How to Replace Boat Trailer Lights
Many boaters bring their boats to the water on a trailer. Boaters often bring their trailers on rough roads, and they usually submerge the trailer lights each time the boat is launched. This type of use is especially hard on boat trailer lights, and it is not unusual for them to fail. Boaters can buy replacement trailer lights at most any home store or marina. These lights are relatively easy for a boat owner to install.
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Things You'll Need
- 12-volt light tester
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Spray lubricant
- Utility knife
- Wire nuts
- Chocks
Instructions
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1
Connect the boat trailer wiring to the tow vehicle. Use a 12-volt bulb tester to check that the electrical connections up to the trailer lights work properly. Repair or replace the electrical wiring if it has failed prior to attempting to replace the trailer lights. Disconnect the boat trailer wiring from the tow vehicle after verifying that the trailer wiring is working properly.
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2
Use a screwdriver and pliers to loosen the trailer light hardware at the back of the trailer. Trailer light hardware is often rusted, and the nuts and bolts may need to be sprayed with a lubricant prior to removal.
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3
Disconnect the trailer light wiring from the electrical trailer wiring. These wires are often connected with wire nuts. Simply remove each wire nut by twisting counterclockwise. Then unwind the connecting wires. Remove the old trailer lights from the trailer. Keep these lights available in case there are questions later about how the lights were mounted.
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4
Use a utility knife to remove 1 inch of insulation from the end of each wire on each trailer light. Place each new light in its appropriate mounting bracket at the back of the trailer. Match the colored wires on the light to the wires on the trailer wiring. Twist the ends of the wires together and screw a wire nut on each connection. Use a screwdriver and pliers and the mounting hardware supplied with each light to connect the lights to the mounting brackets.
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5
Reconnect the boat trailer wiring to the tow vehicle. Turn on the tow vehicle. Check the brake lights and turn signals to ensure the boat trailer lights work properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Trailer light life can be extended if the trailer wiring is disconnected prior to boat launching.
Make sure the vehicle and the trailer are parked on level ground and the trailer is chocked to prevent it from moving while the trailer lights are being replaced.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit boat trailer image by wiladayvo from Fotolia.com
