How to Test Your Boat Trailer Lights

Whether you’re taking your boat out for the weekend, or transporting it from the marina to your home, making sure your boat trailer lights are in good working order is essential. Not only do boat trailer lights provide a way for people to see your trailer at night, but properly operating lights also meet safety regulations, making it legal for you to drive with your trailer on the road. Follow these steps to test your boat trailer lights and keep your setup safe.

Check your Connections

The first step in testing your boat trailer lights is to make sure all of the wiring connections on the trailer itself are secure and that all the wires haven’t become corroded. This is important, as even a small amount of corrosion can create an open circuit, resulting in an inability to turn on your trailer lights. Check all of the ground and power wires connected to the trailer and make sure that any coiled wires are not frayed or damaged. If you find any faulty connections, replace them with new, undamaged wires.

Test the Battery

Once all of the connections are checked, it’s time to test the battery. Most trailers come equipped with a battery, which provides power to the lights, brakes and other electrical components. To make sure the battery has enough power to light up your trailer, start the car and try to turn on the trailer lights. If they don’t come on, the battery may be low and will need to be replaced. If they do turn on, the battery is in good shape and doesn’t need to be changed.

Check the Fuses

If the trailer lights still don’t turn on after checking the connections and battery, it may be due to blown fuses. Blow fuses happen when one of the circuits on the trailer shorts out, causing the current to surge. This surge of current can quickly blow out the fuse and leave you without lights. To check for blown fuses, locate the fuse box on the trailer. Unscrew the cover and remove the blown fuse. Replace it with a new one of the same rating, screw the cover back on and try to turn on the lights again.

Test the Lights

Once all of the connections, battery and fuses have been tested, it’s time to test the lights themselves. Start by turning on the headlights and tail lights one at a time. Make sure they are both reaching the proper brightness and that all of the bulbs are working properly. Some trailers also come with reverse lights, which should also be tested. Lastly, inspect the marker lights, brake lights and turn signals to make sure they are all functioning properly.

Final Thoughts

It is important to always make sure your boat trailer lights are in good working order before taking your trailer out on the road. Having faulty lights not only puts you and others at risk, but it can also earn you a hefty ticket if you’re stopped by the police. By following these steps, you can ensure that your trailer lights are properly tested and ready for the road.

Boat Trailer Lights Are Easy To Understand And Change