Light trailer lighting

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tchart

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#259925 30-Oct-2019 22:31

Ok so I got fed up with my unreliable bulb based lights on my trailer and replaced them with led counterparts. Works great.

However afterwards I noticed on the NZTA website it states you need a light to illuminate the license plate.

The lights I replaced had a clear section on the side facing the license plate but I doubt it would've been enough to illuminate the plate. The new LEDs don't have the clear part, which means I can either chance it or spend another $25 and wire in another white LED.

Just seems a bit weird that most of the replacement lights I looked at don't have this clear side bit nor do they mention you need an additional light.

Anyone had any experience on this topic?

Is my next WOF likely to fail without an additional lamp to light the plate?

lxsw20

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#2346557 30-Oct-2019 23:08

If the WOF inspector is checking, it would be a fail, yes.

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general-trailers/lighting/rear-registration-plate-illumination-lamps

apocalypso

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#2346559 30-Oct-2019 23:11

I had the exact same issue as you, incorrectly assumed the LED trailer Lights I purchased from Supercheap would have Number Plate illumination.

There are so few things to check for a WOF on a trailer that I'd say number plate lamp would be one of the things they do always check.

I wanted to spend as little as possible to fix the issue but didn't have a month to wait for something from China so to resolve I purchased one of these https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/trailers/trailer-parts-accessories/lights-cables-plugs/listing-2375401422.htm

Come as a pair but I only needed one. i got fancy and wired the 2nd one in as a reversing light on the trailer.

Dynamic

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#2346605 31-Oct-2019 08:11

I own two trailers. Both have number plate lights that are 'basically useless', but are present so it gets signed off without further question.

I'd definitely encourage you to add something simple to get the box ticked.

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

hsvhel

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#2346628 31-Oct-2019 09:36

Been in the same situation, had to wire in a number plate light as the items purchased did not have one built in.

I got a small pair of running lights for a truck and used one, other is a spare.

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tchart

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#2346642 31-Oct-2019 10:19

Thanks all. Will order some additional lights.

@hsvehl @apocalypso did you side mount the light or top mount (above the plate)?

richms

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#2346645 31-Oct-2019 10:27

I put the plate where it could be seen, rather than between the lights which was covered by the back panel when it was folded down and never once had a fail till I got a little gremlin guy at vtnz. Moved the plate to where it was lit and they were happy, but now noone can see it if I have the tailgate down. Ah well I guess thats acually better for me overall.

Richard rich.ms

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apocalypso

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#2346650 31-Oct-2019 10:34

tchart:

Thanks all. Will order some additional lights.

@hsvehl @apocalypso did you side mount the light or top mount (above the plate)?

I top mounted. Simply because it was more convenient in my situation with a flat piece protruding out above the plate.