M Alum Trailer wiring

[Russ]

We got our new M home and it came with a 3 light bar that wasn't installed. This looks like it goes on the bottom of the trailer between the tailights. It also had a red light attached to a long wire that is supposed to attach to the mast.

Does anyone know where to attach this light on the mast?

[TAW02]

It also had a red light attached to a long wire that is supposed to attach to the mast.

Does anyone know where to attach this light on the mast?

I have one of those new MAC trailers. Bought the boat in July #MACM1869F707. Great trailer.

Yes the lightbar goes exactly where you suggested. There should be a brown wire exiting a small hole in the rear crossmember there to power up the lightbar. As for the red light .... never had a clue about that one either. You say you believe it goes somewhere on the mast? For what reason? Could it only be temporary while towing?

This ought to be an interesting thread. Anyone out there give a wild quess?

Big T

[Russ]

Cheryl at BWYs told me the extra light on the wire is for the mast. I didn't think to ask details at the time.

I did see the (single) wire coming out of the trailer and 2 bolts to attach the light bar. The extra "center mast" light would give added lighting up high where the mast sticks out past the boat. It's a single wire so the ground must come from the mast which I assume is grounded to the boat somehow, although I'm not sure how it gets a ground from the vehicle.

I'll have to hook it up and play with it and post some pics when I figure it out.

[Jeff P]

On the top of my mast is a small bolt, guessing size 12, with about 1" of thread and a lock nut, hand tight, exposed.

Jeff

[Hardcrab]

Jeff P.
Thats the stud for mounting the trailering mast light. Not sure if all 50 states require the light. Red flag for day and/or red light for night. I use mine no matter what the law requires. After all, it's my boat that someone might run into.

RussMT.
You are right about no ground connection from boat to trailer. A ground wire from the trailer to the mast stud is needed for the light. If I remember correctly, its a single filament bulb meant to be wired to the running lights, not brake lights.

[dennisneal]

It surely would be a good service if a knowleagable Dealer would properly research this problem and give some guidance to some of us who are in the dark about trailer lights!

If the light is to be installed at the masthead, how, exactly, are the wires connected? A detailed diagram, or photo, would be most helpful.

[Russ]

Jeff P.
Thats the stud for mounting the trailering mast light. Not sure if all 50 states require the light. Red flag for day and/or red light for night. I use mine no matter what the law requires. After all, it's my boat that someone might run into.

RussMT.
You are right about no ground connection from boat to trailer. A ground wire from the trailer to the mast stud is needed for the light. If I remember correctly, its a single filament bulb meant to be wired to the running lights, not brake lights.

It seems like it's supposed to be a tail light attached to the end of the mast. I did find a bolt on the end of the mast where it can attach to. I have a feeling the ground wire just wasn't connected because there is one that is hanging loose.

I was wondering, I could hook this up as a 3rd Cyclops brake light as well for added safety. That might require a new light fixture and another wire to it, but when I hit the brakes, people would see me better.
After all legal is one thing, having a crashed boat is another. I prefer fewer dents in my boat. Cars are required to have a 3rd brake light, why not the same for the trailer.

[Catigale]

The Problem in short is trailer light regs vary by state, so the owner has to take the ownership of understanding the regs and putting the correct lights on, not a dealer.

[dennisneal]

I disagree.

I feel that if a dealer sells an item He/She should be able to explain to the purchaser the proper use of the item and/or provide written instructions for its installation and use.

I would not expect every dealer to be fully aware of all State trailering regulations.

But, here is a sailor who, evidently, purchased a trailer light from a dealer as part of an overall package and doesn't know how to install it, or use it.

I would hope that someone would provide this individual some detailed guidance.

[Russ]

But, here is a sailor who, evidently, purchased a trailer light from a dealer as part of an overall package and doesn't know how to install it, or use it.

I would hope that someone would provide this individual some detailed guidance.

I figured it out. It's very simple once I took it out and looked at it. There is a bolt on the mast. The tail light attaches to the bolt and so does the ground wire. The other end attaches to the ground on the trailer. There is a wire on the trailer to connect the positive wire.
Pretty nice idea to have an extra light up there. The mast does stick out and legally required or not, having extra lighting is a plus.