Adding Backup Lights to Trailer - LEDs?

[bergermaister]

So as Summer drags to an end I'm finding I'm backing up between the houses to park the boat or into camp spots in the dark more often. A little too dark sometimes. Rather than riding the brake as I go back to make sure I don't take out a fence or a picnic table, I'm thinking of adding on some waterproof LED backup lights to the back of the trailer. I'm thinking LED so they'd be subtle and small.

Has anyone else done this and if so do you have any pics you can share? I've got a tandem axle BoatMate trailer and it doesn't look like running wiring down the tubes will be all that hard. Finding waterproof LEDs bright enough and a good spot to mount them will probably be more tricky.

[04OUTBACK]

Berger,
do you have 4 of the 6" Oval tail lights?
If you do, it should be easy. I would think you could tie into the reverse wire that runs your surge break actuator.
My company's parent co. is a supplier to boatmate..

If you have the 6" ovals, I'll see what I can find out for you

Here is the best option if you have the 6" Ovals..
http://www.equipment2u.com/family/Ov...6IN_Led/537048

I have replaced all mine with LED's. They are great. Look great, brighter, draw less amps...

[bergermaister]

Cool!

Yes, I do have the four 6" oval lights. So on yours, it looks like you just disconnected the inner lights for brakes, lights and turn signals and wired the clear/white ones as backup lights? So your outside ones are all that's coming on for brakes, running lights, etc.

I'm not sure if the factory setup of having 4 red is required by law for running here in WA but I guess not as long as I have the three light bar across the middle down below.

[04OUTBACK]

Berger,
I actually have clear/reflectives with Red LED's in the center to.. kinda a bling look..
I will look up the regs tomorrow, but I don't think the middle two are required to be brake lights, just safer..
Best I understand, there are 2 main guidelines on recreational trailers.. under 80" wide and over 80" wide.. but I don't think that over 80s require a second set of lights. It requires more marker clearance lights

It would be real easy to swap the red for clear led's, the harder part would be getting wiring back there..

but that should not be too hard..

[ian ashton]

My trailer actually came with white LED reverse lights; pretty handy indeed.

[bergermaister]

I've seen them on a few Mastercraft trailers that look factory.

I found the perfect spot last night for some surface mount LEDs without having to remove or modify my existing lights. Just wondering now if they'll be bright enough.

I'm curious what your factory ones look like - any pics?

[wolfeman131]

Berg

Here is a pic of my 08 OBV with reverse LEDs. I had to have mine replaced at 20hr service by the dealer as they had water in them. The shop guys were puzzled as these are supposed to be sealed units.

[04OUTBACK]

Berger,
here are a couple of surface mount options:
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...egoryCode=3151

http://www.optronicsinc.com/oempages/bu74cbtk.htm