Forum Discussion

mike_mck's avatar
mike_mck
Explorer
Jul 19, 2013

Magnetic trailer lights

Looking for opinions. I live in Phoenix and for the next couple of month it is far too hot to be working outside.
Here is what I need to do.
I bought a M105A3 military trailer to haul camping gear. Yes Overkill but price was right. Trailer is a 24 volt set up. this winter I will run a permanent 12 volt set up but for the rest of the summer would like to just run a magnetic light kit. Doing a web search it seems most reviews complain about the magnets not holding.

Anybody have a brand they recommend? Would be nice to get it right the first time.
Thanks in advance for your input.
  • gjwarneke wrote:
    Harbor Freight


    very cheap on sale with coupon.
    bumpy
  • mike mck wrote:
    Has surge brakes and Pintle hook. I may be able to change the bulbs but the wiring is not the standard 7 pin. Just titled and registered with life time plate.


    Change to LED bulbs change and the plug. The 24v wiring will be on the light side, which is why I would use LED's.
  • Harbor Freight here, too. And on the vehicles that the magnets wouldn't work on, bungie cords
  • F105 wrote:
    Wow - with that trailer, you must have a lot of gear or a lot og heavy gear to haul.


    Funny you should say that. Was not looking for the M105 but this 2002 came up at a great price. All accessories there and never used. couldn't pass it up. what better excuse to get more gear.
  • RoyB wrote:
    Seems like you should be able to just change the 24VDC bulbs for 12VDC bulbs...

    My surplus military trailer also had a stand alone parking brake which was neat to have...

    Big trailers also come with other requirements... If it weighs a certain weight it must have electric brakes, the hitch of course probably needs to be changed to a regular trailer hitch. Of course if it has electric brakes then it also must have a breakway switch installed and its own 12VDC source to activate the electric brakes if it breaks loose when being towed.

    Our trailers require to be licensed and pass safety inspections...

    check with your local DMV or DOT to see what you need in this respect in your state.

    Roy Ken


    Has surge brakes and Pintle hook. I may be able to change the bulbs but the wiring is not the standard 7 pin. Just titled and registered with life time plate.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Seems like you should be able to just change the 24VDC bulbs for 12VDC bulbs...

    My surplus military trailer also had a stand alone parking brake which was neat to have...

    Big trailers also come with other requirements... If it weighs a certain weight it must have electric brakes, the hitch of course probably needs to be changed to a regular trailer hitch. Of course if it has electric brakes then it also must have a breakway switch installed and its own 12VDC source to activate the electric brakes if it breaks loose when being towed.

    Our trailers require to be licensed and pass safety inspections...

    check with your local DMV or DOT to see what you need in this respect in your state.

    Anything you need for trailers including wiring and cables , lamps, etc can be purchased from ETRAILER.COM A great place to visit with all kinds of info on all trailers with wiring schematics etc...

    Roy Ken
  • Have "NOT" been around the military 24v system, but my first thought was (repalce the bulbs W/ 12v ones)
  • Wow - with that trailer, you must have a lot of gear or a lot og heavy gear to haul.
  • I would go to Harbor Freight or an auto parts store for the lights.
    If they do not hold as you would like, go on Ebay and buy some Rare Earth Magnets or any type strong magnet.
    Then epoxy the magnets to your lights. Problem solved.

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