12VDC Trailer Lighting Retrofit using LED Strips

Trailer, hauler, RV, and automobile lighting typically operate from a 12VDC power source, making it a simple project to retrofit existing automobile lighting with brighter, longer lasting and energy efficient LED Lighting. For this project we replaced two dull halogen fixtures with (6) 5ft strips of Ribbon Star Ultra White Waterproof LED Strip Lights. We tapped into the existing wiring of the halogen lights making the project quick and easy. The crisp bright white LED strip lights were exceedingly brighter and made the trailer suitable for mechanical projects in extreme conditions. See the steps below to replicate this project in your trailer, hauler, RV, big rig, motorcycle car or truck. For projects requiring larger amp loads additional batteries and/or upgraded alternators may be required.

PROJECT INFORMATION
Completion Time	30 minutes - 1 hour for average person
Skill Level	Intermediate
Tools Used	Rubbing Alcohol, Screw Driver, Tape Measure, Marker, Scissors, Wire Stripper, Wire Connectors

12VDC Trailer Lighting Retrofit using LED Strips

Need Assistance? Give us a call and we'd be happy to help you with your project. We provide free quote and layout services.

Email 775-636-6060M-F 7:30am - 4:00pm PST

Products Used:

1.) Remove Existing Fixtures

The first step of this retrofit is to remove the old fixtures that you wish to replace. Since these fixtures are conveniently wired to a wall switch by the door of the trailer we are simply going to tap into the existing wiring of the fixtures to keep that functionality. So do whatever you want with the old fixture but be sure to keep as much of the old wires to minimize your wire connections further into the project.

2.) Keep Existing Wiring

As mentioned in Step 1, keep as much of the existing wiring from the old fixtures. We will use this wire to power the LED strip lights and keep the functionality of the wall switch. As you can see from the existing wiring that the red positive wire carries the power back to the battery source and the ground wire is being grounded to the metal framing of the trailer.

3.) Measure the Installation Space and Make Guides

After the existing fixtures have been removed you can now measure out the space where you plan to install your LED Strip Lights. In this case we were using 5ft (60") strip light lengths and the beam we were adhering the strip to was 68" long, so we made a marked with a permanent marker at 4" from the outside of the beam to perfectly center each strip.

4.) Clean the Surface and Adhere the Strip Lights

Clean the mounting surface with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to remove any dust, dirt or oils from the surface, let dry. Use your measured mark to install your strip lights and do your best to keep them as center as possible down the beam for aesthetic purposes. Press firmly on the strip to create a solid bond between the tape and the mounting surface. The VHB mounting tape will create a permanent bond as its sets, as long as the area is clean, smooth, and dry.

5.) Connect Strip Light Wires to 12VDC Power Source

Once your Strip Lights have been adhered to the mounting surface you can now begin to connect your lead wires to the 12VDC power source. Never connect power wires with live power, be certain that your power source is switched off or disconnected. Use wire connectors, or solder and heat shrink to connect your 12VDC+ wires to the wire that leads back to the positive output of your 12VDC source. As you can see the 12VDC negative or ground wire is simply being grounded to the metal framing of the trailer.

6.) Test your Connection

It is always a good idea to test your connections as you make them to ensure everything is working properly with no electrical shorts. This can save time by locating a wiring issue firsthand rather than later down the line when the project is nearly complete.

7.) Install the Remaining LED Strip Lights

Install the remaining LED Strip Lights in the same manner previously described. Test each connection as you go. Use new or existing split loom tubing to conceal your wiring and provide a professional finished look. Lastly enjoy your new ultra bright, energy efficient, durable, and eco friendly trailer lighting.

<< Back to DIY Project home page

Related Categories

Customer LED Projects

Here you can see all of our customer's amazing LED lighting projects that were created using Ecolocity LED products and LED Lighting accessories. From LED Strip Light Projects to LED Wall Washer projects, our customer's have done it all. Browse these great finished projects to get some ideas for your next LED Lighting design.

LED Power Supplies

We stock many different types of AC to DC power converters to drive your 5VDC, 12VDC, and 24VDC LED lighting products. Our LED Power Supplies, also known as LED Drivers or LED transformers, have universal AC inputs for both residential and industrial lighting projects. Hard wire your transformer to your AC source or use any of our wall plug cords and accessories to plug a power supply into any existing light socket. Use our different types of high quality Mean Well and Magnitude dimmable transformers and drivers for your next interior or exterior LED Lighting project.

LED Lighting Accessories

LED Lighting Accessories are essential in any low voltage LED lighting install. Without using the proper wire or having secure wire connections their is risk of electrical shock or fire damage, which nobody wants. We stock a complete line of DC connection wire, wire connectors rated for up to 300V as well as IP68 waterproof junction boxes that are rated to be submersed for underwater wiring purposes. Don't shortcut the essential of your LED project and use our wiring accessories for a secure and safe wire electrical circuit.

LED Lighting Controls

Browse our large selection of low voltage LED lighting controls and remotes including All in One Controllers, LED dimmers for single color LED lights, RGB Controllers, RGBW Controllers and RGB+CCT Controls for color changing LEDs as well as DMX LED controllers to create unique lighting effects for your LED lights using computerized software.

LED Modules

LED Modules are a great LED Lighting source for indoor or outdoor project. LED Modules are designed to be used in channel letters and signs but can also be used in home remodel projects, accent lights, and even outdoor patio and landscape lighting. LED Light Modules are a great versatile product because there is lead wire between each LED Module, making them easy to cut and re-connect for any custom project. We have UL Super Nova Modules and more affordable non-UL LED Modules, all are water-resistant, non-UV proof.

KLUS Strip Light Channels & Diffusers

Browse our wide variety of KLUS brand LED Strip Light Channels and Diffusers to create custom and quality linear LED lighting fixtures for any application. The aluminum channels, also known as LED profiles, are not only a great housing for light strips but also act as a heat sink for them as well, which in turn will expand your LEDs lifetime as well as brightness over time. Extrusions are sold in 1M, 2M and some in 3M lengths and can be cut and customized to fit any project. We have LED Extrusions for 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, doublewide, as well as waterproof outdoor rated channels. 2M lengths are available for all channels, some are available in 3M lengths, but not stocked please call 775-636-6060 to arrange a drop-ship.