LED Lights, Wiring and Mounting Brackets for Reverse Lights On a Boat Trailer

Updated 12/21/2009 | Published 12/19/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Thinline LED Trailer Utility Light - Submersible - 6 Diodes - Rectangle - Clear Lens

(21)

$14.97

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.65

PVC Grommet for 6-1/2" Oval Trailer Tail Lights

(987)

$2.14

Trailer Light Mounting Bracket for 6-1/2" Oval Trailer Lights, Steel - Black Powder Coat

(223)

$14.12

Optronics LED Trailer Utility Light - Submersible - 10 Diodes - Oval - Clear Lens

(364)

$24.88

Hopkins Wiring Harness with 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - 5' Long

(16)

$11.72

Quick Splices - Self-Stripping Connector - Closed Port - 10-12 Gauge - Yellow - Qty 1

(60)

$2.80

Question:

I need 2 complete LED Clear Lens submersible back up lights to place under the rear bumper. Bright white lighting to assist backing up vehicles that often go underwater to launch boats.

asked by: Charlie

Expert Reply:

I would use the Sealed, 6-1/2 inch LED Clear Oval Trailer Utility Light, 10 Diode, item # BUL72CB, along with the Rubber Grommet for 6-1/2 inch Oval Trailer Tail Lights, item # A70GB, and the Trailer Light Mounting Bracket for 6-1/2 inch Oval Trailer Lights, Steel - Black Powder Coat, item # BK70BB. These items should work for you and have a specific mounting bracket that is not available for the Thinline Sealed LED Utility Light, item # UCL65CB. Be sure to unplug the trailer connection before entering the water.

You will need to wire the lights to the backup light circuit on the vehicle. If you have a factory installed 7-Way connector then the vehicle connector should have the backup circuit connected to the center pole. If not you can wire the center pole on the 7-Way to the reverse light circuit. I would use the 10 Gauge Blue Primary Wire, item # 10-1-1 and a quick splice, item # SWC501915-1. Use a circuit tester, item # 3808 to find the reverse circuit behind one of the tail lights.

If you have a 4-Way at the rear of your vehicle then I would use the 5-Flat Vehicle End 5-foot Wiring Harness, item # HM37908, and the 5-Flat Trailer End 48 inch Harness, item # 20017, to complete the wiring needed for the reverse light circuit.