Trailer Light Boards

Stay Visible When Towing or Carrying Rear Loads

A trailer light board is useful when your vehicle’s rear lights or number plate are blocked by a trailer, bike rack, load carrier or bulky equipment. It repeats key lighting signals at the back of the setup, helping show when you are braking, indicating or driving in low light.

For camping trips, cycling holidays and general towing, this can make a big difference. A packed vehicle, loaded trailer or rear-mounted bike rack can obscure important signals, so a clear light board helps keep your setup more road-ready.

In the UK, GOV.UK guidance says a trailer must display the same number plate as the towing car, and DVSA guidance advises checking trailer lights and indicators before towing.

How to Choose a Trailer Light Board

Start by checking your vehicle’s towbar electrics. Many towing setups use either a 7-pin or 13-pin plug, so the board needs to match your socket or be used with a suitable adaptor where appropriate.

Key decision factors include plug type, cable length, board width, light functions, mounting method, number plate holder, number plate illumination, weather resistance, durability, storage size and whether the board suits the trailer, carrier or load you plan to use it with.

You should also think about visibility. The board should be wide enough and positioned clearly at the rear of your setup so indicators, brake lights and rear lights can be seen properly.

7-Pin vs 13-Pin Trailer Light Boards

A 7-pin trailer light board is commonly used for basic trailer lighting functions. It can be a practical choice for many small trailers, cycle carriers and simple towing setups, provided it matches your vehicle socket.

A 13-pin trailer light board or adaptor setup may be needed if your vehicle uses a newer 13-pin towing socket. This connection type is common on many modern towbar installations and caravanning setups.

The trade-off is compatibility. A 7-pin board is useful if your vehicle has a 7-pin socket, while a 13-pin setup is needed for vehicles fitted with 13-pin electrics. Always check your socket before buying, rather than guessing.

LED Trailer Boards vs Bulb Trailer Boards

LED trailer light boards are often chosen because they can be bright, efficient and long-lasting, depending on the product. They may also be useful for regular towing where visibility and low maintenance are priorities.

Traditional bulb trailer boards can be simple, familiar and easy to understand. Depending on the design, replacement bulbs may be straightforward, but you should still check the board before every journey.

The right choice depends on how often you tow, your budget and your preference for maintenance. Whichever type you choose, all lights should work correctly before setting off.

Cable Length and Mounting Options

Cable length matters more than many people realise. The cable needs to reach comfortably from your vehicle socket to the rear of the trailer, bike rack or load without pulling tight or dragging on the road.

Mounting is just as important. Some trailer light boards are designed to strap, clip, hang or fix onto a trailer or carrier. A secure fit helps stop the board moving, swinging or falling during travel.

Before buying, measure your setup and think about where the board will sit. A board that is too short, too narrow or awkward to attach can be frustrating and less effective.

Number Plate Holders and Plate Illumination

A trailer light board should provide a clear place to display the correct number plate for the towing vehicle. GOV.UK guidance states that your trailer must display the same number plate as the vehicle towing it.

Number plate lighting is also important where required. DVSA trailer inspection guidance refers to rear registration plate illumination and checks that lighting is positioned to illuminate the plate space.

Choose a trailer board with a practical number plate holder and make sure the plate is secure, readable and not hidden by bikes, straps, luggage or other equipment.

Trailer Light Boards for Bike Racks, Trailers and Loads

For rear-mounted bike racks, a trailer light board is useful when the bikes block your car’s lights or number plate. It gives following drivers a clearer view of your signals and registration plate.

For trailers, the board helps display rear lights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate at the back of the trailer. This is especially useful for small trailers, camping trailers, utility trailers and loads where fitted lights are missing, damaged or not visible.

For longer or awkward loads, make sure the board is placed where it can be seen clearly and attached securely. If you are unsure what your setup needs, check the trailer, carrier and vehicle guidance before travelling.

Safety Checks Before You Tow

Before every journey, check that the board is connected properly and that all lights are working. Ask someone to stand behind the trailer while you test indicators, brake lights, tail lights and fog lights where fitted.

DVSA guidance says to check that there is no damage to the lights and that they all work correctly. It also advises checking that the 7-core or 13-core cable and plug are not damaged before towing.

Keep cables tidy and away from the ground, exhaust heat, wheels and sharp edges. Recheck the board after loading, as bikes, straps or luggage can sometimes block lights that looked clear before packing.

Useful Features to Look For

A good trailer light board should be easy to connect, simple to mount and clear from a distance. Look for strong cable connections, practical fixing points, a secure number plate holder and a board length that suits your trailer or rear carrier.

For regular use, durability and storage matter. A board that packs neatly, resists knocks and is easy to clean after wet or muddy journeys will be more pleasant to use again.

If you tow in poor weather or on long journeys, choose a board that feels robust enough for real road conditions and check the product details for weather suitability.

Shop Trailer Light Boards Online

Browse our trailer light boards range to find practical lighting boards for trailers, bike racks, camping trips, caravanning, towing and rear-mounted loads. Compare plug type, cable length, board width, lighting functions and mounting options to choose the right trailer board for your vehicle setup.

Trailer Light Boards FAQs

What is a trailer light board used for?

A trailer light board is used to display rear lights, indicators, brake lights and a number plate at the back of a trailer, bike rack or rear-mounted load. It helps keep your signals visible to other road users.

Do I need a trailer light board for a bike rack?

You may need a trailer light board if your bike rack or bikes block your vehicle’s rear lights or number plate. The board helps display the required lights and registration plate clearly at the back.

What plug do I need for a trailer light board?

Check your vehicle’s towing socket. Many setups use either a 7-pin or 13-pin socket, so your trailer light board needs to match the socket or be used with a suitable adaptor.

What is the difference between 7-pin and 13-pin trailer boards?

A 7-pin trailer board suits vehicles with a 7-pin towing socket, while a 13-pin setup suits vehicles with a 13-pin socket. The correct choice depends on your vehicle’s towbar electrics.

Are LED trailer light boards better?

LED trailer light boards can be bright and efficient, depending on the product. Bulb-style boards can also be practical. The most important thing is that the board is compatible, secure and fully working before you travel.

How long should the cable be on a trailer light board?

The cable should be long enough to reach from your vehicle socket to the rear of your trailer, bike rack or load without stretching or dragging. Measure your setup before buying.

Does a trailer light board need a number plate?

Yes, when towing a trailer in the UK, the trailer must display the same number plate as the towing vehicle. Make sure the plate is securely fitted and clearly visible.

How do I test a trailer light board?

Connect the board to your vehicle socket, then test the indicators, brake lights, tail lights and any other fitted functions. It helps to have another person stand behind the trailer and confirm everything is working.

Can I use a trailer light board in wet weather?

Many trailer light boards are designed for outdoor use, but weather resistance varies by product. Check the product details and keep plugs, cables and connections in good condition.

What should I check before driving with a trailer light board?

Check the plug, cable, mounting, number plate, brake lights, indicators, tail lights and overall visibility. Make sure the board is secure and that nothing blocks the lights or registration plate.

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