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Trailers are a fantastic way to haul big and heavy equipment, even if most of us are still trying to ace backing one out of the driveway. However, before you can even think about starting your tow vehicle, certain requirements need to be met. The most obvious and important factor being that your trailer has to have the proper lights and reflectors installed. This is paramount to maintain visibility to other road users and, most importantly, let them know when you’re slowing down or changing lanes.
What To Consider
Unlike many other aftermarket products in the automotive industry, trailer lights are painfully simple. The biggest differentiators between models involve light technology, waterproofing, mounting systems, and trailer compatibility.
Light Technology
Although LED lights are widely used essentially everywhere, any car buff knows that incandescent bulbs are still alive and well in the automotive industry. Incandescent kits are cheaper than LED options, but the additional cost comes with increased durability and longevity. LED bulbs are often easier to seal from moisture with conformal coatings, too.
Waterproofing
Basic kits use incandescent bulbs shrouded in a water-resistant light pod with a gasket. These cheaper kits aren’t meant to be submerged; the gasket is mostly implemented to keep moisture out. Mid-range kits still use incandescent lights but employ the bell jar principle to keep water away. Without getting into a detailed physics lesson, this is what allows you to submerge an upside-down drinking glass without the water filling up the entire cup. Meanwhile, the cream of the crop kits have LED bulbs that are permanently sealed and waterproof. Water-resistant lights will be perfectly fine for routine towing jobs where you might experience wet weather, but definitely choose a fully waterproof kit if you plan on hauling, launching, and docking any watercraft.
Mounting Systems and Compatibility
Equally important are the mounting systems included for the light pods. Be sure to look for brackets that offer plenty of adjustability. It’s not uncommon that trailers are bent in all sorts of different directions, leading to attachment holes that aren’t perfectly aligned. Thankfully the majority of kits on this list will give you more adjustability than you’ll likely need.
Last comes trailer compatibility, which is more universal than you’d think but still important to consider. Check whether your trailer is over or under 80 inches wide. If it is wider, Department of Transportation regulations require you to run clearance lights.
How We Selected
I’ve been obsessed with all things automotive from a young age and have spent years covering the automotive industry. To find the best trailer light kits, I took a deep dive into review sites, including Best Reviews and Etrailer, as well as Amazon customer feedback to get a feel for which sets are worth your dollar. I compared models based on their light technology, waterproofing, mounting hardware and compatibility, as well as cost and features, such as the inclusion of a wiring loom or license plate holder. Keep reading to find which one suits your needs best.
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Best Trailer Light Kits 2021 | Trailer Lights - Popular Mechanics
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