Can Two Additional Brake Lights be Used on Trailer

Published 01/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(365)

$23.85

3-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights - 3-Prong PL-3 Plug - 10" Lead

(390)

$4.69

Right Angle 3-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights - 3-Prong PL-3 Plug - 10" Lead

(673)

$8.70

Optronics LED Trailer Light - Brake, Tail, Turn - Submersible - Oval - Red

(1710)

$12.44

Question:

Part of your answer to a previous question about adding a third brake light to a small camper, was: Trailers have a combined system meaning they have one wire for left turn and brake lights and one wire for right turn and brake lights. To use a third brake light you cant just wire in to a combined circuit because it will blink with the turn signal. Given that, would it be a bad idea to add two additional lights one wired to each side? Meaning, one light added, perhaps up high on the camper, to the left side, and another to the right. Then, you would have two left turn signal lights, one high and one low. And, you would have two right turn signal lights. In addition, all four lights would come on when braking. Is that legal? Is it possible? Is it a bad idea? Or have I misunderstood your explanation of the wiring? Thanks

asked by: Arleigh L

Expert Reply:

In the scenario you are referencing you are simply adding one light to the left turn/brake light circuit and one light to the right turn/brake light circuit, which is perfectly fine if that's what you want to do. I would be unable to speak to its legality and would highly encourage you to take a look at your local laws but I can't see why it would be an issue.

So all you need to do to add these lights is wire in something like the Optronics LED Trailer Tail light # STL72RB by using 3-Wire Pigtail # A45PB or Right Angle 3-Wire Pigtail # A47PB. The three wires on these pigtails are ground, turn/brake and running lights.

I have added links to some video reviews and installs for you to check out as well as a help article on wiring which I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S