Parts Needed to Install Dome, Strobe and Reverse Lights on CarMate Trailer
Question:
I have recently bought a CarMate enclosed trailer. I would like to install new interior lights, reverse lights, and strobe lights all connected so that I can run the lights without needing to have the trailer hooked up to my truck. I also would like the battery to be charging from the truck while it is on. What parts will I need and can you give me a wiring diagram? The lights will all be LED. Thank you.
asked by: Vasilios
Expert Reply:
We can certainly help you find the lights you're looking for. For the interior light you can use the Patrick Industries # 277-000114 which are an LED dome light with a switch built in. These lights have 6 diodes that provide a bright LED light that will work well on the interior of your CarMate trailer.
For the strobe light you can use the Custer 4-LED Strobe Light or Running Light - 3-Wire Pigtail # STRL4W which provides you with both flashing and solid lights that can be installed outside your trailer for exterior illumination. For the reverse lights you can use something like the LumenX Surface Mounted LED Back-up Light # PE37ZV, which require the # PE23SR for installation.
To complete all of the wiring you'll likely need some 10 gauge wire that is sold by the foot with part # 10-2-1 and some heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-10. If you don't already have a 7 way on the trailer, which will allow you to provide a charge line to your trailer battery, I recommend using the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector # e99011. This junction box and 7 way will provide you with a nice, clean installation of a 7 way trailer connector.
When it comes to wiring, I've attached a helpful article on wiring in a 7 way connector that you can use to get started. We don't have a diagram you can use for all of the lights, but you'll just make connections to the positive and negative wires on the lights to start. You'll want to ground all of the lights individually using Ring Terminals like the # DW05705-1 and Self-Tapping Screw - 1/4" -14 x 3/4" Long - Zinc # FA1131822 to a paint and rust free metal surface connected directly to the frame of the trailer, and then run the power wires to the battery.
There are also some installation videos and review videos of these parts linked to this answer as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
12V LED RV Dome Light - Double - 11" Long x 4-1/4" Wide - White
- RV Interior Lights
- Dome Light
- Warm White
- Switch
- Surface Mount
- LED Light
- 12V
- 11L x 4W Inch
- White
- Patrick Distribution
more information >
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/8" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/8 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Self-Tapping Screw - 1/4" -14 x 3/4" Long - Zinc
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Ground Screw
- Flint Hill Goods
more information >
2-Wire Pigtail for Peterson LED Trailer Lights - Weathertight Plug - 8" Lead
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Wiring
- Plugs and Pigtails
- Two Wire
- Peterson
more information >
LumenX LED Trailer Backup Light - 7 Diodes - Clear Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- Backup
- Round
- Surface Mount
- Non-Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 5-1/2 Inch Diameter
- White
- Peterson
more information >
Custer 4-LED Strobe Light or Running Light - 3-Wire Pigtail - White
- Emergency Vehicle Lights
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- LED
- Wired
- 1 Flash Pattern
- White
- Custer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way Molded Connector w/ 18' Cable - Trailer End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Bargman
more information >
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