stick on light for trailer license plate?

[kcmel]

I moved the license plate on my trailer from the top rear door to the bottom left of the ramp (so I could haul with the top doors open). But then I realized the license plate is no longer lit. I rarely drive after dark, but I thought perhaps I could use a stick-on light over the plate–something like this that I could manually turn on if I am driving after dark.

https://www.amazon.com/Fulcrum-30010-301-Wireless-Stick-Silver/dp/B000R7PM36

But I need something that shines down. Any ideas?

I don’t think it would be easy to hard wire something, based on the location of the plate on the ramp.

Thanks!

[hosspuller]

Adding a wire to the ramp is not difficult. What prevents you from moving the existing plate light to the ramp and extending the wire ?

[kcmel]

Well, my previous trailer had a metal piece on the door that the wiring ran under (see picture). My current trailer has a solid ramp. I’m not sure how easy it would be to do, but I will ask my friend who does a bit of electrical stuff.

[hosspuller]

I would recommend wiring the license plate lamp to the trailer system. You don’t have to remember to switch it on or replace the batteries. PA requires the plate light as part of rear lighting.

[cutter99]

I would definitely check the state laws in PA. I would think the law would require the light to be hard wired. It is not that difficult to use, and could probably be done at any trailer place or local garage for a reasonable amount.

All it takes is forgetting to turn that light on once, and getting a ticket, to pay for itself!

[kcmel]

[QUOTE=cutter99;8841954]
All it takes is forgetting to turn that light on once, and getting a ticket, to pay for itself![/QUOTE]

True enough and it would not be unlike me to forget to turn it on.

Thanks all.

[SonnysMom]

I moved my license plate from the top door on my Trail-et. It technically had a light there but was poorly aimed so didn’t do much to actually light the license plate.
The plate is now on the top left of the ramp. We didn’t move the light. It is well lit by headlights. It has been moved for about 2 years.

Mind you I frequently trailer with the top doors open so with the old configuration the license plate wasn’t even in sight. It was folded back against the body of the trailer. I trailered like that for 10 years.

I figure if people can get away with those darkened bubble covers on their car’s license plate to defeat traffic cameras I am fine with no light on my license plate. My plate is much more visible than the cars with the bubble covers.

[gumtree]

This should be a very easy DIY to hard wire a new license plate light. Either by splicing a longer wire on to the existing plate wire or just tapping the running light wire on the brake/running light.

A new license plate fixture can be had at Tractor Supply and or one of our local hardware stores.

[kcmel]

@SonnysMom;8842104

I moved my license plate from the top door on my Trail-et. It technically had a light there but was poorly aimed so didn’t do much to actually light the license plate.
The plate is now on the top left of the ramp. We didn’t move the light. It is well lit by headlights. It has been moved for about 2 years.

Yes, this is a Trail-et as well. I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to put the license plate on the top door. The person I bought it from also said he hauled all the time with the top doors open and never was stopped.

[DHCarrotfeeder]

[QUOTE=kcmel;8841331]
I moved the license plate on my trailer [/QUOTE]

I had my license plate relocated and properly lit by my local trailer dealer / trailer inspection location. It’s truly easy and inexpensive when done by experienced folks.

[csaper58]

[QUOTE=kcmel;8841331]
I moved the license plate on my trailer from the top rear door to the bottom left of the ramp (so I could haul with the top doors open). But then I realized the license plate is no longer lit. I rarely drive after dark, but I thought perhaps I could use a stick-on light over the plate–something like this that I could manually turn on if I am driving after dark.

https://www.amazon.com/Fulcrum-30010-301-Wireless-Stick-Silver/dp/B000R7PM36

But I need something that shines down. Any ideas?

I don’t think it would be easy to hard wire something, based on the location of the plate on the ramp.

Thanks![/QUOTE]

I have these puck lights under my cabinet to provide task lighting. They would not stay stuck on your trailer on a bouncy road, and rain would get inside and cause it to short out.

They attach with double sided tape, can’t see any way to glue them on that would still let you replace the batteries.

They would be great for inside the trailer tack room to give added light.

I agree with DHCarrotFeeder, get the trailer dealer/repair shop nearest to you to do it right.