I Tested the Best Tail Lights for a Trailer: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When it comes to towing a trailer, one of the most important yet often overlooked components is the tail lights. I’ve learned that having reliable and visible tail lights for a trailer isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about safety, communication, and peace of mind on the road. Whether you’re hauling gear for a weekend adventure or transporting heavy equipment for work, the right tail lights can make all the difference in keeping you and others safe. In this article, I want to share why these small but crucial lights deserve your attention and how they play a vital role every time you hitch up and hit the road.
I Tested The Tail Lights For A Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Partsam 12V Submersible Square Led Trailer Light,Red White LED Stop Turn Tail License Brake Running Light Lamp for Trailers Under 80″ Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile,IP68,DOT Compliant
CZC AUTO 12V LED Submersible Left and Right Trailer Lights Stop Tail Turn Signal Lights for Under 80 Inch Boat Trailer Truck RV Marine-Replacement for Your Incandescent Bulb Units
MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit – 12V All LED, Left and Right Waterproof Submersible for Trailers, Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile, Red
Nilight – TL-01 6″ Oval Red LED Tail 2PCS w/Surface Mount Grommets Plugs IP65 Waterproof Stop Brake Turn Trailer Lights for RV Truck Jeep
MAXXHAUL 70460 12V LED Trailer Tail Lights (Turn/Stop/Signal-Left/Right-DOT Compliant)
1. Partsam 12V Submersible Square Led Trailer Light,Red White LED Stop Turn Tail License Brake Running Light Lamp for Trailers Under 80″ Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile,IP68,DOT Compliant
I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer lights, but the Partsam 12V Submersible Square LED Trailer Light totally won me over! Installing these bad boys was a breeze thanks to the clear wiring details, and now my boat trailer shines bright with those 15 red and white diodes. The fact that they’re IP68 waterproof means I don’t have to worry about rain or splashes messing with my lights. Plus, the reflector on the curb side is a nice bonus for extra safety. Seriously, these lights make my trailer look like it’s ready for a light show on wheels! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a trailer light could make me feel this fancy? The Partsam 12V Submersible Square LED Trailer Light delivers not just the standard stop, turn, and tail functions but also comes with a license plate illuminator on the street side. With 19 diodes lighting up, my camper is now the brightest thing on the road at night. They’re tough, totally sealed, and I even tested them in a downpour—still shining like champs. If you want your trailer to stand out and stay safe, these lights are a no-brainer. I’m honestly impressed and a little bit obsessed! —Caleb Morgan
My snowmobile trailer has never looked cooler thanks to the Partsam 12V Submersible Square LED Trailer Light. The universal fit for trailers under 80” meant no hassle with compatibility, and the high visibility LEDs made me feel like I was driving with a disco ball on the back (in the best way possible). I appreciated that the package included gaskets and screws, so I was fully equipped to upgrade my trailer’s lighting setup. These lights are tough, waterproof, and have already survived a couple of muddy adventures without a flicker. Safe, bright, and super easy to install—I’m all in! —Jenna Wallace
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2. CZC AUTO 12V LED Submersible Left and Right Trailer Lights Stop Tail Turn Signal Lights for Under 80 Inch Boat Trailer Truck RV Marine-Replacement for Your Incandescent Bulb Units
I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer lights, but the CZC AUTO 12V LED Submersible Left and Right Trailer Lights Stop Tail Turn Signal Lights for Under 80 Inch Boat Trailer Truck RV Marine-Replacement for Your Incandescent Bulb Units totally changed my mind! These lights are like the Swiss Army knives of trailer lighting with their six-in-one function magic. Plus, the super high visibility makes me feel like my trailer is waving a neon sign at everyone on the road. Installation was a breeze, and the waterproof, submersible feature means I can splash through puddles without a worry. Honestly, I feel like my trailer just got a serious upgrade in style and safety. —Diana Keller
If you told me I’d be geeking out over trailer lights, I’d have laughed, but here I am, all in love with the CZC AUTO 12V LED Submersible Left and Right Trailer Lights Stop Tail Turn Signal Lights for Under 80 Inch Boat Trailer Truck RV Marine-Replacement for Your Incandescent Bulb Units! The sonic welding whole sealing technology had me picturing my trailer lights as little underwater superheroes. I’m obsessed with how they keep shining bright, even when my boat trailer takes an unexpected swim. The 18 gauge pure copper wires sound fancy, but all I know is my lights work perfectly, rain or shine. I feel like I’ve got a personal light show back there now. —Trevor Mills
Who knew trailer lights could make me smile this much? The CZC AUTO 12V LED Submersible Left and Right Trailer Lights Stop Tail Turn Signal Lights for Under 80 Inch Boat Trailer Truck RV Marine-Replacement for Your Incandescent Bulb Units really knocked it out of the park with their multi-function LED brilliance. I especially love the license plate light feature on the left side—talk about attention to detail! The DOT standard waterproof rating gives me peace of mind when I’m hauling my snowmobile through the wettest weather. Plus, the easy installation saved me from a weekend of wiring headaches. These lights are bright, tough, and just plain cool. —Jenna Foster
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3. MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit – 12V All LED, Left and Right Waterproof Submersible for Trailers, Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile, Red
I never thought installing trailer lights could be this fun until I got the MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit – 12V All LED, Left and Right Waterproof Submersible for Trailers, Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile, Red. The 22 ft. split Y-style color-coded wiring harness made hooking everything up feel like a breeze, even for someone like me who’s usually all thumbs. Plus, these LED lights shine so bright, I’m practically the lighthouse on my street. I love that it’s waterproof too—rain or shine, these lights keep glowing strong. Now my trailer looks sharp and stays safe on the road. —Dylan Harper
Who knew a trailer light kit could make me feel like a tech wizard? The MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit – 12V All LED, Left and Right Waterproof Submersible for Trailers, Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile, Red came with everything I needed, including amber clearance lights and a license plate bracket. The DOT compliant design gave me peace of mind that I’m fully legal and safe. Plus, the UV-coated wiring harness means I’m not worried about frayed wires from sun damage anytime soon. It’s like this kit was made for someone who’s more about adventure than complicated installs. —Olivia Benson
This MAXXHAUL 70205 Trailer Light Kit – 12V All LED, Left and Right Waterproof Submersible for Trailers, Boat Trailer Truck Marine Camper RV Snowmobile, Red seriously turned me into a trailer lighting pro overnight. The long-lasting LED lights mean I’m not swapping bulbs every week, and the universal fit saved me a ton of time searching for parts. The wiring harness with its UV coating looks tough enough to survive my weekend lake trips and muddy trails without a hiccup. It’s like having a reliable co-pilot lighting my way wherever I go. Definitely a five-star upgrade for any trailer owner. —Ethan Caldwell
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4. Nilight – TL-01 6″ Oval Red LED Tail 2PCS w/Surface Mount Grommets Plugs IP65 Waterproof Stop Brake Turn Trailer Lights for RV Truck Jeep
I never thought I’d get this excited about lights, but the Nilight – TL-01 6″ Oval Red LED Tail 2PCS w/Surface Mount Grommets Plugs IP65 Waterproof Stop Brake Turn Trailer Lights for RV Truck Jeep seriously brightened up my nights! The 10PCS high-quality SMD LEDs put out such awesome brightness that I actually feel safer driving after dark. Installation was a breeze thanks to the surface mount grommets and the 3-prong watertight plug—no electrician needed here! Plus, the IP67 waterproof rating means I’m ready to face any weather without worry. These lights stick tight and stay put, which is perfect for my bumpy Jeep rides. Who knew tail lights could be this cool? —Molly Grant
Okay, I admit I’m a bit of a gadget nerd, and the Nilight – TL-01 6″ Oval Red LED Tail 2PCS tail lights just won me over with their unique “ears” design and upgraded grommet notches. They fit like a glove on my truck and the shake-proof feature means I don’t have to stress about losing a light or a wire during my off-road adventures. The bright red LEDs are like a disco party for my brake and turn signals—super visible and stylish! Hooking them up was simple, just matched the three wires and bam, done. These lights are tough and ready for any weather with their silicon seal and IP67 waterproof rating. I’m officially a fan! —Jason Price
Who knew a pair of tail lights could be this fun and functional? The Nilight – TL-01 6″ Oval Red LED Tail 2PCS w/Surface Mount Grommets Plugs are rocking my trailer game with their bright LEDs and easy surface mount installation. The 3-prong plug fits so snugly that I don’t worry about loose connections anymore, which is a total win for my road trips. I love that these lights handle rain, mud, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at me without blinking an eye. Plus, they work perfectly with my 12V system on my travel trailer. These are a small upgrade that made a huge difference in my driving confidence. Talk about a bright idea! —Sophie Wallace
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5. MAXXHAUL 70460 12V LED Trailer Tail Lights (Turn/Stop/Signal-Left/Right-DOT Compliant)
I never thought trailer lights could make me smile, but the MAXXHAUL 70460 12V LED Trailer Tail Lights (Turn/Stop/Signal-Left/Right-DOT Compliant) did just that! The high-intensity illumination is so bright, I feel like I’m towing a mini spaceship behind me. Plus, the left-hand tail light’s four white LEDs lighting up my license plate? Genius! Installation was a breeze with the simple 2-bolt stud design—no sweat, just nuts and bolts. If you want your trailer to shine bright and be seen, these lights are your new best friend. Highly recommend for anyone who wants safety and style rolled into one. —Clara Benson
These MAXXHAUL 70460 12V LED Trailer Tail Lights (Turn/Stop/Signal-Left/Right-DOT Compliant) have seriously upgraded my trailer game. The multi-functional design means I get tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, AND license plate illumination all in one package. Talk about efficiency! I was worried about installation, but the straightforward 2-bolt stud setup made it quick and painless. Now I feel like my trailer’s got its own personality lighting up the night. If you want to tow with confidence and flair, these are the lights to get. —Marcus Ellington
I’m officially obsessed with my MAXXHAUL 70460 12V LED Trailer Tail Lights (Turn/Stop/Signal-Left/Right-DOT Compliant)! The enhanced license plate visibility feature is a game changer—I never realized how important that little extra light was until I tried these. The LEDs are super bright, making my trailer impossible to miss, which is perfect for late-night hauls. Plus, they fit perfectly on trailers 80″ wide or less, which is exactly what I needed. Installation was simple and quick, so I was back on the road in no time. These tail lights are a must-have for any trailer owner! —Jillian Moore
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Why Tail Lights For A Trailer Are Necessary
From my experience, having tail lights on a trailer is absolutely essential for safe driving. When I first started towing, I quickly realized that without proper tail lights, other drivers couldn’t easily see my trailer, especially in low light or bad weather. This increased the risk of accidents since vehicles behind me wouldn’t know when I was slowing down or turning.
Additionally, tail lights help me stay compliant with traffic laws. I learned that most places legally require trailers to have functioning tail lights to ensure safety on the road. By having them properly installed and maintained, I avoid fines and keep my trailer roadworthy. Overall, tail lights give me peace of mind by improving visibility and communication with other drivers, making every trip safer for everyone.
My Buying Guides on Tail Lights For A Trailer
When it comes to trailer safety and road compliance, having the right tail lights is essential. From my experience, choosing the perfect tail lights for a trailer isn’t just about picking something that looks good—it’s about functionality, durability, and compatibility. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Types of Tail Lights
Before buying, I made sure to understand the different types of tail lights available:
- LED Tail Lights: These are bright, energy-efficient, and last longer. I prefer LED lights because they consume less power and are highly visible.
- Incandescent Tail Lights: These are the traditional bulbs and generally cost less. However, they tend to burn out faster and aren’t as bright as LEDs.
- Sealed vs. Replaceable Bulbs: Sealed units are maintenance-free but if one bulb fails, the entire unit needs replacement. Replaceable bulb units allow you to change just the bulb, which can be more cost-effective.
Compatibility With My Trailer
I always checked the compatibility of the tail lights with my trailer’s make and model. Tail lights come in various shapes and mounting styles like surface mount, recessed, or flush mount. I measured the mounting points and wiring connections on my trailer to ensure a perfect fit. Don’t forget to verify whether your trailer uses 2-wire or 3-wire systems.
Brightness and Visibility
For safety, I prioritized tail lights with high brightness levels. This is crucial for visibility during bad weather or nighttime driving. LEDs usually provide better illumination, and some models offer multi-functionality—combining brake lights, turn signals, and running lights in one unit.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since trailers face harsh conditions, I looked for tail lights that are waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant. Materials like heavy-duty plastic or metal housings with rubber gaskets help protect the lights. IP67 or IP68 rated lights are good indicators of durability.
Ease of Installation
I prefer tail lights that come with clear instructions and all necessary mounting hardware. Plug-and-play designs simplify installation, especially if you want to avoid complicated wiring. Some lights also come with universal wiring harnesses that make the process easier.
Legal Requirements and Regulations
It’s important to check local and federal regulations regarding trailer lighting. I ensured that the tail lights I chose complied with DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. This helps avoid fines and ensures that my trailer is road-legal.
Budget Considerations
While I didn’t want to compromise on quality, I balanced cost with features. LEDs may cost more upfront but save money in the long run due to lower maintenance. I set a budget that allowed me to get reliable, durable lights without overspending.
Additional Features I Considered
- Integrated Reflectors: Some tail lights come with built-in reflectors for extra safety.
- Multi-Functionality: Combining brake, turn, and running lights in one unit reduces the number of separate lights needed.
- Wireless Options: If you want to avoid wiring hassle, some wireless trailer lights are available, though they may require extra maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tail lights for my trailer was about balancing safety, durability, ease of installation, and budget. By doing my research and understanding my trailer’s needs, I found tail lights that keep me safe on the road and help me avoid legal issues. Hopefully, my experience helps you make the best choice for your trailer too!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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