Replacement LED Light Installation on Trailer Cargo Platform
Question:
I have a travel trailer with a fold down cargo rack on the rear. I want to add a set of lights to the rear of the cargo rack, as the bicycles I intend to carry on the rack will partially obscure the normal taillights on the rear of the trailer. It is my intention to tap into the wiring of the lights on the rear of the trailer to power the lights I mount on the rear of the cargo rack. My question is can I mix LED lights, such as item # STL8RB and item # STL9RB, without any problems, or should I stick with incandescent lights, such as item # 432200 and item # 432400? The taillights on the travel trailer rear are factory installed incandescent tail lights. Also, do you foresee any problems with taping into the factory installed tail lights wiring?
asked by: Robert Q
Expert Reply:
If you intend to wire your new additional lights into the existing lighting circuits on your trailer then I do recommend using LEDs since they will add a minimal additional power draw on that wiring. Since you probably have no way to know for sure about the power-handling capacity of that internal trailer wiring using high-efficiency LEDs lights is the safer way to go.
It is okay to mix incandescent and LED lights but note that they typically have different brightness levels; LEDs usually offer much more light output for a given power input.
If you like you may be able to change over your existing incandescent bulbs to LED replacement elements at the same time. We offer these LED replacements for many standard bulb types, all of which you can see on the page I linked for you.
Just find the bulb number on your existing incandescent bulbs and check the linked page to see if we offer LED alternatives in that bulb number. We have LEDs for dozens of different standard bulbs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - 14 Diodes - Driver Side
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- License Plate
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Square
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 5L x 5W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Install a Trailer Tail Light with 3 Wires When Trailer Only Has 2 Wires
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Amber Lens
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - 14 Diodes - Driver Side
- Shop: ONE LED Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Submersible - Square - Red Lens - Passenger Side
- Shop: Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Submersible - 18 Diodes - Square - Red - Passenger
- Shop: LED Combination Tail Light for Trailers over 80" Wide - Submersible - Red - Driver Side
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - 14 Diodes - Driver Side
- Shop: LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn, Reflector - Submersible - Red Lens - Passenger Side
- Search Results: shackle links
- Q&A: Is Mounting Hardware Included with CE Smith Bolster and Swivel Bracket Assemblies, # CE10000G-4
- Q&A: What is the Torque Requirement for 1/2 Inch U-Bolts for Trailer Suspension
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: spare tire carrier
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range C and D ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range B and C Trailer Tires
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: safety chains
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
on Trailer Lights
