LED trailer lighting: choosing and replacing

Dropping off materials, transporting a machine or heading out with a fully loaded agricultural tipping trailer.
You need to be able to rely on your trailer’s lighting.
Properly working rear lights, brake lights and indicators make your intentions clear to the traffic behind you.

Choose LED trailer lighting based on the supply voltage, lighting functions, connections and intended use.
This applies to a small trailer behind your car, as well as an agricultural trailer or truck trailer.
With the right preparation, you can prevent a straightforward replacement from turning into an afternoon of tinkering.

Replacing existing trailer lighting with LED

A cracked rear light or a bulb that keeps failing can be a good reason to switch to LED. LED lighting generally offers low power consumption and a long service life.
A well-designed light can also withstand vibration and shocks. The quality of the housing, electronics and connections remains important.

Before ordering, check the dimensions, mounting points and connections of your current lighting. Compare the functions on each side as well.

One example is the Fristom FT-270 rear light set with 5-pin bayonet connectors. This classic model can be found on many trailers.
Its design resembles the Aspöck Multipoint 5, and the matching mounting dimensions make it a suitable replacement.
This allows you to replace your old lighting with LED easily. Always check that the connections and the selected version are suitable for your vehicle and trailer combination.

Are the cables worn too? Take a look at the wiring harnesses with bayonet connectors. A new light will not fix a poor cable connection.

Which LED lighting suits your trailer?

Trailers for cars and commercial vehicles

For a box trailer, flatbed trailer or machinery transporter, suitable rear lights and well-organised connections are a practical starting point. Check the available mounting space and whether number plate lighting is built in or needs to be fitted separately.
The AS273 LED rear light set for 12 and 24 volts combines rear position light, brake light, indicator, fog light and reversing light functions in a left and right light unit.
Also take a look at the LED number plate lights if your number plate needs separate illumination.

Agricultural trailers

Around the farmyard and in the field, lighting is exposed to mud, vibration and protruding branches. Look for a sturdy housing, a protected mounting position and well-sealed connections.
The Fristom FT-370 rear lights are an option to consider for agricultural trailers. When selecting your lights, check the left and right versions and the specified voltage range.

Truck trailers and semi-trailers

For truck trailers, the connection to the vehicle and any bulb monitoring system require particular attention.
The LED rear light range includes various versions for trucks and trailers. WAŚ lighting and Horpol lighting also offer options for putting together a suitable lighting setup.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with the supply voltage. A light designed solely for 12 volts cannot simply be connected to a 24-volt supply. Check the specified range for each product.
Next, check the lighting functions and connections. A connector that fits does not necessarily mean that every function is wired correctly. Compare the wiring diagram, connector and wire assignments.
Also consider the IP rating and installation instructions. Choose a version suited to rain, dirt and any cleaning it may be exposed to. Even a water-resistant light requires carefully sealed cable connections.
Finally, check the approval for the intended lighting function. Choosing the right light and installing it correctly go hand in hand.

LED trailer lighting flickers or triggers a fault

Is the lighting not working properly after replacement? First check the plug, earth connection, cables and connections. Corrosion or a poor connection can cause symptoms that resemble a faulty light.
The lower power consumption of LED lighting can also play a part.
Some vehicles use the electrical load to detect a connected trailer or a failed bulb. As a result, LED lighting may trigger a fault message or operate incorrectly.

A suitable interface, specially adapted rear lights or a control box may help. The 12 V CANbus control box with a 13-pin connection is a possible solution for compatible combinations.
Choose it based on your vehicle and lighting; one solution will not automatically suit every setup.

Finding suitable trailer lighting at MobiLED

Would you like to convert your trailer to LED or replace a faulty rear light? Browse the rear lights at MobiLED. Have the voltage, dimensions, connection type and required functions to hand. Unsure which version to choose? With a photo of your current light and connector, we can help you find a suitable option.

Remember to check reflective products too, such as triangular reflectors. MobiLED offers a complete range of reflective products, available from stock for immediate dispatch.