What Happened When I Tried the **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit**
A faulty trailer light isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a safety hazard. My old utility trailer’s taillight had been flickering for weeks, a persistent problem that finally culminated in a near-miss on a dark, rainy evening. This prompted an urgent search for a reliable replacement, and the Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit quickly caught my eye. It promised durability and a complete solution for trailers over 80 inches wide. I was also considering a generic, budget-friendly option, but the thought of dealing with water ingress and short-lived components pushed me towards this more robust-seeming kit. My initial impression upon opening the box was positive; the components felt solid, and the wiring looked well-made, offering a sense of immediate relief and growing curiosity about its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit involved a complete trailer overhaul. I mounted the main taillights on the rear frame of my landscape trailer, a task made relatively straightforward thanks to the low-profile design. The sealed amber clearance lights were then affixed to the sides, providing crucial visibility during my early morning loading sessions. Performance in the initial weeks was flawless, even during a few unexpected downpours that would have previously sent water into my old, less-sealed lights. The wiring harness, with its molded plugs, connected securely to my truck’s seven-pin connector, and the 25-foot length was more than adequate for my trailer’s configuration.
The installation process itself was quite intuitive. The sealed nature of the lights meant I didn’t have to worry about grommets or complex sealing, a welcome change from previous installations. However, I did notice that the mounting screws provided for the main taillights were a bit short for the thicker gauge metal on my trailer’s frame, requiring a quick trip to the hardware store for slightly longer ones. Despite this minor inconvenience, the overall ease of connecting the wiring harness and securing the lights was a significant improvement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, hauling everything from soil and mulch to lumber and construction debris, this Wesbar lighting kit has proven its mettle. The lights have remained bright and fully functional, with no signs of condensation or moisture ingress, a testament to their waterproof design. Even after enduring countless jolts and vibrations on rough country roads, the connections have stayed secure, and the lights haven’t flickered once.
Compared to the cheap, generic trailer lights I’ve used in the past, which typically started showing signs of wear within a year, this kit feels built to last. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the lenses, and the sealed units mean no dirt or grime can get into the housing. The wiring, while not overly heavy-duty, has shown no signs of fraying or degradation, even where it’s routed near moving parts on the trailer.
Breaking Down the Features of **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit**
Specifications
The Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit comes with a comprehensive set of components designed for trailers exceeding 80 inches in width. The kit includes two waterproof taillights, which house both brake and turn signals, along with two sealed amber surface-mount clearance/side marker lights. These smaller amber lights feature a reflex lens, meaning they reflect light without requiring separate reflectors, a neat safety feature.
The wiring is a substantial part of this kit, featuring a 25′ trailer wiring harness cable with a molded four-prong plug for connecting to the trailer. It also includes a 4′ four-wire car harness cable with a molded 4-way plug, presumably for connecting to the vehicle’s existing wiring if it uses that type of connection, or for adaptation. A dedicated license plate bracket is also included, ensuring legal compliance. The taillights themselves are described as “low profile,” which is a key design element for trailers where clearance might be an issue, and they measure approximately 80 inches apart when installed correctly, as per the kit’s designation. The materials used appear to be durable plastics and robust wiring, designed to withstand the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of this Wesbar kit is to provide reliable and visible lighting for a trailer, and it excels at this task. The taillights are exceptionally bright, ensuring that brake lights are clearly visible even in direct sunlight, and the turn signals are distinct. The amber clearance lights provide essential side visibility, crucial for preventing accidental collisions when changing lanes or maneuvering in tight spaces.
The waterproof nature of the lights is the standout feature here. In my experience, water ingress is the most common failure point for trailer lights, leading to corrosion and eventual malfunction. These sealed units have completely negated that issue, performing flawlessly even after being submerged during creek crossings and enduring heavy rain. The molded four prong plug offers a secure connection, which is vital for maintaining consistent electrical flow.
Design & Ergonomics
The “low profile” design of the taillights is a significant ergonomic advantage. They sit flush against the trailer frame, minimizing the risk of damage from low-hanging branches or accidental impacts. This design also contributes to a cleaner aesthetic on the trailer.
The sealed construction of both the taillights and the amber marker lights means there are no visible seams or openings where water and dirt could penetrate. The wiring harness is also well-designed, with robust connectors that feel secure and are easy to manipulate. The inclusion of a separate harness for the vehicle connection is a thoughtful touch, providing flexibility for different towing setups.
Durability & Maintenance
From my extended use, the durability of this kit appears to be excellent. The lenses are made from a tough, impact-resistant plastic that has resisted minor scuffs and abrasions. The wiring shows no signs of degradation, even after being exposed to road salt and grime during winter use.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep the lenses clean and bright. There are no intricate parts or difficult-to-access areas that require special attention. For a product designed to be mounted on a utility trailer that often faces harsh conditions, this ease of maintenance is a huge plus.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit comes with everything you need to equip a trailer for road legality and safety. The included components are the core elements: two taillights, two amber marker lights, a 25′ trailer wiring harness cable, a 4′ four-wire car harness cable, and a license plate bracket.
While the kit is comprehensive for basic lighting needs, there aren’t extensive customization options built-in. The lights themselves are fixed units. However, the molded four prong plug on the trailer harness means it’s compatible with standard four-pin sockets on vehicles or adapters. The quality of the wiring harness also suggests it would be compatible with various trailer configurations and vehicle wiring systems, provided they use the standard four-pin interface.
Pros and Cons of **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit**
Pros
- Fully Waterproof Design: Absolutely no signs of moisture ingress, even after prolonged exposure to heavy rain and submersion.
- Bright and Clear Illumination: Both the taillights and marker lights are highly visible, enhancing safety significantly.
- Low Profile Aesthetics: The unobtrusive design sits flush, reducing the risk of damage and improving the trailer’s appearance.
- Complete Kit for Basic Setup: Includes all essential lighting components, wiring, and a license plate bracket for immediate installation.
- Robust Wiring and Connectors: The molded four prong plug provides a secure and reliable electrical connection.
Cons
- Mounting Screw Length: The provided screws for the main taillights might be too short for thicker trailer frames.
- Basic Wiring: While functional, the 4-wire car harness cable might be less robust than some users prefer for heavy-duty applications.
Who Should Buy **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit**?
This Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit is an excellent choice for owners of utility trailers, landscape trailers, car haulers, or any trailer over 80 inches wide who prioritize reliability and long-term durability in their lighting systems. It’s ideal for DIY enthusiasts who want a straightforward installation and are tired of dealing with premature light failures due to water damage. Home mechanics and professional landscapers who rely heavily on their trailers will appreciate the waterproof capabilities and clear visibility it provides.
Anyone who frequently tows their trailer in adverse weather conditions or through areas where water submersion is a possibility should seriously consider this kit. Conversely, users with very specialized lighting requirements, such as those needing complex multi-function LEDs with sequential turn signals, might need to look elsewhere or consider this kit as a base for further modifications. For a standard, reliable, and weather-resistant lighting solution, this Wesbar kit is hard to beat.
Conclusion on **Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit**
The Wesbar Waterproof Over 80″ Low Profile Trailer Light Kit delivers exactly what it promises: robust, waterproof trailer lighting that stands up to the rigors of real-world use. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your lights won’t fail due to moisture is invaluable, especially when towing. While the inclusion of slightly longer mounting screws would have made the installation perfect out of the box, this is a minor quibble for a kit that performs so admirably.
For its price point of $137.99, the comprehensive nature of the kit and the proven durability of its components offer a strong value proposition. I would absolutely recommend this lighting kit to anyone in need of reliable trailer lights that can handle anything the road and weather throw at them. It’s a solid investment in safety and functionality for any trailer owner.