Let’s Talk About Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand is a seemingly simple piece of equipment, but it’s absolutely crucial for safe and legal trailering. It’s manufactured by Wesbar, a name often associated with reliable and affordable trailer lighting solutions. This particular light is designed for trailers under 80 inches wide, offering essential functionalities like stop, tail, and turn signals. My initial assessment suggests this is a no-frills, function-over-form product, designed to get the job done without breaking the bank.
My old trailer light decided to call it quits right before a weekend camping trip. The urgency of the situation forced me into a quick research session. I needed a replacement that was affordable, readily available, and compliant with safety standards.
Upon unboxing, the Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand feels lightweight but surprisingly sturdy for its price. The red lens is bright and clear, and the housing seems adequately protected. The screw-on lens design for bulb replacement is a welcome feature.
Compared to similar offerings from brands like Optronics or Peterson, the Wesbar light leans towards the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum. I picked this particular model because of its affordability and positive user reviews regarding its ease of installation. Its universal mounting and quick connect wiring were also major selling points.
My first impression was a mix of relief and cautious optimism. Relief because I had a quick and affordable solution, but cautious because you often get what you pay for. Still, the brand reputation and design simplicity gave me hope that the Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand would perform as advertised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand immediately after installation on my utility trailer. This involved a round trip of approximately 200 miles, including both highway and rural roads. The weather conditions were relatively dry and clear.
The light performed flawlessly throughout the entire trip. The stop, tail, and turn signals were all bright and easily visible, even in direct sunlight. Its quick connect wiring simplified the installation process tremendously.
The light was incredibly easy to use. The wiring connectors were clearly labeled, and the mounting studs lined up perfectly with the existing holes on my trailer. No modifications or special tools were required. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the installation went.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand continues to hold up well. There are no visible signs of fading or cracking in the lens. The housing remains securely attached to the trailer.
So far, I have not observed any significant wear and tear. The lens is still clear. The mounting studs show no signs of corrosion.
Cleaning the light is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth. I haven’t needed to replace any bulbs yet, but the screw-on lens design makes it easy to access them when the time comes. The maintenance is very basic.
Compared to previous, more expensive trailer lights I’ve used, the Wesbar light performs just as well at a fraction of the cost. While long-term durability remains to be seen, its initial performance has been impressive and exceeded my expectations given the price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand
Specifications
- Lens Color: Red. This is the standard color for tail lights. Red provides clear visibility for vehicles behind, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.
- Taillight Side: Left Hand. This light is specifically designed for the left (driver’s) side of the trailer. Proper placement is crucial for maintaining correct signal indication.
- Size: 4-3/4″ x 4-1/2″ x 2-9/16″. These dimensions are compact enough to fit most under-80″ trailers without being obtrusive. The compact sizing doesn’t sacrifice visibility, which is important for safety.
- Mounting: Universal 2″ on center stud mounting. This allows the tail light to easily fit the mounting pattern used on the trailer. The universal fitment is a great feature.
- Wiring: Quick connect and disconnect feature. It allows for rapid installation and removal without having to hardwire the system. This is a huge time saver.
Performance & Functionality
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand performs its core functions admirably. It provides clear and bright stop, tail, and turn signals, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions. The quick-connect wiring simplifies the installation process, making it accessible even to those with limited electrical experience.
The strength of this light lies in its simplicity and ease of use. A potential weakness might be its overall durability compared to higher-end models, especially in harsh environments.
The light meets and arguably exceeds expectations for a budget-friendly option. It delivers the essential functionalities needed for safe trailering.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand features a utilitarian design. The materials used appear to be durable plastic, offering a good balance between weight and sturdiness. The light is lightweight.
The design is user-friendly. The screw-on lens makes bulb replacement straightforward. The quick-connect wiring also greatly simplifies the installation process.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand appears to be reasonably durable for its price point. However, it’s unlikely to withstand extreme impacts or prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. Time will tell as to how long it lasts.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodic cleaning of the lens is sufficient to maintain optimal brightness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand does not come with any additional accessories beyond the basic mounting hardware. Customization options are limited.
However, it is compatible with standard trailer wiring systems. This allows for easy integration with existing trailer setups.
Pros and Cons of Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand
Pros
- Ease of Installation: The quick-connect wiring and universal mounting make installation a breeze, even for beginners.
- Affordability: **The *Wesbar* light offers excellent value for money, providing essential functionality at a budget-friendly price.**
- Bright Visibility: The red lens provides clear and bright stop, tail, and turn signals, enhancing safety on the road.
- Simple Maintenance: The screw-on lens design makes bulb replacement quick and easy.
- FMVSS/CMVSS 108 Compliance: Meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for safety and legal compliance.
Cons
- Durability: The plastic construction may not be as durable as higher-end metal options, particularly in harsh conditions.
- Limited Customization: Offers minimal customization options beyond basic bulb replacement.
Who Should Buy Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand?
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand is perfect for owners of small utility trailers, boat trailers, or cargo trailers under 80 inches wide who need a reliable and affordable lighting solution. It is especially well-suited for DIYers and those looking for a quick and easy replacement without the need for professional installation. Casual campers and those who occasionally haul equipment will benefit most.
Those who frequently haul heavy loads in harsh environments or require extremely durable lighting should consider higher-end options. If you need bulletproof construction, this may not be your ideal choice.
Must-have accessories would include a basic trailer wiring tester to ensure proper connections and a spare set of bulbs. A tube of dielectric grease can also help prevent corrosion in the electrical connections.
Conclusion on Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand
The Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly solution that delivers on its promises. It’s easy to install, provides adequate visibility, and is compliant with safety standards. While it may not be the most rugged or feature-rich option on the market, it offers excellent value for money.
The price is absolutely justified for what you get. You are receiving a safe and reliable product without breaking the bank.
I would definitely recommend the Wesbar Under 80in Combination Tail Light – Left Hand to anyone looking for a simple and affordable trailer lighting solution. It’s a practical and reliable choice for the everyday hauler. Don’t let a broken tail light keep you off the road – grab a Wesbar and get back to trailering with confidence.