Can Optronics Thinline LED Utility Light # UCL59CB Be Used as Backup Light on Trailer

Updated 09/24/2019 | Published 09/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Thinline LED Utility Light - Submersible - 386 Lumens - Clear Lens - 12-5/8" Long

(23)

$19.77

Hot-Line LED Utility Light Bar - Submersible - 13 Diodes - Clear Lens

(29)

$37.59

Question:

There are so many options for backup lights however a small surface mounted light seems the easiest to mount. 1. What screws/fasteners do you attach it to a trailer with. 2. Could I just pigtail into the reverse light wire and have it turn on when in reverse??? There are more elegant options but I am not into cutting large holes in my trailer. 3. I was going to purchase an oval 10 diode backup light with a bracket and gromlet which would also work without cutting, It also comes with a two pin universal plug which I like. What would you recommend. There are others also but most are not bright enough per reviews. Appreciate your advise Regards

asked by: WInslow T

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a really similar option that will work great, however the Optronics Thinline LED Utility Light # UCL59CB that you referenced can't be used as a backup light on your trailer. This is simply because the light doesn't meet DOT standards, which takes things like brightness into account (it can be TOO bright) for this type of application.

I instead recommend the Command Hot-Line LED Trailer Backup Light # 328-003-6017W, which features the same light bar design as the model you were looking at but is DOT and SAE compliant. This is also a surface mount light which won't require you to cut a hole into the trailer. The white wire just gets attached to the bare metal trailer frame for ground and the black wire will splice into the reverse circuit wire on the trailer.

Mounting hardware isn't included (since there are so many potential applications) but using a couple self-tapping screws from a local hardware store will work perfectly. For a simple installation and long lasting assembly this is what I recommend

I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R