Trailer Lighting boards

[Leapy]

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]

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]

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]

Hi

I use these lights

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

[Maximus]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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