Trailer Light Kits - Gas Savers

maximilian · 03-24-2009, 01:18 PM

I have a cheapo trailer and the rear lights are shot. Rusted out sockets that require more and more attention. Cracked lenses too. The side running lights seem fine. Does anyone have a recommendation/source for replacements? I'm on the fence about going with LEDs. They cost a lot more and I don't use the trailer much. I do glance at surplus LED arrays from time to time and consider plopping them in the existing enclosures. Seems like a lot of effort for a few bucks. Thanks.

BEEF · 03-24-2009, 01:53 PM

those things really are expensive.

I found the best deal at harbor freight. www.harborfreight.com they still aren't cheap but at least it will give you some options. I also checked northern tools www.northerntool.com but they were more expensive.

**theholycow** · 03-24-2009, 02:07 PM

I'll second the Harbor Freight recommendation. For that application, I wouldn't even waste a minute of my time looking at any other options unless I could get something totally free without much effort.

You can get a complete kit for under $20, individual lights with just pigtails for $8/each, an LED kit for $40, or LED lights for $13/each. That's the regular website price, if you get their mailings you're likely to find them cheaper.

**bobc455** · 03-24-2009, 02:17 PM

Last time I needed new trailer lights, I just went into my local K-mart and bought them off the shelf. They are MUCH easier to find than I thought! I think they were $10 each including bulbs.

I bet your local auto parts store has some on the shelf too.

-BC

maximilian · 03-24-2009, 02:28 PM

Harbor Freight is my best online place (so far). Of course, the cheapo trailer lights were from there to begin with! Local options are limited to more expensive small chains, but I should check them out anyway. Thanks all.

Last season I soldered bulbs directly to the wires as the sockets were shot. Tired of doing things like that.

**bobc455** · 03-24-2009, 02:36 PM

If that auto parts store is still there in Swanton (just off of rt 89 - exit 123 I think), I bet they have it.

-BC

maximilian · 03-24-2009, 02:42 PM

The one's In Newport are much closer. I forgot there's an AutoZone there now! No rush anyway, I can wait until I have enough errands to justify a trip to a more built up area.

**theholycow** · 03-24-2009, 04:08 PM

Perhaps some sort of anti-corrosive electric grease on the bulb socket could help avoid future corrosion?

maximilian · 03-24-2009, 04:12 PM

Good idea. I think not having cracks in the lenses will go a long way as well. The trailer gets stored outside in the winter (in case my snowblower breaks and I need to haul it in for repairs) so it sees a ton of water.

Mr Incredible · 03-25-2009, 06:58 AM

Our local farm store had replacements when I needed some. Tractor Supply. I suspect it goes by other names in other parts of the country. Also, there would be local ones that go by other names. Lots of good stuff in those stores...

maximilian · 03-25-2009, 07:01 AM

I just made a medical appointment in the "big" city (Burlington), so I can hit a store then. Opens up my options dramatically.

maximilian · 04-07-2009, 03:56 PM

LED lights were going for a lot more than I was willing to pay, so I wound up getting normal replacements at Lowes today for about $24. I had 20% off of that price for a variety of reasons so it was worth grabbing as long as I was there.

maximilian · 04-11-2009, 02:09 PM

Got the lights installed today. The significant difference in quality compared to the Harbor Freight ones that came included with the trailer is obvious just by handling them. The lights came with all new wires and a plug so I replaced them as well and I switched to heat shrink tubing for the joins, whereas last time I tried out liquid electrical tape (don't think much of it).