Trailer docking lights

[REW]

If you ever fish - or load your trailer after the sun has gone down, you might like this idea.

A few years ago, I was at Northern tool and found a rubber mounted light - complete with off and on switch in the case - complete with a mounting bolt.
The idea was to mount it facing backward on the trailer winch stand.

To keep the installation clean - I removed the winch stand from the trailer, connected a wire to the wiring harness, drilled a hole through the trailer tongue, and then up the winch stand.
Then I drilled a hole in the winch stand and mounted the light.

Now, whenever loading the boat, after dark - I simply switch the light on - and it nicely illuminates the water and bow of the boat, during loading and tie down operations.

Because the light is facing backward, and is mounted on the back side of the winch stand - it is completely protected from road debris that might damage a forward mounted head light.

Take care
REW

[rock2me]

As always, a great tip. I think I may do the same. -Thanks



Good Luck!

[Pitts]

Rew I've seen many trucks with a set of lights mounted to the back of there truck usually on top of the bumper and that seems like it would work very nice for loading.
My only problem with that is the bright light in the eyes when loading because I usually power load and the tail lights are just about right. I think it would be better to mount the lights on the boat and face them forward like ya mentioned in your other post.
Thanks for the tips for us WC folks


Pitts

[marcbodi]

Hi,
On my 16 ft boat that I use all over I mounted White Fog Lights on the back of my trailer with a switch and its like having spots lights back them .I wired them off my trailer lights in the running light mode.They are great.

[Pitts]

This may sound stupid but are they on a post or something or do they go underwater when loading. The back of my trailer is under water when I'm loading:)


Pitts

[REW]

Pitts,
No,
I mount them up on my bow post with the winch. I put the light right under the bow - block facing backware.

The winch, and bow block protect the light - from road damage, and it is about 3 feet off the water - so no problem under water. Because it is a bit higher, and I angle it down a bit - tends not to be in your eyes, when loading.

Take care
REW

[eyedoktr]

How about one of those "tap lights" that run on batteries? You could add a magnetic strip on the back of the light and when needed, pull it out of the truck and place it anywhere on the trailer that you want. The light wouldn't be too bright but bright enough, it wouldn't need to be waterproof as it would reside inside the truck until needed and you wouldn't need to run any wires. Just a thought.

[Steve_IA]

In an effort to keep hot trailer tail lights from burning out as quickly when dousing them in cold water, I disconect my trailer lights when launching or loading my boat. It doesn't sound like your system will work for me. Steve_IA

[REW]

Steve,
In general, this system will probably work just fine for you.

Remember, you are typically going to be using this system for "loading your boat" -- not launching your boat.

When you need to launch your boat - even on a predawn morning - you back in - and let it float.

When you - load - in the dark -- it helps to have some lights guiding your.
If your trailer has been sitting in the parking lot for the hours, while out fishing - I dare say, that your light bulbs are not hot??

p.s.
If you do have a problem burning out lights -- replace your tail lights with the Westbar system of submersible lights.

I did this several years ago, and have yet to burn out a light. The bulbs are sealed in "modules" that cost $6 each to replace -- you take out the module, and wire it back in during replacement -- but they basically have a 20000 hour use life. I did happen to have someone nick a light, which required a replacement of the entire light assy, but no individual bulbs have ever needed replacements.

Take care
REW

[Marc Bodi]

NO,
Its not stupid .My lights are mounted on high Posts on the sides and I dont put my axle under water.I push the Boat off the trailer.I fish in a lot of places that really dont have a ramp and I have a tilt trailer.

[vetspet(ind)]

the problem with mounting the lights on the boat and facing them foreward is fellow boaters will be blinded trying to back their rigs down the ramp at nite...very aggravating if you are trying to back down the hill..steve

[ufda]

Who sells the Westbar lights and do they have a website?
Thanks REW

[Erie Drifter]

http://www.boatus-store.com/icatalog/C110.asp

Bill W. (War-N-Peace-ch 68)