Trailer lights...easy to replace?

[Shelbel]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum so please excuse my ignorance...still reading up on all the boating info I'll need as we embark on a new voyage into boating! We've been looking at a couple of used boats and I've found a good selection of info on what to look for and check before our purchase. One thing I haven't been able to find however is anything about replacing existing trailer lights. The boat at the top of our list right now is a 2004 Sea Ray 185 and it has a broken right tail light on the trailer. I plan on trying to negotiate it being fixed into the sale, but on the chance that I'm unable to do so I'd like to know how easy or difficult it will be to repair ourselves? I have replaced head lights on cars before, so I'm hoping it requires about the same amount of skill to replace a tail light on a trailer? Any cost estimates would be appreciated also. Thanks in advance!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

Dead simple. An entire kit to replace all the lights on your trailer can be had for as little as $25. You can even upgrade to LEDs for like $50. The most common problems with them is a bad ground as most often a dedicated ground wire is not run to each light, instead they are just grounded to the trailer frame. Anyway, replacing a broken light is no biggie.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

$15 for an entire light kit, $5 for a pair of cheap crimpers and $2 for a variety pack of connectors, plus about 3 hours if you are really slow (read, want it perfect). It's easy as pie and a great afternoon project to relax you as you play with your boat.

 

[JimMH]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

Depending on the light type it should be no problem. Most trailers aren not plug in and go though and you may have to do a little wiring. Usually there are two bolts that hold the light housing on and two wires to connect. Shouldn't be more than a 30 minute job at the most. Good luck and welcome to the boating world. You are going to have a fun filled summer!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

If you have to spend any amount of money at all, just go with the LEDs right up front. Then you shouldnt have to replace one again as long as you own it, unless it gets broken from hitting something.

 

[Shelbel]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

Thanks for all the replies! The wiring issue brings up another question from me. I haven't looked closely at the light yet except to notice that the "red part" is completely gone . Will this make the job more difficult or do these kits you're all mentioning have all the parts necessary to fix it? Will I have to rewire the entire trailer? Thanks again!

 

[boat1010]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

You will not have to rewire the trailer. Most Wal*Mart stores have the trailer light kits. But like one of the other posts said, I would opt to go with the LED lights. Replace both tail lights and not worry about them again. Little more money but will last a lot longer and they are waterproof. Nothing to changing them.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

Thanks for all the replies! The wiring issue brings up another question from me. I haven't looked closely at the light yet except to notice that the "red part" is completely gone . Will this make the job more difficult or do these kits you're all mentioning have all the parts necessary to fix it? Will I have to rewire the entire trailer? Thanks again!

There is no need to rewire a trailer as long as the current wires are not damaged.

99% of the trailer lights can be removed with a 7/16" box end wrench, and the two wires reconnected with simple twist nuts. The white ground wire will be attached to the frame in various manners...but usually the ring connector will go under one of the two nuts holding the light to the trailer.

And...the lights are sold as single units (right side vs. left side) and easy to find. Most auto parts stores have them, and NAPA is a good source. If the light works and the lense is the only issue, the auto parts stores might have the replacement red lense...then you only need a phillips head screwdriver to replace. If you have the time to spare for shipping, lights are sold right here at iboats!

KISS (keep it simple)...there is plenty of time to get into a complete upgrade, the first step is to get the lights working and get yourself out onto the water!

Happy boating!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights...easy to replace?

We have no idea what kind of lights this trailer has. Some are recessed into a cavity in the frame while others are simply bolted to a bracket. So "simple" may be simple to one person and not another. If all that's broken is the lens, replace the lens. If the entire housing is damaged, then replace that housing. There is no need to rewire the entire trailer if one lamp is broken.