Trailer Lighting boards

Leapy · 28 October 2009, 11:33

There's been a couple of really informative threads on RIBnet about trailer lighting boards...as well as discussion about what a lighting board should comprise there's also been useful stuff about alternatives - magnetic at each corner, led wireless and some great stuff about DIY versions.

My experience so far is that my board #1 didn't work from new; #2 has had bulb poor contacts, light units/reflectors falling off as they're only self tappered into very thin plastic and finally, the last straw, the lighting board fell off last week as the retention mechansim failed.

So, a question...

* Has anybody come across good quality lighting boards for sale? All I can Google so far looks like the same old crap I've had previous.

Or, if I decide to make my own...

* Has anyone made a board out of marine ply (and did it warp over time?)or come across a better plastic alternative than thin extruded?

Daniel · 28 October 2009, 12:20

I DIY'ed one using a "foamex" white plastic as used for plastic facia on houses. Quite sturdy.

Several sets of lights. Good quality waterproof jcn box.

Dont recall where i sourced them, but the light units i used were for commercial trailer / lorry builders.

Lasted a few more years than the usual Halfords / Towsure crap!

9D280 · 28 October 2009, 12:52

I used a 4" x 1/2" real wood plank! Fitted the "usual cr@p" light units, but fixed with "proper" woodscrews & some Sika but with a couple of small mods - i.e. I bent the contacts a bit to make sure they properly gripped the bulbs. Cabling terminated in an IP rated box with a 23N Socket, meant that the cable didn't get any undue abuse when being fitted & removed, also made it easier to remove & put in the car as I didn't have a 6m snake attatched to a 2m plank......

It went with the old boat & trailer, I'll be building a "Mk2" as soon as the current plastic thing that came with the new trailer dies.

My current board mod is driven by the fact that Mr Ford gave me a Euro socket with the car. I am currnetly building an "intermediate loom" to allow boat battery charging form the caravan power while I drive. Using a Bulgin Buccaneer on the side of the console.

bedajim · 28 October 2009, 13:49

Hi

I use these lights

http://www.boatshop.com.au/prod42.htm

Maximus · 28 October 2009, 14:05

Matt h very kindly set up some L.E.D's for me recently which fit DIRECTLY to the trailer and stay in situe..Job done! and being totally waterproofed it really cuts out alot of hassle!No more,removing,and securing lighting boards!Saves plenty of time too when your launching and recovering!
Would recommend it to anyone!

Trickdog · 28 October 2009, 14:18

Maximus

That sounds ideal. I would really like to look into doing something similar on my trailer. Can you post details of what Matt fitted for you, with photo's if possible?

...And where have you stuck the registartion plate?!

Thanks

David

9D280 · 28 October 2009, 14:20

Any pics?

I ask because mounting directly to my trailer wiithout some "wings" will be nigh on impossible to keep legal (overhang, distance to extremities) .

Also where do you put the number plate?

Not dissing the idea, just curious.

Maximus · 28 October 2009, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trickdog

Maximus

That sounds ideal. I would really like to look into doing something similar on my trailer. Can you post details of what Matt fitted for you, with photo's if possible?

...And where have you stuck the registartion plate?!

Thanks

David

I'll see what I can do.I just got Matt to copy what he and Chris did on their trailers!It certainly works!I put the No.plate directly onto the trailer cross member,[securely!] but Chris,has a special mounting on the transum of his boat.[Cant resist a bit of fiddling!]

Rogue Wave · 28 October 2009, 21:28

I seem to recall Chris told me he's on his third set of dunking waterproof lights now, which is a bummer as I quite like the idea.?

I'm building a lightboard at the moment using rubbolite lorry light units and the Fascia board stuff Will let you know if they last more tha my 2 trip average

Chris · 28 October 2009, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I seem to recall Chris told me he's on his third set of dunking waterproof lights now

I have had to replace 1 of them but to be fair I only bought the 15 quid jobs.

http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/80mm-x...olt-p-428.html

If you want them to last get IP rated ones

Rogue Wave · 28 October 2009, 22:58

I misheard sorry That's good news then.co i like LEDS

Trickdog · 29 October 2009, 15:05

Chris thanks for the web address. Looks like these would be the best option http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/100mm-...olt-p-399.html

Now I just need to figure out how to attach them to the trailer.

...And wait until they get some more stock in

Chris · 29 October 2009, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trickdog

Chris thanks for the web address. Looks like these would be the best option http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/100mm-...olt-p-399.html

Now I just need to figure out how to attach them to the trailer.

...And wait until they get some more stock in

Do you have the bars at the back that are used to hold on a trailer board? what do they look like?

Chris

Trickdog · 02 November 2009, 17:50

Chris the trailer has extendable bars with a flat upright at the end to which the lighboard attaches. I've arrowed the bar, in it's retracted position, in the attached pic. I was thinking this would probably be the best place to mount a sealed light unit. Not sure what I would do with the number plate though.

Chris · 02 November 2009, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trickdog

Chris the trailer has extendable bars with a flat upright at the end to which the lighboard attaches. I've arrowed the bar, in it's retracted position, in the attached pic. I was thinking this would probably be the best place to mount a sealed light unit. Not sure what I would do with the number plate though.

Hi Trickdog, you are on the right track I mount mine on these rear arms. I mount my number plate on the transom using a pair of these 10M X 35ML

I had these drilled and tapped and wound in some m6 threaded rod to the end then drilled holes in the transom at just under 6mm. I then screwed the clevis pins in.

I mounted the no. plate onto a bit of broken trailer board and drilled a pair of 10mm holes in, the number plate fits over the clevis pins and then you flip over the lock tabs to secure the number plate.

I have chosen not to bother with lighting and have yet to be pulled for not having it, but thats my choice and not a suggestion

JSP · 04 November 2009, 20:18

Can I pick your brains lads?
I have a lightboard that fits onto the A frame. It seems a better position than on the extending arms of the trailer. But is it too high? No picks at the min sorry but I'd say it's about 4.5-5ft from the ground.

The reason I like it high up is I've often noticed high vehicles like vans and 4x4's don't see the lights being so low down. But on the other hand they could be missed by low down cars too.
Thought about having two light pods permanently fitted to the trailer arms as well as the lightboard but not sure if two sets of brakes and flashers are legal?

Downhilldai · 04 November 2009, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

I've often noticed high vehicles like vans and 4x4's don't see the lights being so low down.

How did you manage to notice this?

jambo · 04 November 2009, 21:56

John
I have mine mounted on the 'A' frame as I like it for the same reasons as yourself. Although I have not been stopped for a 'friendly chat' by our 'boys in blue' I have friends who have and have been advised to 'drop' them so to speak to the extention arms on the tailer. personally I think they are far more visable on the high plane.

Billy

JSP · 04 November 2009, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

How did you manage to notice this?

Coz I'm in a van too and I can see over the top of the RIB. The look of 'Oh shit' on the drivers face gives it away.
Another things is cars pulling out on roundabouts and nearly hitting the trailer. Because you can't see the trailer behind the van they think they can shoot out just as the back end goes past. This mostly happens in the dark. So I think some marker lights on the mud guards would be a good idea too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

I've often noticed high vehicles like vans and 4x4's don't see the lights being so low down.

Plus what I put reads as bollox

JSP · 04 November 2009, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

John
I have mine mounted on the 'A' frame as I like it for the same reasons as yourself. Although I have not been stopped for a 'friendly chat' by our 'boys in blue' I have friends who have and have been advised to 'drop' them so to speak to the extention arms on the tailer. personally I think they are far more visable on the high plane.

Billy

Thanks Bill, I'll give it ago then and see how I get on. Might just ask the lads in stab vest before they tell me.