Trailer tail lights

[schaney]

In the states your turn signals can be Amber on a trailer but don't have to be.

Most of the oval, surface mount LED tail lights do not have reflex, so you need to run a reflector strip of some some, lucky not a big triangular one. We use these 4 3/8" x 1 1/8"ones.

[madjack]

p.s. the surface mount lights are a much better to go than the grommet mount ones........MJ

Why do you say that? I'd like to benefit from your experience and know what you know!

Thanks.

Cheers,

Gus

Gus, this goes back to my trucking experience where most trailer lights are grommet mount...I have changed out many a light, where the "light can" was full water/moisture which corroded the pigtail connection...if it had been a wooden hatch, it would have induced massive rot failure...the surface mount lights are 98% as slick with only 3-5 easily sealed holes thru the skin(2-4 screw holes and a 1/2" hole for the wiring)...they are usually hardwired as opposed to having to use a pigtail as well..............
madjack

[eamarquardt]

That's the answer. Thanks. As I have already inset my taillights into the bumper, I guess I'll seal em up with silicone. I'll drill some weep holes in the bottom of the bumper to let any moisture that might leak in escape. I just fabricated some 26 foot beams for a swimming pool cover. The originals lasted 30 years. I'm sure, even if the grommets leak like the Titanic, my bumper will last just as long. I'm not sure I will! Why worry! Plus "it never rains in Southern California", but unlike others (w/o trailer brakes) I plan on visiting other states where summer rain is legal!

I'll change my plan on using the grommet lights for clearance lights. I have some ideas to prevent any damage should they leak or maybe just go with the flush mount. Suzy can afford it (it's all her money).

Thanks for the input.

Cheers,

Gus