Power Options for Utility Lighting on Utility Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

There are a few different ways that you can get power to the LED utility lights on your trailer. The first would be to have a battery directly on your trailer that you could draw power from. This would be the easiest way to get power to your lights. To charge the battery you would need to use a charger like part # CTEK56353 when you have access to a standard wall outlet.

One of the perks to using this setup is that you can disconnect your tow vehicle and still use the lights when you need to.

To draw power from the battery in your tow vehicle you would need to make sure that your tow vehicle has a fully functioning 7-Way and then you would install a 7-Way like the etrailer # HS381-9000 on your trailer side. This comes with a junction box that makes connecting everything much easier and more organized. Simply run the needed wiring from the 12V power terminal to your lights and you are good to go. The only downside to this setup is that you have to have your tow vehicle connected when you want to use the lights.

For the best of both worlds install a 7-Way on your trailer as well as a battery. This will allow your tow vehicle to trickle charge the trailer battery while still giving you the option to disconnect your tow vehicle if needed. You would still need the charger though to get your battery to full charge. I do recommend installing a switch like part # PK34308 between your power source and your lights so that you can control when they are on or off without having to make any disconnections.

If you don't already have lights picked out I recommend the Opti-Brite # ILL70CCSBAWN which actually comes with a built-in switch so you don't have to worry about that.

expert reply by: Jon G

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