What Wiring Would be Needed to Install a Third Brake Light Mounted to a Boat Outboard Motor

Updated 04/29/2016 | Published 04/26/2016

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Optronics Streamline LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 3 Function - 11 Diodes - Red Lens

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Question:

I tow a boat with an outboard motor on an EZ Loader trailer with a standard 4 pin connector. Tow vehicle is a 2007 Nissan Titan. The wiring connector on the pick-up has both a 4 pin and 7 pin connector. The outboard is tilted up during towing and obviously hangs off the rear beyond the trailers brake/tail lights. Ive had a few teeth grinding instances where a following car has come very close to the outboard. I am thinking of hanging a third brake/tail light on my boats outboard motor. I would fabricate a mount that could be removed for launching the boat. I have read about your converter 1181580 which is used for third brake light installs on trailers. I thought that might work if I mounted it on the trailer and tied it in to the existing trailer wiring with output to the third light, but have some concerns about it being exposed to the weather. Assuming it is possible, what is the best option for what Im trying to accomplish. Thanks in advance for your help.

asked by: Larry W

Helpful Expert Reply:

To add a third brake light to a trailer is pretty simple, but does require an adapter to convert the signal.

Because trailer tail light systems combine the stop lamp and turn signals for each side onto a single circuit, you will need to use a vehicle-to-vehicle tail light converter, part # 118158 like you mentioned to split the brake light circuit back out.

Looking at the diagram I produced for you will give you a good idea of the wiring layout.

Now the temporary mount for the light will make things interesting since we don't have a product designed for it, but you did say you would be able to come up with a solution for that. The wiring of the third brake light wouldn't be any more susceptible to weather or corrosion than your current trailer wiring.

For an LED strip that measures 17 inches long the part # STL79RB would work well and be very visible. I attached a review video for this product as well as a link to a page with all of our red trailer lights for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C