Wiring trailer chicken lights

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by OldeSkool, Feb 6, 2021.

  1. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    If I put 4 or 5 lights down the bottom frame rail on each side should I just tie into the wire for the trailer tail lights or will that make too much of a load on that wire?
     
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  3. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    If its LEDs you will be fine. They don't draw hardly anything
     
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  4. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    They aren’t LED. I probably should be using LED though.
     
  5. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Save yourself trouble down the road and buy the factory harness sections. If your parts guy is any good he will know the #'s for the sections. If not, find the same as your trailer and use that vin#
     
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  6. Trucking in Tennessee

    Trucking in Tennessee Road Train Member

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    I wish YOU had to look at that crap at night. You might rethink doing it. My eyes hurt enough from regular lighting.
     
  7. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    If you plan to keep the trailer a while I’d say save yourself the trouble and get the factory harnesses, even if it means rewiring your trailer. It will be less problems in the long run than splicing into existing wires given all the salt and chemical that gets used in winter. I just cut everything off that top row of lights on the back and started over. Guy that owned it prior to me used butt connectors and tape. And while I was at it I wired that top row to the bright side. Throws some good glow at night.

    EF071795-5409-409B-AA4B-8922805A6BDC.jpeg
     
  8. TTNJ

    TTNJ Heavy Load Member

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    Absolutely use LED’s. They have come down significantly in price and as stated they don’t draw much at all.
     
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  9. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    That looks really nice!! Ya I just bought the trailer new so I plan to keep it for years. Thanks for the info.
     
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  10. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    My friend who pulls a chip trailer like me had a lady pull out right into his trailer because she claims she didn’t see it even though all his factory lights were working. It all turned out good for him, even though it happened in Louisiana, but I figure a few lights along the bottom might save me from that someday.
     
  11. TTNJ

    TTNJ Heavy Load Member

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    Not trying to be mean but if regular lighting hurts your eyes perhaps you should consider only driving during daylight hours.
    Again, not meant to be a jab but some folks have eye issues that just make this statement a fact.
     
  12. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    More lights, more better. Like the sun, don’t stare directly at them and you will be fine.
     
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