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I occasionally launch from unlighted boat ramps. I am considering mounting a light(s) to the top of my tow vehicle or on the trailer. I am open to suggestions and some ideas from those of you whom have tackled this problem. pics would be great also, thx in advance.
You cab get a remote control spotlight on Ebay. It sticks on top of the cab via magnet & plugs into the llighter. If I know I'm gonna be night coming in, I carry it the remote with me. Turn it on from the boat , get it aimed like you want it & load. Costs about $75, well worth it
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Also have those hi powered LED spotlights on boat aimed low to get underneath foggy AMs.
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Thanks, Does your unit have a manual switch just in case the remote gets lost or battery runs down?
No, just unplug it
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I thought about attaching LED lights to my trailer and connect them up via the 7pin plug on my SUV. There is a reverse pin and the lights would come on while backing down the ramp. As for loading at might, I have a 12v 2million power spot light on the boat and I plug it into an accessory outlet. Lights while backing down the ramp and lights while loading.
Another option- Run a separate 2 prong plug to the boat trailer and mount the LED lights on the trailer. On the truck side female side of the two prong plug and wire it into a switch in the cab.
They make a stantion spotlight that plugs directly in to your front navigation light slot. It is remote controled with a key fob. It also has navigation lights on it so it can take the place of your standard stantion navigation light.
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I did similar to hanr3's comment. These are very bright. My intention was different than yours. I don't load/unload at night much, mainly for when driving. When people see these kick on, they know what I'm doing!
I suspect they would help when loading also. Be careful mounting a light that you'll be looking directly into, might do more harm than good.
"skunked again"
I like the illumination of your trailer mounted led's, are those 55watt? My main purpose was to illuminate the narrow boat ramps; where there is very little lighting. This makes it difficult too launch with these ole eyes. I received a 18w pair of spot /flood led's yesterday; I will be experimenting with mounting locations.........might make it final similar to your setup.
hanr3, I will probably mount a switch in the left rear corner panel of my suv. I don't want to blind others attempting too load their boats.....cool ideas folks!
wicklundr... that's a liitle out of my budget.. but thanks for the suggestion.
If I remember correctly, 1200 lumen, 18 watt each light. One on each side of the trailer. You guys are now making me think about a switch for them also. Hhmmm
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I typed in boat trailer runway lights, the above is a screenshot of one. The possibilities are endless!!
I forgot that the cheapest one is around $190 bucks! They do go up from there however.Quote:
Originally Posted by moecarama
There is always duct tape and a hand held spotlight!!! :biggrin
This is what I got in the other day, hitch bracket and a pair of 18watt 1280 lumens double row led's in a cube shape. These will probably be mounted to my little S10 p/u. I will be getting another set in the strip style for trailer side bunks.
Take some pics at night once you get them installed from the point of view of putting your boat back on the trailer. I'm interested to see how these turn out.
You can buy led lites cheap off amazon.com and eBay even. I bought a set of 55 watt led lights that came with fuse, wiring harness, and switch for 32 bucks for truck that are brighter than standard regular 55 watt fog lights.
Well they're bright! I am using a dual 7-pin to 4 and 5 flat plugs; this enables me to run my trailers and backup lights when needed. I kept the blue B/U wire and white Gnd on 5-way for the spot/flood lights only. The bracket did not workout very well, my safety chains would rub against the lights. The lights are now relocated to the bumper. I will try to get some night pics. I have not been to the boat ramp hopefully this weekend will be caught up on yard work.
Great idea with the dual 4/5way outlet. How bright are they at night. I realize that is relative to how dark it is, but looking for some feedback. I like the placement, further out so you can light up the road under the trailer and both sides so you can see it in the side mirrors. I back using my mirrors, so I want to see the sides of the road, not so much directly behind the boat. Mostly I want to make sure my trailer tires stay on the ramp.
I do like the idea of the runway lights, although I may go a little cheaper route and install a single light at the winch post. I always leave my trailer lights on so that gives me tail lights and side markers. The winch post light would give me a center point (target). Split the lights and hit the white light in the middle. Currently I use the license plates lights, however if the trailer isn't square to the truck, my aim is off.
My dilemma is where to mount the lights?
Chevy Traverse doesn't have a traditional metal bumper, it has a wrap around cover over the bumper. I might be able to mount them to the luggage rack?
If I mount them on the trailer, then a separate circuit becomes an issue, how to run switched power to the lights?
Hanr3, could you tap off the running lights and then switch it? Or run a dedicated circuit from the battery?
As for mounting the lights, do you have access to the hitch tube? Put a cable clamp around it, attach lights that way?
If you do mount lights to luggage rack, make sure to make them removable. Unless you run wires up to them.
Hanr3, could you tap off the running lights and then switch it? Or run a dedicated circuit from the battery?
As for mounting the lights, do you have access to the hitch tube? Put a cable clamp around it, attach lights that way?
If you do mount lights to luggage rack, make sure to make them removable. Unless you run wires up to them.