Light Kit for Boat Trailer

Updated 01/12/2026 | Published 08/28/2024

Question:

My son wants to use a gooseneck trailer light kit to rewire our two axle boat trailer. It’s six way 30 foot cable, breakaway kit, LED lights, etc. I don’t see how you use a cable to replace a trailer wiring harness that’s five way with a backup solenoid to disengage the surge brakes. I told him eTrailer has cheaper options.

asked by: Roy L

Expert Reply:

Hi Roy; that gooseneck kit is designed to replace the traditional lights on gooseneck trailers. Although you can make it work, I don't think the size of all of the lights, or all of the lights in general will be correct/necessary. The marker lights look like they're overkill, and no tail lights are included. It also has a breakaway kit which is for electric or EOH setups. Your surge brakes now should have a breakaway cable that is part of the actuator.

A 7-way like can be used in place of your 5-way you but it also isn't necessary. The auxiliary/reverse light circuit would still run to the solenoid for your reverse lockout. You would simply leave the 12V power and brake output unused. It is probably cheaper to add a 5-way again like the # A40W5B you were looking at.

I would be happy to put something together for you if you can let me know more about what you need in terms of lights. If you have some pictures and measurements of existing lights that would be helpful.

expert reply by: Robin H

Robin H.

1/12/2026

Hey Roy, what did you end up doing for the wiring on your boat trailer? Once you figured out what lights you needed, did the 5-way harness work out for you? Your update could make it easier for others tackling the same rewire.