LED trailer lights - like them or not?

[Hoffer]

Was out tonight and when loading up the boat the trailer light on one side went out again. I unplug the lights before backing in - but it seems like those flimsy little bulbs just dont like any water around them.

So, has anyone here switched their trailer lights to the LED ones - and if so do you like them? Do they hold up to water? Do they last longer etc...

I am going to go shopping this weekend for some...but would love to hear some input here = for or against before I do!

Thanks-

Hoffer

[goblueM]

LOVE the LED lights. Have not had a busted bulb using them, trailering boats with non-LED lights seemed like they would bust all the time.

Of course those were work boats and not always properly cared for, but I've left the LEDs plugged in and not had any problems

[Hoffer]

sounds good so far...did you guys install them yourselves? I am not very handy with that kind of stuff and I have a mechanic up the road about 2 blocks from me that will install if I buy them. Which leads to my next question...do you need to buy a certain size? I have what I would call a very standard shorelander trailer with those smaller rectangular lights on the back with the red plastic housing. Also, any good suggestions on where to purchase that would have a good choice available to make sure they fit my trailer?

[crappiegetter]

I'm switching to led this weekend both my lights went out on the way home on Sunday and its not gonna happen anymore. I use a buddies jetski time to time and it has led lights and we both never unplug them going on seven years and still original light on trailer. Hoffer, Cabela's or Gander should have a good selection or even the auto store should.

[Hoffer]

Thanks! I am sold too!

Just cant stand those old bulbs - they are so unreliable!!

anyone else...Keep any other suggestions/advice coming.

I will post something too when I get these things installed.

Do the packages with the various sizes have any kind of chart or something like that - where it would tell you what trailer it would match up with?

[CAMAN]

Go LED and never look back.

Get the fixtures that most closely resemble what you have on the trailer and you should be good to go. Depending on the length and width of the trailer you may also need the amber side running lights and/or red running lights in the back center. If your trailer has them replace them also.

[bucketmouth64]

Best thing I did for lights. Just like others, I hated to constantly change out lights or figure out why one side didn't work. LED's are brighter and I never have had a problem with them, even submerging them in water. Also, consider the side running lights. I didn't change these, but will be doing so because I have the problem of them not shining all the time. I bought mine at GM. You might find some on sale/clearance. I used the existing wiring in the trailer. When I first replace mine they blew a fuse, maybe coincidence. So when you're done hooking them up and testing blinkers, stop lights, etc. and one doesn't work check your fuses then check your plug in connection. Some vehicles like my explorer has more than one fuse to look at. Also, use waterproof butt connectors when you wire up.

[Hoffer]

Interesting you mentionm the explorer. Thats what I was pulling mine with. I was coming home and had brake and tunr signals for awhile and then those went out too. That may have just been a function of the fuses. I will check those. But regardless I am still going to go the route of the LED lights.

My little amber side lights have also been out for some time - I looked at trying to fix those - but seemed nearly impossible to get the little amber caps off to get at the light to change it. On a side note...does anyone know the legalities of what is required for towing a trailer at night? do you need to have those smaller side lights lit up as well? or are they just good to have? I would imagine its just mandatory to have the main 2 back trailer lights functioning but never knew for sure...

Thanks

Hoffer

[Duffman]

I replaced all my lights including the side amber ones with LEDs, I never unplug them now before backing into the water. The only one I've had go out on me were some LED's on the back crossbar light. I'm not going to replace that light bar until the majority of the LEDs go out. My transom saver smacks it a little, I'm guessing the unit had some solders work loose in the light bar.

Once you go LED, you'll never go back.

[LightningBG]

LEDS are great. Can get them darn near anywhere, including fleet farm and harbor freight. Shouldn't be tough to install at all.

[bucketmouth64]

Interesting you mentionm the explorer. Thats what I was pulling mine with. I was coming home and had brake and tunr signals for awhile and then those went out too. That may have just been a function of the fuses. I will check those. But regardless I am still going to go the route of the LED lights.

Thanks

Hoffer

There are two areas to look at for fuses. One inside vehicle and the other under the front hood. Check car manual to locate the right ones. Saves a lot of frustration. This was pointed out to me by a mechanic friend.

[LMITOUT]

LED's are the way to go for sure. I never unplug my lights and don't have to worry about bulbs going "poof" when they hit the cold water when backing in. They use less power and don't get nearly at hot as your filament style light.

Another selling point for LEDs is that they are brighter which gives a guy a little more peace of mind when traveling down the road with people on your tail.

[Smallie Hunter]

LED are the way to go. I had a shorelander trailer with the more square lights. I used a piece of black plastic cut to fit a little wider and used flange mount lights. My dad liked them so much he asked me change his.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail...9&ppt=C0335

I think Northern tool carries a similar light and is where I got mine

[Eric Wettschreck]

LED's on everything of mine.

I also appreciate driving behind trailers that have LED's. I can actually see the lights.

[tcwin]

I purchased my LED kit at Cabela's. They had a Shorelander slim light kit. Fits perfectly into the existing spot. It also includes a wiring harness which I needed as well. My old wires were in dire need of replacement. I have had no issues with the new lights at all.

[EBass]

Put LED's on a couple weeks back. Easy to install just like normal lights. They are really bright. I paid $75 and got them at NAPA. They had cheaper and more expensive ones as well.

I still unplug the lights when unloading and loading though.

[TruthWalleyes]

LED's for me the last two years. They work great, unless you hit a dock . Ooops. I re-wired the trailer when i installed them as well. I like knowing that when i hit the brakes the lights are bright enough for people to see!

[JDP]

I installed LEDs on my Shorelander trailer in 2006.

They have worked flawlessly.

I see now there is a kit available for Shorelanders....

[Finlander]

I put them on my trailer and all I can say is WOW!

[mnguy152]

best money i spent rewired the who;e trialer been great since