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My trailer lights haven't worked for a few years now so I decided to fix them today. I took apart the back assembly and poured out some water etc. The bulb brackets are rusted out. I looked at Wal mart for some but I only found the entire wiring setup for 28 dollars. My question is can I buy just the bulb brackets at a parts store? Everything else looks ok.
I'm not sure I understand. Why wouldn't you just replace the entire taillight? It would end up being a lot cheaper IMO. I personally would recommend installing LED's on the there because they are sealed against water intrusion if you get the right kind. If you haven't had lights working in awhile, you'll probally have more than just the lights rusted out. You probally need to go over your wiring and and find any breaks and /or corroded wire. I started at the trailer tongue last year and just worked my way down repairing broke ground wires and replacing the lights with LED's. Good luck
I think Academy and some of the auto parts stores sell the entire package from the plug all the way back to the light assemblies. They don't cost that much. Maybe that's what you said you found at wallyworld.
Mike
__________________ They weren't biting at all.....then they slacked up.
My trailer lights haven't worked for a few years now so I decided to fix them today. I took apart the back assembly and poured out some water etc. The bulb brackets are rusted out. I looked at Wal mart for some but I only found the entire wiring setup for 28 dollars. My question is can I buy just the bulb brackets at a parts store? Everything else looks ok.
If they "haven't worked for a few years", why mess with them now? I mean you haven't been caught, gotten a ticket, had someone run into you, so it's not that important right?
By far the easiest and most reliable plan is to purchase a complete set with lamps, wiring harness, and plug. You're a Walmart guy, but you can get a set of LED trailer lamps and harness at Harbor Freight for $50.00, less if you wait for a sale (why rush into it at this point?). LEDs are far more reliable (if they are installed correctly) and brighter to boot.
If they "haven't worked for a few years", why mess with them now? I mean you haven't been caught, gotten a ticket, had someone run into you, so it's not that important right?
By far the easiest and most reliable plan is to purchase a complete set with lamps, wiring harness, and plug. You're a Walmart guy, but you can get a set of LED trailer lamps and harness at Harbor Freight for $50.00, less if you wait for a sale (why rush into it at this point?). LEDs are far more reliable (if they are installed correctly) and brighter to boot.
Unless they leak. Once. And then they are dim reflectors. And often, installation has nothing to do with it.
Last August, I purchased a new boat/trailer equipped with LED's . Since that time, I have had to replace 3 of the 4 fender marker lights due to water intrusion. These lights are mounted in a rubber grommet; there is no mounting stud to overtighten. The engine/boat now has 16 hours on it.
On my previous Wesco trailer, I went through multiple sets of LED's, and the marker lights were attahced by brackets that held the mounting stud. Overtightening the mounts could not result in breaking any seal on the lights; they weren't attached in such a way to allow this. I even changed brands (from STS to Optronics), and got about the same life from them until they fail due to water intrusion.
My experience with {several brands} LED's is that they are not the panacea many would have them be.
I have gone thru EVERY light kit there is and even the LED lights eventually get water in them if you use your trailer in Saltwater. Saltwater is extremely intrusive and eventually works its way into everything!
I mounted mine up high and even have a "flip bracket" for my trailer plate so its out of the way when I launch and come back in.
Go to the store and get 100 feet of trailer wiring and wire your trailer so there are NO splices from the hook up at the tongue all the way to the lights. I have mine soldered at the tongue at the connector and shrink wrapped and soldered and shrink wrapped at the lights. Since I have done this, I have not had one problem and this is the second boat I have done this to.
Is that legal? I'm not sure of what the law says/requires. I'm certain it would vary by state.
It was legal in Maryland and its legal here in Florida AS LONG AS the trailer plate is mounted just like it is supposed to be mounted, horizontal. It appears that the police have a hard time reading the plates if they are mounted sideways !!!!
Is that legal? I'm not sure of what the law says/requires. I'm certain it would vary by state.
There are Federal requirements for trailer lighting and possibly additional state requirements. The requirements specify the minimum and maximum height of the lights as well as other parameters.
As for the license plate, there are state requirements including a provision for lighting the license plate.
What are those guide posts made out of and how did you attach them to the trailer. rwidman- I realize I have been lucky and fortunate nobody has run into me. I am getting them fixed here before my next trip.
Here is what I did. I have more than one boat and this covers them all while I only have to keep 1 set of lights working. Also in SC we don't need trailer tags. They never get wet, unless it rains. Which is what I find to be the problem most of the time. That bulb gets hot and then it gets wet and it blows.
Well I started on the light project today. Had to grind off all the bolts as they were a little rusty. lol. Stopped for now as 1 year old is a little fussy. Will resume the project tomorrow.
trailer lights again 
