipe lights and excluded them because I would need to make the pipes higher than I like and I though them a wee bit pricey. It is IMO a good concept.


@ GT: The open deflector concept has some merit. I will be mounting vertically on the vertical portion of an isosceles triangle (an added part as the rear support for the side bunks and pipe guides).

EDIT: Yes these are fully sealed LED submersible lights.

 

[lokonn]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

Optronics makes a low profile oval taillight that mounts to flat surface. I think depth of light was right around 1''. Has a bezel that snaps on to cover mounting screws. Search seller aascott01 on fleabay. I just installed and like them so far.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

While I did not link to him that is the seller I am considering buying from. Do you recall which item number you bought? I don't recall any that would mount as I need the to mount. I only have 1.25" of flat surface hence the reason for using the oval in the mounting frame.

Did you bother with installing rear side marker lights. I see a lot of trailers around here without them and no one seems to get pulled over.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

enclosed ALL THE WAY!
The open tabs will be flimsy and easily messed up

Drill a couple small drain holes... small enough to NOT attract wasps and thoroughly degrease, prime, and paint them inside AND out.

My 30' trailer has the oval LED's cut directly into the rear crossmember and If you have access to a torch or plasma cutter THAT is THE way to go

 

[lokonn]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

While I did not link to him that is the seller I am considering buying from. Do you recall which item number you bought? I don't recall any that would mount as I need the to mount. I only have 1.25" of flat surface hence the reason for using the oval in the mounting frame.

Did you bother with installing rear side marker lights. I see a lot of trailers around here without them and no one seems to get pulled over.

No part numbers, he has it listed on order as 6'' oval, surface mount 10 led taillight. Yes I did do markers and ID lights, ended up with 5 red led and 2 amber led marker, the pair of taillights, license light, bracket and wiring for $95. Found a different license light at Autozone that I liked better, so I used that instead of one that came in kit. The narrow flat surface you have is gonna be tough. Have you looked at the strip led taillights. I think they were about 15'' long and approx 1'' wide. I liked the look of them but didn't have length to use on mine.

 

[TJS]

Re: Mounting trailer lights opinions wanted

Here is the Jig I machined up for my plasma cutter. It has the perfect offset for the plasma torch.