How do you replace the tail lights on a large trailer?

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Request for Question Clarification by sparky4ca-ga on 12 Nov 2002 18:56 PST

It would be helpful to us if you could include some information such
as the make, model, and year of the trailer. Thanks.

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Request for Question Clarification by deepseep-ga on 12 Nov 2002 22:03 PST

Hello!

     If you give me the year and model of your trailer, I can help you
out.  If you are talking about something like a boat trailer, this is
an easy job, and I can provide you with detailed instructions on how
to replace the lights.  Otherwise, I will need to know the make and
model.

cheers!
Peter

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Clarification of Question by richard1939-ga on 13 Nov 2002 15:58 PST

This is a 4 Star Horse Trailer. 1993 2 horse slant load. The tailight
in question is the combination backup, brake and turn signal. It is
the "large" enclosed unit type where you replace the entire unit and
not just a bulb. There are no screws on the outside to loosen the
unit. Do you just "pull it out" rubber seal and all? There are no
installation instructions with the new unit that the previous owner
left with me when I purchased the trailer.

Richard

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Request for Question Clarification by deepseep-ga on 13 Nov 2002 17:25 PST

Hello again,

     I am 99% certain that I can tell you exactly how to replace the
lights.  However, I would first like you to check the following
picture (follow the weblink), and tell me if the oval lights above the
doors resemble your lights:

http://www.libertyhorsetrailer.com/Trailers/images/4star_wmbldrear_B600.jpg

If they do, then I will post as an answer detailed instructions on how
to replace/repair the lights, or even just change the bulbs.

cheers,
Pete

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Clarification of Question by richard1939-ga on 14 Nov 2002 16:21 PST

They resemble the oval lights on each side, but are larger. They are
located on each side of the rear and are the combination brake, backup
and turn signal. There are two on each side, one above the other.
Looks like two bulbs in each unit. The replacement unit is one sealed
piece with wire connectors to plug into trailer wire connectors once
the unit is removed.
My trailer style can be viewed at
http://www.4startrailers.com/_Horse_Trailers/_Bumper_Pull_-_Deluxe/_BP-Slant_Load_1/_bp-slant_load_1.html.
Hope this helps.

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Request for Question Clarification by deepseep-ga on 15 Nov 2002 13:53 PST

Hello,

     Here is the answer, but I will post this as a comment until you
are satisfied.

     The trailer lights are a single molded plastic unit that are held
in place by the rubber grommet.  Depending on the age of your trailer,
the conditions it has been stored at, etc, the grommet may or may not
be re-used.  I suspect that if the grommet is not visibly flaking or
peeling that it is fine for re-use.

     Put simply, you have to find a way to pry the plastic light
assembly out of the grommet without damaging the light.  One
possibility is to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the rubber
grommet, and to pull it SLOWLY out of the hole.  You see, what they
have done is cut a hole in the body of your trailer, insert the rubber
grommet, and then inserted the sealed lights into the middle of the
grommet (after connecting the wiring of course).  I am almost 100%
certain that by yanking gently on the rubber grommet, or by inserting
a small screwdriver between the plastic light and the grommet, that
you will be able to separate out the light from the rubber.  Note that
there should not be any adhesive between the rubber grommet and the
light (assuming the prior owner didn't do anything that rash).  Also,
you must be very careful so you do not break the plastic lens and
allow water to get into the sealed light.

     That's the ticket.  If you try this and it works, I'll trust you
to let me know and I'll post this as an answer.  Pleaes don't hesitate
to write back for more advice.  Good luck!

deepsea-ga

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Clarification of Question by richard1939-ga on 18 Nov 2002 14:08 PST

Your procedures worked. I was able to pull the entire unit out using
needle nose pliers to pull out the rubber grommet. My replacement unit
includes a rubber grommet so I did not have to re-use the old one.

Richard

Hello Richard, 
 
      I'm glad this procedure worked!  Trailer lights are usually
straightforward, but sometimes they can be tricky.   I'm glad this
worked.  Here's the answer for the record:

     Your trailer lights are a single molded plastic unit that are
held
in place by the rubber grommet.  Depending on the age of your trailer,
the conditions it has been stored at, etc, the grommet may or may not
be re-used.  I suspect that if the grommet is not visibly flaking or
peeling that it is fine for re-use.
 
     Put simply, you have to find a way to pry the plastic light
assembly out of the grommet without damaging the light.  One
possibility is to use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the rubber
grommet, and to pull it SLOWLY out of the hole.  You see, what they
have done is cut a hole in the body of your trailer, insert the rubber
grommet, and then inserted the sealed lights into the middle of the
grommet (after connecting the wiring of course).  I am almost 100%
certain that by yanking gently on the rubber grommet, or by inserting
a small screwdriver between the plastic light and the grommet, that
you will be able to separate out the light from the rubber.  Note that
there should not be any adhesive between the rubber grommet and the
light (assuming the prior owner didn't do anything that rash).  Also,
you must be very careful so you do not break the plastic lens and
allow water to get into the sealed light.
 
     That's the ticket.  If you try this and it works, I'll trust you
to let me know and I'll post this as an answer.  Pleaes don't hesitate
to write back for more advice.  Good luck!
 
deepsea-ga