LEDTrailerlights.com - Maxxima LED lights for cargo & utility trailers, trucks and RVs

Because LED lamps are very energy efficient, they consume much less power than incandescent lamps. This reduces electrical system load of the tow vehicle, extending battery life and possibly reducing fuel consumption. Power usage comparison of LED vs. Incandescent shown below:

Incandescent lamp	Incandescent DC amp draw	LED lamp	LED DC amp draw
Small single bulb marker Model 15 equivalent	.33 amp each	Small 8 LED marker	Red = .047 amp Amber = .070 amp
Small double bulb marker Model 19 equivalent	.66 amp each	Small 12 LED marker	Red = .070 amp Amber = .107 amp
Tail 2 lamps per fixture	.5 amps x 4 bulbs = 2.0 amps	Tail	.1 amp x 2 lights = .2 amps
Stop / Turn 1 lamp per fixture	1.2 amps x 2 bulbs = 2.4 amps	Brake, Turn	.55 amp x 2 lights = 1.1 amps

When using LED lamps to replace the incandescent stop/tail/turn lamps on your motorized vehicle, you will need to replace the turn signal and 4 way flasher unit with an "electronic" style flasher. This will be necessary because the very low power consumption of LED lamps will not allow the thermal (mechanical) style flasher unit to work correctly, so the flasher unit does not activate the turn signals or 4 way flashers. Prior to ordering our LED lamps, you may want to visit your local auto parts store and inquire about the availability of an electronic flasher for your specific vehicle.
Many vehicles that use the common 2 or 3 pin style flasher can be upgraded to an electronic style flasher. The two pin style is part number EL12, the three pin is part number EL13.

It is not necessary to replace the flasher unit when installing LED lights on a trailer.

When mounting LED lamps to trailers, don't rely on the "frame" or "chassis" as a grounding point for lights. Run a dedicated ground wire from the light(s) to the plug that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle. This ensures the lights have the absolute best ground connection possible. One wire can be used to interconnect the ground wires of all the lights, then that wire can be routed to the front of the trailer.

Your tow vehicle should also have a ground wire running from the trailer plug to the frame of the tow vehicle. In other words, don't rely on the hitch ball and trailer coupler as the only method of supplying a ground connection from the tow vehicle to the trailer.

If you are replacing stop/turn/tail lights on your trailer or vehicle, and the original lights have a reflector integrated into the lenses, federal laws regarding vehicle lighting require that your vehicle or trailer have auxiliary reflectors or some type of reflective material or tape attached to the sides and rear of your vehicle or trailer. See lighting requirements poster links below. Check your state or local vehicle regulations to determine what the requirements are for reflectors.
See our reflector page.

Visit these links for more information:

FMVSS No. 108 home page - The standards for vehicle and trailer lighting.
FMVSS 108 Federal Lighting Requirements poster for trailers.
FMVSS 108 Federal Lighting Requirements poster for Trucks, Buses and MPVs.
Full text of FMVSS 108

Chapter 46.37 RCW - Washington State Laws regarding VEHICLE LIGHTING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

Subchapters of above chapter:

RCW 46.37.050 - Washington State laws regarding tail lamps.
RCW 46.37.060 - Washington State laws regarding Reflectors
RCW 46.37.070 - Washington State laws regarding stop lamps and turn signals
RCW 46.37.090 - Additional equipment required on certain vehicles.
RCW 46.37.110 - Mounting of reflectors, clearance lamps, identification lamps, and side marker lamps.

This information is not intended to be all inclusive of laws and regulations regarding vehicle lighting. It is listed here for informational purposes. Please check your local laws and regulations regarding vehicle lighting.

It is the resposibility of the purchaser and/or installer to ensure that lights and reflectors purchased are suitable for the intended application and that they meet local and/or state vehicle lighting requirements. We will not be responsible for issues that arise with a vehicle that does not comply with local, state and/or national/federal vehicle lighting requirements.