Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit Review

Putting the Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit Through Its Paces

For anyone who relies on a trailer, be it for hauling equipment, recreational gear, or even a small business operation, functional and reliable lighting is not just a convenience, it’s a critical safety component. My own experience, spanning over a decade of wrestling with everything from workshop machinery to delicate lab equipment, has hammered home the importance of dependable gear. This is precisely why the Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit caught my eye. The need for robust, weather-resistant lighting for my utility trailer, which has seen its fair share of muddy fields and torrential downpours, became pressing after my old incandescent lights finally gave up the ghost.

The initial impression upon unboxing this kit was one of practicality and solid, no-nonsense construction. The units felt substantial, and the wiring harness seemed robust enough to handle the rigors of the road. I had briefly considered some generic, unbranded LED kits I’d seen online, but the Wesbar name, known for trailer components, offered a degree of confidence. My first reaction was a quiet sense of relief, the kind you get when you’ve found a solution that promises to solve a nagging problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for this lighting kit was on my 7-foot utility trailer, a workhorse that frequents construction sites, gravel driveways, and the occasional camping trip. The installation was straightforward, thanks to the included wiring harness and clear instructions. I was particularly keen to test their submersible claim, so I intentionally drove the trailer through a shallow, muddy puddle after a recent rainstorm. The lights performed admirably, with no signs of water ingress or flickering.

The illumination provided by the LED units is a significant upgrade over my old incandescent bulbs, offering a brighter, more distinct light for both brake and turn signals. Visibility is noticeably improved, especially in low-light conditions or during heavy rain. I experienced no initial issues or surprises; the kit performed exactly as expected straight out of the box, a rare and welcome occurrence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple trips in harsh weather, the Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit continues to hold up exceptionally well. The trailer has been subjected to road grime, salt spray during winter months, and countless bumps and vibrations, yet the lights show no signs of wear and tear. There are no cracks, no fading, and the illumination remains as bright as day one.

Maintenance has been minimal, requiring little more than an occasional wipe-down to remove road film. Compared to previous budget trailer lights I’ve used, which often succumbed to corrosion or vibration-induced failures within a year, this Wesbar kit offers superior durability. It feels like a long-term investment rather than a disposable part, easily outperforming anything I’ve encountered in a similar price bracket.

Breaking Down the Features of Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit

Specifications

This complete trailer light kit is designed for trailers under 80″ in width, making it suitable for a wide range of smaller utility, boat, and recreational trailers. It features two submersible LED combination tail lights, ensuring they can withstand submersion without compromising functionality. The kit includes a 25-foot trailer wiring harness cable with a molded 4-way flat prong plug for connecting to the vehicle, and a 4-foot car harness cable with a similar plug for connecting the trailer to the vehicle’s wiring. A license plate bracket is also provided for proper mounting of your plate. The manufacturer is Wesbar, and the units themselves are finished in a practical black housing. The bulb type is specified as LED, offering superior brightness and longevity.

These specifications translate directly into tangible benefits for the user. The LED technology means they are significantly brighter and more energy-efficient than older incandescent bulbs, reducing strain on your vehicle’s electrical system and improving visibility for other drivers. The submersible rating is crucial for boat trailers or any trailer that might be launched or submerged, providing peace of mind. The included wiring harness lengths are generous enough for most common trailer configurations, and the 4-way flat prong plug is a standard that ensures compatibility with a vast majority of vehicles. The under 80″ designation is also important, helping users confirm it’s the correct size for their application, preventing over or under-specification.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary job – providing reliable trailer lighting – the Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit performs exceptionally well. The brake lights are bright and highly visible, and the turn signals are clear and distinct. The combination function, where the brake light also serves as the tail light, works seamlessly. The LEDs provide a near-instantaneous illumination, which is a significant safety advantage over the slower warm-up of incandescent bulbs.

The greatest strength of this kit lies in its durability and bright illumination. It truly lives up to its submersible claim. A minor area for potential improvement, though not a functional flaw, might be the slightly more rigid feel of the wiring harness compared to some softer-flex cables I’ve worked with; however, this rigidity also contributes to its robust feel. Overall, it meets and significantly exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Wesbar lights is functional and utilitarian, which is exactly what you want for trailer equipment. The black housing is understated and blends well with most trailer frames. The housings feel solid, constructed from a durable plastic that has resisted scuffs and impacts well during my testing. The lenses are clear and seem to be made of a tough material that resists scratching.

Ergonomically, once mounted, the lights are passive – they do their job without requiring user interaction. The wiring harness plugs are well-molded and provided a secure connection that didn’t loosen with vibration. The integrated design of the lights, combining tail, brake, and turn functions into a single unit, simplifies installation and reduces the number of components. There was no learning curve involved; it’s plug-and-play once wired.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, the durability of this lighting kit is top-notch. I anticipate it will last for many years under normal use, and likely longer given its robust construction. The LED technology itself has a much longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Maintenance is as simple as an occasional rinse with a hose.

There have been no signs of premature failure or any components that seem prone to breaking. The seals on the submersible units appear to be holding up perfectly. The only potential maintenance concern might be ensuring the wiring connections remain clean and free of corrosion over many years, a standard concern for any outdoor electrical component.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit comes with a comprehensive set of accessories necessary for installation. This includes the main LED tail lights, a 25-foot trailer wiring harness, a 4-foot car harness, and a license plate bracket. The molded 4-way flat prong plugs are a key included component, ensuring a secure and weatherproof connection.

While the kit itself is designed for direct installation and doesn’t offer inherent customization in terms of light color or function (as it’s a combination unit), its compatibility with standard trailer wiring systems is a significant plus. Users can easily integrate it into existing setups or adapt it for custom wiring configurations if needed. The inclusion of a dedicated license plate bracket is a thoughtful touch, streamlining the installation process.

Pros and Cons of Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit

Who Should Buy Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit?

This Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit is an excellent choice for trailer owners who demand reliability and durability, especially those operating in environments where the trailer might get wet or exposed to the elements. It’s perfect for owners of utility trailers, boat trailers, small campers, or any trailer that requires robust and visible lighting. DIYers, home mechanics, and those who perform their own trailer maintenance will appreciate the ease of installation and the comprehensive nature of the kit.

However, individuals looking for highly specialized or decorative lighting solutions might need to look elsewhere. If your trailer remains exclusively on dry pavement and you don’t anticipate submersion, a less rugged (and potentially less expensive) option might suffice. For those needing more than a 4-way flat connection (like for electric brakes), this kit alone would not be sufficient, though it serves as an excellent base. A good set of wire strippers and crimpers would be beneficial for securing the wire connections, and perhaps some dielectric grease for added protection on electrical connections.

Conclusion on Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit

The Wesbar Under 80″ Submersible LED Combination Trailer Light Kit delivers precisely what it promises: dependable, bright, and durable trailer lighting. Its submersible capability, coupled with the longevity and visibility of LEDs, makes it a standout option for anyone who uses their trailer regularly in varied conditions. The included wiring harness and bracket ensure that installation is a manageable task for most users, and the overall build quality suggests it will endure for many years.

Considering its performance, robust construction, and the comprehensive nature of the kit, the $123.99 price point represents excellent value. This is not a product where you sacrifice quality for cost; instead, you get a superior lighting solution that enhances safety and peace of mind. I would wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any trailer owner seeking a reliable upgrade or replacement for their existing lighting system. It’s a solid investment in safety and functionality.