Re-wiring for trailer lights

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Thinking about switching to LEDs.

How tough of project is it to re-wire and how much time should I time should I expect to take?

Like could I do it in a couple hours after work to be ready to go Saturday am?

[Fishing Rhino]

I think a couple of hours would be optimistic if you have to snake the wires through the trailer frame.

I'd tie a long piece of string to each connection, long enough to pass through the frame when you pull the wiring harness out, leaving a few feet extra so you can pull the new wiring or wiring harness back through the frame.

Snaking wires and finding the holes in the frame for each wire would consume an inordinate and unneccesary amount of time.

It might be cheaper in the long run to buy a wiring harness from a dealer who sells your make of trailer.  They will be color coded and come with new plugs and connectors.

And, the dealer should be able to give you some helpful hints to make the installation easier.

If your trailer doesn't have rubber grommets where the wires pass through the frame, you may be able to find some at the local hardware store.

I was poking around at the local Ace hardware store, and found they carried them in many sizes.

An alternative is to get a few feet of hose, fuel line or heater hose will do.  Cut it into four or five inch pieces, then slit it open lengthwise so you can wrap it around the wires, then slide it into the hole in the frame to protect the wires from chaffing.

You want a snug fit so the hose doesn't fall out.  If you need it to be a bit thicker, wrap it with electrical tape.

[K_Mac]

Rhino gives good advice. A couple of hours would be very optimistic if you are anything like me. Even if it takes most of a day to do right, it is well worth the time. LED lights are great.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Yeah I think you guys have talked me into pushing this off and do it bit by bit over the next week.

Actually maybe 2 weeks.  I am off a couple days midweek next week.  Don't want to waste a good day of fishing!!!

I can see this being one of those things that when just thinking about it, it seems like a piece of cake.  But then in actuality taking a full day.

[Team_Dougherty]

Do you have to rewire? Are your wires damaged? You can just change the lights.

[zerofivenismo]

KU, I just re-wired my jon boat trailer from standard lights to LED's.  Never done it before, and it took me just about 2 hours.  Took my time, and made sure wires were run correctly and fully secured to avoid any rub or pinch points.  Lights worked perfectly the first time I plugged it up.  Pretty straight forward, but it's not something you want to rush through.   

[fishfordollars]

I'm switched over to LED lighting. Took a couple of hours and was not a tuff job. Just follow the advice given above and you should be fine.

[Long Mike]

LED lighting on my trailer is my next project.  The trailer is galvanized, so I will be looking for lighting that will preclude the drilling of additional mounting holes.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

If you already have lights there's no need to re-wire. If you have never wired a trailer probably take about 2 hrs. Good choice on making the switch though

[KU_Bassmaster.]

It is already wired, but there are some things that bug me.  I just bought the boat earlier summer.  The wires near the connector are taped up and look like hell.  Bugs the s#$t out of me.

Just got back from the lake.  Have the LED lights and wiring kit and an afternoon project.  Hope to be ready to go by tomorrow morning.

[Fishing Rhino]

It is already wired, but there are some things that bug me. I just bought the boat earlier summer. The wires near the connector are taped up and look like hell. Bugs the s#$t out of me.

Just got back from the lake. Have the LED lights and wiring kit and an afternoon project. Hope to be ready to go by tomorrow morning.

Sounds like the prior owner had a crappy taping job done.  Electrical tape, if applied properly will look neat.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Went extremely smooth and it worked on the first try!!!

Only thing I didn't replace were the side clearance lights.  I didn't like the way the ones I got fit. Going to have to see if I can find a fairly low profile approx 3x4 LED.

[scrutch]

Take a close look at the wires leading to those side clearance lights.  They are exposed to all the rocks and junk that your truck tires kick up.  If they're still in good condition, you might consider protecting them with some of that flexible plastic wire loom.

[bass or bass ?]

I switched to LED lights a couple months ago. It took @ 90 minutes. Well worth it. the lights are MUCH brighter than the old bulb lighting. I ordered my lights from BPS.

I used shrink tubing over the splices. Much neater looking.