For those times where you get to the campsite late and its very dark out, does anyone use additional running lights on the sides and/or rear of the trailer?I was thinking about adding something, but I don't want to spend alot of money. Then again, I don't want something that is not bright enough to see where I'm going while backing up using my mirrors. I'm always leary of buying lights when I don't know how bright they really are.What's the preferred way to hook them up? Through the wiring harness for access from the TV or put a switch in the trailer and connect it to the battery?Anyone do something similar?

I installed a backup light on my old Star Craft. It was wired so that it came on with the tow vehicles reverse lights, OR if you activated a lighted switch on the camper tongue. (it was handy to have a light on the back of the camper to use while parked at camp). Funny thing is, even though it was a 55W light, it still did not really help with backing up at night! A far more useful light would be on the SIDE of the camper that lit up where the wheels are and what was behind the camper. I may add side/rear facing lights to the new camper over the winter. Note that the standard 7 pin RV plug supports the backup light function. It is the round center pin. Also note that some vehicles may not have this pin wired.

On my 5th wheel there is a door side flood and an Off door side flood. If I got to a site after dark I would turn both of them on before backing in. Of course my ground guide would still be out with the flashlight to watch behind the trailer.You have a porch light on one side of your TT. It wouldn't be too difficult to add another on the back side.

My dads 69 Fireball had backup lights from the factory. Nice feature!I wish my trailer had backup lights but it doesn't. Never bothered to put any on.As far as where to get them I bought some LED's from Northern Tool and love them for my farm eqip. This is the one I bought. And it's BRIGHT!!

reverse lights and a backup camera behind trailer. is on my wish list.

I have an upper flood light and reverse lights in the trailer tail lights. None of them do me much good because I can't see behind the trailer anyhow. They do help my spotter avoid obstacles.The greatest benefit is two shop towels over the tow vehicle stop/tail/reverse lights. With the TV lights reflecting on the front of the trailer everything beyond that point is black.I also have a porch light on each side of the trailer near the wheels, that is the area I need to see.Another tip is a white hose or rope along the edge of where you want the RV. You will be surprised how well a white hose will show against the dark ground.

backup reverse lights on trailer? | Good Sam Community

Coolerman
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
I just finished this LED light strip install down both sides of the Sonic:

I don't know if they will help when backing up, but they sure do help with seeing whats around the camper! Mounted the controllers in the pass through, drilled a hole in the front wall right where all the factory wires came in. They of course do 256 colors, flash, rotate through all the colors, ect. This pic is in WHITE mode...
docnascar
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
Nice.
Zeppe807
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
I added a reverse/accessory light to the rear of the trailer because in find myself getting to the camp in the evening on Fridays, or bringing it back to my storage area in the evening.

I have it on a separate switch not automatic.

It's hard to tell, but it puts out a lot of usable light.

I also have lights under the trailer on a separate switch:

And I have lights on the truck (these are the same as the one on the trailer, just black):

They all come in handy.

Happy trails!
Joe Zeppe
RVcircus
Explorer II
Oct 01, 2015
Nice setup. I've thought about mounting a wheel well light on our trailer as well. I think lighting up the wheels is more helpfil than the rear of the trailer especially if you have a spotter.

Dakar Dad wrote:

I purchased 10 lights on eBay for a killer price. (Search for 2x 18W Cree LED Work Light Bar Flood Beam 4WD Offroad Vehicle Driving Lamp) Now I find they are 1/3 the price now.
I use the reverse light wire from the trailer plug to energize a relay and I let the trailer power the lights mounted on the trailer.out my tires while driving.
I mounted two of them under my truck bumper, two over the tires and two on the back of the trailer with them facing outwards a bit.
mhsmith
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
cant seem to get my pics to post :(
trail-explorer
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015
I am running a set of these on my truck and my trailer. Big lights hanging from the truck bumper (or trailer bumper) look kind of gawdy. These are nice and small, but throw a good amount of light.

http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/compact-led-flood-light-900-lumens-4-LED-hd26004-3WFL.htm
mrgreetis
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015
mh, Look at the top 2 topics in the "Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)" forum for how to post pictures.

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backup reverse lights on trailer?

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