Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe Review

First Impressions of Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless lighting solutions come and go. But the Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe caught my eye because of its promise of waterproof reliability and complete kit convenience at a seemingly affordable price. The Optronics brand isn’t new to me, and while they’re not considered a high-end tactical brand, I was interested to see how this particular kit would perform.

My primary need was to find a durable and reliable tail light solution for my utility trailer, which often hauls kayaks and camping gear. I needed something that could withstand getting splashed and potentially submerged during boat launches. I had previously used a cheaper set of lights, but they quickly succumbed to corrosion and failed after only a year.

Upon unboxing the Optronics TL36RK, my initial impression was that the components felt surprisingly robust for the price. The plastic housings seemed thicker than my previous set, and the inclusion of stainless steel mounting hardware was a welcome sight. The complete kit, with marker lights, license plate bracket, and wiring harness, promised a hassle-free installation, which was a big selling point.

I considered a few other options, including LED kits from SeaSense and Wesbar, but ultimately chose the Optronics TL36RK because of its positive reviews regarding waterproof performance and the comprehensive nature of the deluxe kit. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the kit looked promising, but the real test would be in the field. I was hoping for a reliable and durable tail light solution that wouldn’t leave me stranded on a dark road.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe to the Test

First Use Experience

The first real test for the Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe came during a weekend fishing trip to a remote lake. I installed the kit on my utility trailer, which I used to haul my small fishing boat. The installation process was straightforward, thanks to the included harness and hardware. The only tricky part was routing the 25-foot harness neatly along the trailer frame, but zip ties quickly solved that issue.

The real challenge started when launching the boat. The trailer lights were submerged for a brief period each time I backed into the water. I was happy to see that after each launch, the lights continued to function without any flickering or dimming. During the drive home, which included a stretch of gravel road, the lights remained bright and visible. There were no immediate signs of water intrusion or damage.

The lights were easy to use, functioning as expected for stop, turn, and tail lights. The license plate illuminator was adequately bright, and the included marker lights provided enhanced visibility from the sides. I was pleasantly surprised by the initial performance; the Optronics TL36RK seemed to handle the water exposure without any issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe has held up remarkably well. My utility trailer has been used for hauling everything from kayaks and camping gear to lumber and landscaping supplies. This involved numerous trips in various weather conditions, including rain, mud, and dusty roads.

The durability of the kit has been impressive. Despite being bumped and scraped during loading and unloading, the plastic housings have shown no signs of cracking or breaking. The lenses remain clear and free from significant scratches. While there is some minor surface corrosion on the stainless steel mounting hardware, it’s purely cosmetic and hasn’t affected the functionality of the lights.

Maintenance has been minimal. I occasionally rinse the lights with fresh water to remove dirt and grime. So far, I haven’t needed to replace any bulbs or perform any repairs. Compared to my previous set of lights, which required constant bulb replacements and wiring repairs, the Optronics TL36RK has been a significant improvement. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of reliability and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe

Specifications

The Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance and reliability.

• Waterproof Design: The lights are designed to be waterproof, making them suitable for marine applications and use on trailers that may be submerged in water. This is crucial for boat trailers and any application where water exposure is a concern.
• Low Profile Design: The lights feature a low profile design, which helps to minimize the risk of damage from impacts or snags. This is important for trailers that are frequently used in tight spaces or off-road conditions.
• Universal Mount: The lights mount on 2-inch centers, making them compatible with a wide range of trailers and vehicles. This simplifies the installation process and ensures a secure fit.
• Stainless Steel Hardware: The kit includes stainless steel mounting hardware, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and ensures long-lasting durability. This is particularly important in marine environments where exposure to salt water can quickly corrode standard hardware.
• Separate Ground Wire: The lights feature a separate ground wire with an eyelet, which helps to improve electrical conductivity and ensure reliable performance. This is essential for preventing electrical issues and ensuring that the lights function properly.
• Shock-Proof Socket: The shock-proof socket is designed to protect the bulbs from vibration and impact, extending their lifespan. This reduces the need for frequent bulb replacements and saves time and money in the long run.
• Corrosion-Proof Housing: Constructed with corrosion-proof plastic housing, which provides excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. This is particularly important for trailers that are used in marine environments or exposed to harsh weather conditions.
• Acrylic Lenses: The acrylic lenses are durable and resistant to cracking or fading, ensuring long-lasting visibility. This is crucial for maintaining safety on the road.
• Seven-Function Passenger Side Light: The passenger side light features seven functions: stop, turn, tail, rear clearance, rear reflex, side marker, and side reflex. This provides comprehensive visibility and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
• License Illuminator: The driver side light includes a license illuminator, which ensures that the license plate is clearly visible at night. This is required by law in many jurisdictions.
• Deluxe Kit: The kit includes (1) ST36RB Passenger Side Light with 2-Way Plug, (1) ST37RB Driver Side Light with 2-Way Plug, (2) yellow MC91AB Marker Lights with bases, LP10SB License Plate Bracket, 25-foot harness, and stainless steel mounting hardware. This provides everything needed for a complete installation.
• Voltage Rating: 12.8 Volt DC. This is the standard voltage for automotive and trailer electrical systems.
• Stop/Turn Amperage Rating: 2.3 Amp. This indicates the amount of current drawn by the stop and turn signal functions.
• Tail Amperage Rating: 0.9 Amp. This indicates the amount of current drawn by the tail light function.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring the reliability, durability, and safety of the Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe in various applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe performs its job admirably, providing reliable and bright lighting for trailers and other vehicles. The lights are highly visible, ensuring safety on the road, even in adverse weather conditions. The waterproof design effectively protects the lights from water damage, making them ideal for marine applications.

The main strength of this kit is its comprehensive nature and ease of installation. Everything needed for a complete setup is included, which simplifies the process and saves time and money. The only area for potential improvement is the brightness of the license plate illuminator, which could be slightly brighter for enhanced visibility. Overall, the Optronics TL36RK meets and even exceeds expectations for a tail light kit in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Optronics TL36RK features a functional and straightforward design. The materials used, while not high-end, are durable and well-suited for outdoor use. The lights are lightweight and easy to handle, making installation a breeze.

The kit is user-friendly, with clear instructions and a simple wiring system. There is no significant learning curve, even for those with limited electrical experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The Optronics TL36RK is built to last, thanks to its corrosion-proof housing, stainless steel hardware, and shock-proof sockets. With proper care, the lights should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and grime. The screw-on lenses make bulb replacement quick and easy, when the time comes.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe comes with a complete set of accessories needed for installation and operation. The kit includes:

• (1) ST36RB Passenger Side Light with 2-Way Plug.
• (1) ST37RB Driver Side Light with 2-Way Plug.
• (2) yellow MC91AB Marker Lights with bases.
• LP10SB License Plate Bracket.
• 25-foot harness.
• Stainless steel mounting hardware.

While the kit is designed as a complete solution, there are limited customization options available. However, the lights are compatible with standard 2-way plugs and wiring systems, making it possible to upgrade to LED bulbs for enhanced brightness and energy efficiency. The universal mount design also allows for easy replacement with other similar sized tail lights if desired.

Pros and Cons of Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe

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Who Should Buy Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe?

The Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe is perfect for:

• Boat owners: The waterproof design makes it ideal for boat trailers that are frequently submerged.
• Utility trailer owners: Provides a reliable and complete lighting solution for utility trailers used for hauling various loads.
• DIY enthusiasts: Easy installation makes it suitable for those who prefer to install their own trailer lights.

Who should skip this product? Those who require extreme durability and are willing to invest in high-end metal housings might consider other options.

A must-have modification would be upgrading to LED bulbs for increased brightness and energy efficiency.

Conclusion on Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe

Overall, the Optronics TL36RK Waterproof St36/37 Series Universal Mount Combination Tail Light Kit Deluxe is an excellent value for the money. It provides reliable and waterproof lighting in a complete and easy-to-install package.

The price is definitely justified, considering the durability and comprehensive nature of the kit. I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable tail light solution for their trailer.

If you’re in the market for a new tail light kit, the Optronics TL36RK is definitely worth considering. Don’t let a faulty tail light leave you stranded – invest in a reliable solution today!