Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit Review

First Impressions of Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit promises a complete lighting solution for smaller trailers. From tail lights to side markers and a wiring harness, it looks to offer everything needed for safe towing. Wesbar is a familiar name in trailer components, but this particular kit is priced attractively, making me wonder about the quality and longevity.

My old boat trailer’s lights finally gave up the ghost after years of saltwater exposure. I needed a reliable, but also budget-friendly replacement to get my fishing boat back on the road. This kit seemed to fit the bill.

Upon unboxing, the components felt surprisingly lightweight, particularly the tail lights. The wiring harness looked adequate, but I immediately questioned the thickness of the wires; only time will tell how they hold up to the elements. The plastic of the lights felt a bit thin, but hopefully strong enough to withstand normal road wear.

I was also considering a similar kit from Bargman, and another from Hopkins, but the Wesbar kit offered a slightly better price point. The deciding factor was the inclusion of the side marker lights; some kits require you to purchase these separately. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit would live up to expectations.

I was initially intrigued, hoping the kit would be a great value, but also slightly apprehensive about the long-term durability of the materials. Only a thorough test will tell.


Real-World Testing: Putting Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit on my small utility trailer used for hauling firewood and occasionally my ATV. The initial installation was straightforward, taking about two hours with basic hand tools. I tested the lights in my driveway before the first haul, and everything seemed to function correctly.

The first real test was a firewood run on a damp, drizzly day with muddy roads. The lights remained bright and visible, even with mud splattered on them. I appreciated the side marker lights especially, enhancing visibility during low-light conditions. There were no immediate issues after the first use.

Installation was easier than expected, but I was a little concerned about the long-term exposure to the elements, especially given the thin wire gauge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, the Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit is showing some signs of wear, but continues to function. The plastic lenses have become slightly scratched from road debris, and there’s a bit of corrosion starting on the wiring connections. Still, all lights are working, and the harness hasn’t suffered any breaks.

I’ve made a conscious effort to clean the lights after each use, paying special attention to the connections. I also applied some dielectric grease to help prevent further corrosion. Compared to the higher-end LED trailer lights I’ve used in the past, these require more frequent maintenance to stay in good working order.

While the lights are functional, the lower quality of materials compared to more expensive brands is apparent, necessitating more proactive maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit

Specifications

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit includes two tail lights designed for trailers under 80 inches wide. The kit also features two amber clearance/side marker lights with reflex lens for added visibility. A 20′ or 25′ trailer wiring harness cable is included to connect the lights, along with a 4′ four-wire car wiring harness cable with a molded 4-flat plug. Finally, the kit provides a license plate bracket for legal compliance.

The lights use standard incandescent bulbs, which are less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than LED alternatives. The included wiring harness is adequate, but the gauge of the wire is thinner than I prefer for long-term reliability, particularly in harsh environments. The one-year warranty gives some peace of mind, but doesn’t address potential corrosion issues.

Performance & Functionality

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit performs its basic function adequately. The lights are bright enough for legal compliance and provide sufficient visibility in most conditions. However, the incandescent bulbs don’t offer the instant-on response of LEDs, which could be a safety concern in emergency braking situations.

The main weakness is the overall build quality. The plastic is thin and prone to scratches, and the wiring connections are vulnerable to corrosion. The lack of sealed lights also means water can seep inside, potentially shortening the bulb life. It mostly meets expectations, but certainly doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is functional, but not particularly innovative. The tail lights are a standard rectangular shape, and the side marker lights are simple and unobtrusive. The lightweight construction makes installation easy, but also contributes to the feeling of lower quality.

There is no real learning curve; anyone familiar with basic wiring can install this kit in a couple of hours. However, the lack of detailed instructions could be a challenge for complete beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability is questionable. The thin plastic and unsealed lights are likely to fail sooner than more expensive alternatives. Frequent cleaning and corrosion prevention measures are essential to prolong the lifespan of the kit.

Replacing bulbs is straightforward, but repairing corroded wiring can be more challenging. The low price point means that replacing the entire kit might be more cost-effective than attempting extensive repairs.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit doesn’t offer many customization options. The incandescent bulbs can be replaced with brighter versions, but this will increase the electrical load on the system. It is not designed to be easily upgraded or expanded.

Because this is a standard lighting setup, the 4-flat plug connector is compatible with virtually all vehicles. However, there are no integrated mounting options for additional lights or accessories.

Pros and Cons of Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit

Pros

  • Affordable Price: The kit offers a budget-friendly solution for basic trailer lighting needs.
  • Complete Kit: Includes all necessary components for installation, including tail lights, side markers, wiring harness, and license plate bracket.
  • Easy Installation: Straightforward wiring and mounting make the kit relatively easy to install for anyone with basic mechanical skills.
  • Meets Legal Requirements: Ensures compliance with DOT lighting regulations for trailers under 80 inches wide.
  • Side Marker Lights Included: Adds an extra level of safety, often sold separately in competing kits.

Cons

  • Lower Build Quality: Thin plastic and unsealed lights raise concerns about long-term durability.
  • Incandescent Bulbs: Less efficient and shorter lifespan compared to LED alternatives.
  • Thin Gauge Wiring: Vulnerable to corrosion and potential breakage, especially in harsh environments.


Who Should Buy Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit?

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit is perfect for budget-conscious trailer owners who need a basic lighting solution for light-duty use. It’s also suitable for those who only use their trailers occasionally and don’t want to invest in a more expensive, heavy-duty lighting system. Casual campers, weekend anglers with small boats, and homeowners hauling small loads of yard waste are all good candidates.

This product should be avoided by those who frequently use their trailers in harsh conditions, such as saltwater environments or rough terrain. Anyone seeking long-term durability and minimal maintenance should consider upgrading to an LED lighting system with sealed lights and heavier gauge wiring. Those requiring exceptional visibility, such as commercial users, should also look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory is dielectric grease to protect the wiring connections from corrosion. Periodic application of a plastic protectant to the lenses can also help prevent scratches and fading.

Conclusion on Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit

The Wesbar 407500 Under 80in Trailer Light Kit offers a decent value for the price. It provides a complete, functional lighting solution for smaller trailers at a fraction of the cost of higher-end options. However, the lower build quality and use of incandescent bulbs mean that it’s not the most durable or efficient choice.

The price is justified for those on a tight budget, but buyers should be aware of the potential for early failure and the need for regular maintenance.

I would recommend it with reservations. If you need a cheap and cheerful lighting kit to get your trailer back on the road, and you’re prepared to maintain it diligently, then this could be a good option. However, if you value long-term reliability and minimal maintenance, then it’s worth investing in a more expensive, LED-based system.

Don’t just take my word for it; check out the kit yourself and see if it fits your specific needs and budget! Tow safe, and be seen!

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