Boat Trailer Lights

Staying safe while trailering your boat means making sure your boat trailer lights are working, your boat trailer wiring is not cut or sliced, and your connectors are clean and making a solid contact.

Boat Trailer Wiring

Trailer wiring Typical Wiring Harness Connector

Boat trailer wiring is simple, two wire: one positive and one negative running from a 12 volt battery to the light. Coming from your tow vehicle will be more than 2 wires however. Realize that this wiring harness will have to accommodate signals from your tow vehicle for:  tail lights, braking, left turn signal and right turn signal and a wire for the negative terminal. The focus on this page will be maintaining your boat trailer lights in working order. 

Boat Trailer Lights - Tail

Boat trailer tail lights are manufactured to be waterproof since they are immersed in water each time you launch your boat. Modern trailer tail lights are available in LED, for longer life and brighter longer distance viewing.   Although more expensive they can be a great value since they will outlast conventional bulb tail lights. It is a good idea to carry with you a replacement tail light unit for both the right and left side of your trailer. These two units are not interchangeable so we carry one of each based on experience that shows you discover a burned out light when out on a trip and no where near an auto parts store.

Peterson V947 Piranha LED Trailer Light Kit
These Peterson LED Tail Lights exceed requirements for all trailers over 80 inches. 100,000 hour bulb life expectancy - are fully submersible. More efficient means they consume less power than traditional bulbs and LED means you will be seen more readily - and come highly recommended.

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Marine Tool and Electrical Kit

Also suggested is to carry along an electrical kit containing wire stripper/cutters, electrical tape, dielectric grease, and a variety of wire connectors. Most minor electrical repairs can be handled with this kit. These connections are easy for do-it-your-selfers.   In addition, auto parts stores are a great resource for parts and advice.

Ancor 220020 Marine Grade Electrical Twin Kit Electrical Repair Kit with Strip/Crimp Tool (225-Piece) (225-Pack)

LED Boat Trailer Light Bar

Partsam Red Clearance ID BAR Marker Light 3 Light 9 LED Trailer Sealed Stainless Steel

See and be seen.  This SeaChoice LED submersible light bar for the lower rear of your trailer will light up your back side for a long way.  LED means it will last longer than traditional lamps and will add to your overall safety.  Easily change and replace an existing bar that is broken or burned out.   Recently used this as a replacement on our boat trailer.  Check it out.

Boat Trailer Clearance Lights

Boat trailer lights made for clearance (for example outside edges of fenders) are added to trailers as a safety precaution.  They are placed on portions of the trailer that mark the outermost parts of the trailer, so that at night others are able to see and avoid hitting the trailer.  They are also helpful for the driver when backing the trailer after dark. Replace any boat trailer lights  that have burned out on your trailer including clearance lights. These are often a simple snap in unit. Adding a bit of dielectric grease onto the fasteners will help maintain a dry and clean connection. Keep 1-2 spares as these clearance lights can also be damaged from road debris.  

Partsam (2 Amber + 2 Red) 2.54x1.06 side marker light (amber/red lens)

Trailer Wiring Connectors

There are multiple types of connections that can be used to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle. Once your vehicle is wired for a trailer, you will learn the type of connector needed for your application. Different types of connectors are used to manage the number and types of lights for a specific application. Many trailers are wired with a flat 4 wire connector and while others are wired with a round connector. Convenient adapters are available to make one work with the other. Boat and Boat Trailer Wiring Link: Boat Trailer Wiring Add a bit of dielectric grease to these connections to help keep them dirt and dust free. A good auto parts store will be able to assist you in determining the exact adaptor you will need.
Reese Towpower 74607 7-Way to 4-Way Flat Blade Wiring Adapter

Boat Trailer Reflectors

Most anglers want their boats and trailers to be easily seen at night by other drivers.  Depending on how large your trailer is you may find that added safety reflectors or reflective tape may be helpful.  These are available as self adhesive and are easy to install on any cleaned portion of your trailer. This need not be overdone, but should not be overlooked either.

Reese Towpower 73887 Amber Quick Mount Rectangular Reflector, 2 Pack

Other Boat Trailer Parts