Trailer lights,,,,,,,,,,,, specifically back up lights

[Huntindave McCann]

Several of the launch locations I frequent have little or no street lighting. Therefore I have equipped all my trailers with back up lights.

The original piss poor bracket was no longer doing it's job. To tell the truth, the bracket never allowed the light to set at a proper angle to the ground.



I opened my computer software, "FUSION" and proceeded to draw up a housing which would out perform the original bracket.

Each back up light would slide into a "housing" which could be bolted down with a single stainless steel bolt.
I then sent the file thru a secondary software which wrote the "G-code" program, the 3D printer reads to create the product. It took 25 hour print time for a complete housing.






The finished product. The new housing holds the light at a 10 degree downward angle towards the ground.

 

[HenryHawthorne]

Nicely done!

 

[Brad F]

This type of stuff is just way beyond my ability to even imagine it.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Dave

If you were to design that mount and others around one of the very popular offroad lights, like Baja Design, you could sell a million on etsy. You'd need a printer farm to keep up with demand.

 

[SJ Fairbank]

I have to admit, I've never thought of putting back up lights on a boat trailer. That is a really slick mount you made. Ill never get used to what you can do at home with a computer and 3d printer.

 

[Carl]

Very very cool.
And reminds me to make a removable bracket to mount my trailer lights on the boat vs the trailer. The high salinity here eats wiring and connections within months.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Very very cool.
And reminds me to make a removable bracket to mount my trailer lights on the boat vs the trailer. The high salinity here eats wiring and connections within months.

Carl,
I have no personal experience with these, but it does make me wonder if this might be a practical alternative? A different mount other than magnetic would be an obvious modification.

https://www.amazon.com/ZUNAICE-Adjustable-Reflectors-Rechargeable-Waterproof/dp/B0FLY64DDK/ref=sr_1_8?sr=8-8

EDIT: On a side note, I sure wish something like this was required on ALL pieces of farm or construction equipment going down the road.

 

[chris patterson]

Mine are WAY under rated compared to yours, but all 3 of my boat trailers have backup lights on them. The old eyes don't see as well in the dark as they once did. This is on my blind boat

 

[RM Anderson]

How much?

 

[Huntindave McCann]

How much?

These were custom designed for the dimensions of the LED light I already had wired into the system. If one of these burns out, I'm not even guaranteed that a new LED light will fit my housing. Also, the longevity and performance of my housing is yet unproven. It may melt or crack, the first time out?
That said, I'm not in a position to offer up making any additional housing at this time. But thanks for the vote of confidence.

 

[Ed L.]

These were custom designed for the dimensions of the LED light I already had wired into the system. If one of these burns out, I'm not even guaranteed that a new LED light will fit my housing. Also, the longevity and performance of my housing is yet unproven. It may melt or crack, the first time out?
That said, I'm not in a position to offer up making any additional housing at this time. But thanks for the vote of confidence.

Nice job on the frames Dave. The ramp I use didn't have a light for a couple of years but I've had no gumption in getting the CAD computer out anymore. I bought a couple of lights similar to yours and mounted them to spring clamps. Alligator clips to my boat battery to operate. After launching they they get used on the bow for lightning up the back waters then stored in my boat box.

 

[Geoff Pike]

Dave,

Are these wired into your reverse lights of the tow vehicle? I don't believe I've ever seen back-up lights on a trailer (great idea though) of any sort.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Dave,

Are these wired into your reverse lights of the tow vehicle? I don't believe I've ever seen back-up lights on a trailer (great idea though) of any sort.

Yes the 7 wire RV plug end provides power for reverse lights.

 

[Capt Rich Geminski]

I use guide on brackets for my lights. I can see enough light to back the trailer. With the brackets I have not had to replace any lights.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

I use guide on brackets for my lights. I can see enough light to back the trailer. With the brackets I have not had to replace any lights.

Try back up lights,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, you just think you have enough light. HAR,HAR, more power. I am using a modest 36 watts. But you can jump to 120 watts if desired. PS: Thought I had a photo handy but I don't. Next time I launch at O'darkthirty, I'll snap a photo,,,,,, if I remember.

 

[Nate Hoyt]

You can buy LED trailer lights with reverse lights. I believe it has a 5-pin plug and you have to buy a 5-pin to 7-pin adapter IIRC. I recently installed them on my trailer. Haven’t really put them through their paces yet.

Nate

 

[SJ Fairbank]

Those back up lights are not enough, without a back up camera on the trailer mounted a couple of inches above the light. Get on it men.

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Those back up lights are not enough, without a back up camera on the trailer mounted a couple of inches above the light. Get on it men.

I'm old school, I still prefer my back up lights to illuminate the back up gal.

 

[Mark W]

I found this to be an acceptable answer to back up lights. I like that is has 2300 Lumens, 3 power settings, a magntic base so I can move it around (can take it in the boat with me and it works great for Ice Fishing as well Dave), is rechargeable, can alter where you want the light to shine, tough as nails and I didn't have to make anything as I have zero talent. Can usually find it on sale for $35.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2100-lumen-led-rechargeable-magnetic-compact-floodlight-black-59170.html

 

[Huntindave McCann]

magntic base so I can move it around

Mark,
Glad it works for you. In my case, I'd never have it where I needed it. I need something bolted down so it will be there when needed. no charging required.