Trailer Lights and Mounting Ideas

David Palmer

David Palmer

Active member
Hey folks! I just broke my last set of trailer lights by bumping them accidentally into something in my garage and I want to replace them with a good pair of submersibles. I'm also considering mounting my trailer lights on top of some guide-on mounts. Any recommendations for submersible lights that will last more than a season and/or ideas regarding mounting lights on guide-on bars?

Here's a shot of my Broadbill and trailer as it sits now.

Thanks!

David



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The best set up I have found is to mount your lights on a bar which hangs on the back of the boat. When you get where you are going, take it off and store in the truck. they never go underwater, and can be used on more than one boat. And when they don't work in January, you can fix them in the garage rather than laying on the frozen ground under the trailer!
 
I went to U-Haul and bought some magnetic lights that I bolted small plates of steel to the boat for.

Now I just stick the lights on the plates and bingo~
 
I went to U-Haul and bought some magnetic lights that I bolted small plates of steel to the boat for.

Now I just stick the lights on the plates and bingo~ I did the same thing bought them from Harbor Freight $10.
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I did the same thing bought them from Harbor Freight $10.
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I thought there was an issue with those lights not being able to work as brake lights and turn signal lights. Used to have those and remember something not working right...maybe it was just me........
 
Dave,

I went with LED lights on my boat trailer. So far, they have been great for 2 years. I made sure that the ground wire had a good connection to the trailer by using electrical grease behind the bolts. As for guide-on mounts, most guys I know bought their kits from Cabelas or Overtons. I've seen a few that were made using PVC pipes to extend the lights up above the water. Once you get the mounts, it's easy to customize the height.
 
David,
first I want to say how great the boat looks all done. I remember the build photos you put up well. I hope you are having fun hunting it.

I second the take off light bar. I built mine out of wood 1x stock and it drops in two "Rod Holders in the back of my jon boat. But you could rig it so it used your cleats or the pull handles.
The LED lights are very good. I am using a set I bought last year. Much better than the old single bulb double filament ones I used to go through each year. Not dunking them saves a lot of wear and tear.

It is not completely "Right" in the eyes of the DOT since I don't have working side lights at the mid point of the trailer, but I don't see too many traffic safety officers at 4:30 AM.


Bob
 
David, I cut 2 pieces of 3" angle about 6" long and welded them together into a C-channel by 6" long ( I couldn't find any 6" channel). I then welded that to the frame sticking out where your current lights are. Did the same for the other side. Drilled the appropriate bolt holes and mounted the lights inside the C so that they are protected inside the heavy steel channel. I have eliminated any damage to lights from bumping into something and they have been in service for 15 years. Trip
 
For the light on my trailer i made guide ons out of 2 inch PVC. To bolt the lights on the ends i cut the top down the center with a hack saw about 3 inches and used a heat gun and vice to flaten the ends. I then drilled the flat part to bolt the lights on. I ran the wire through the PVC and drilled holes in the 90 degree elbows so any water that got in would drain. I used "U" bolts to hold the bottom piece of PVC to the trailer. I also used LED's that i got from an auto parts store. Ther are submersibles but being up on the guide ons they never go in the water. Also having the lights up higher on the guide ones the lights are more eye level so the 17 year old kid behind me driving and texting may not smash my boat. It was a cheap set up the LED's cost the most about $45 I think. Here are a few pictures. Hope this helps.

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I agree with David, the LED are made to last. They aren't the cheapest option.
I hunt with Todd and the magnetic lights work well also, if you have something to set them on.
 
Chris, I bet you a cup of coffee that your PVC guide on's don't last one winter. Looks nice though.

I'm on year 4 of LED's mounted under the trailer in the normal spot.
 
Just going to take a few days of temps in the teens bouncing down the road on the way to the ramp and "crack" (and why is it that things on trailers always break on the way to the ramp and never on the way home?)
 
Well that will suck I used 3M 5200 as the glue rather then PVC glue figured it would hold up better to the water and cold. I guess only time will tell.
 
Well that will suck I used 3M 5200 as the glue rather then PVC glue figured it would hold up better to the water and cold. I guess only time will tell.
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Chris, PVC is not very cold tolerant. It will crack and split easily once the temps are near freezing. That is why it is not allowed in construction codes for pressurized water lines.

When using any plastic pipe you need to use the glue designed for the material. They are solvents that will melt the plastic and provide a good bond. 5200 will just stick to the surface and not provide a very stable mechanical bond.
 
I put 1 inch steel pipe bolted on my trailer then put the 2 inch pvc over that,it holds up well. just pvc? first time cold weather your lights will be draggin down the road
 
i hope thats all schedule 40 pipe and fittings otherwise it will become brittle. i work with pvc irrigation lines every day!
 
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