Trailer Light Boards
Trailer light boards are essential for ensuring your trailer, bike rack, or towed load is fully road legal and visible to other drivers. Designed to replicate your vehicle’s brake lights, indicators, and number plate illumination, these plug-and-play lighting systems are a legal requirement when your rear lights or number plate are obscured. Since 1988, we’ve supplied durable, road-compliant light boards trusted by UK drivers, trailer owners, and outdoor enthusiasts for towing safety in all conditions.
Why You Need a Trailer Light Board
Whenever a trailer or rear-mounted carrier blocks your car’s tail lights or number plate, a fully functional trailer board is required by UK law. It connects directly to your vehicle’s electrics and provides:
Fully operational brake lights, indicators, and tail lights
Number plate illumination for legal compliance
Improved visibility in low light or bad weather
Plug-and-play convenience with standard 7-pin or 13-pin plugs
Peace of mind when towing trailers, bike racks, boats, or horseboxes
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Trailer Light Board
Key Factors to Consider
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Length of the light board | Must match or exceed trailer width for full visibility |
| Plug type (7-pin or 13-pin) | Must be compatible with your vehicle’s electrical socket |
| Cable length | Needs to comfortably reach from car socket to the rear of the trailer |
| Mounting options | Includes screw holes, clips or straps for secure fitting |
| Number plate panel | Some models have a space for attaching your rear number plate |
| Water resistance | Essential for boat trailers or regular wet-weather use |
Subcategory Breakdown
Standard Trailer Light Boards
Affordable, entry-level boards with all necessary lights and a 7-pin plug. Ideal for garden trailers and general towing.
Heavy-Duty Trailer Boards
Built with reinforced casings, sealed lights, and thick cables — suited to commercial trailers or farm use.
LED Trailer Boards
Energy-efficient and longer lasting, ideal for modern vehicles or those regularly driving at night.
Trailer Boards with Number Plate Holder
Feature a flat surface or clips for easy number plate attachment, complying with road visibility laws.
13-Pin Plug Trailer Boards
Compatible with newer vehicles and caravans — provide full lighting and auxiliary functions.
Expert Tips
Match the plug type on your trailer board to your vehicle (most UK cars use 7-pin, newer models may use 13-pin)
Use extension leads if your trailer or load is long — check cable length before purchase
For bike racks, ensure the board is wide enough to be visible beyond the rack’s edges
Always check the board’s lights are working before each journey
Clean lenses and connections regularly to avoid poor visibility or corrosion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using the wrong plug type — 7-pin plugs won’t fit 13-pin sockets without an adapter
❌ Forgetting to fit a number plate — required if your original plate is obscured
❌ Using a light board that’s too short for your trailer width
❌ Leaving boards unsecured — they can fall or bounce while driving
❌ Ignoring damaged cables — exposed wires can lead to electrical faults
Bestselling Trailer Light Boards
Maypole 4ft Trailer Board with 7-Pin Plug – Classic, road-legal, and ideal for most trailers
Ring LED Trailer Light Board (5ft) – Durable LED version with long-lasting bulbs and bright output
Streetwize 3ft Compact Trailer Board – Lightweight and perfect for smaller trailers or bike carriers
Witter Heavy-Duty Trailer Board with 8m Cable – Designed for large trailers, boats or commercial towing
MP Automotive 13-Pin Trailer Light Board – Compatible with modern vehicles and caravans
Thule Light Board for Bike Racks – Tailored to fit behind rear-mounted cycle carriers
SAS Trailer Board with Plate Holder and LED Lights – Combines visibility, compliance, and long cable reach
Trailer Light Boards – FAQs
1. What is a trailer light board used for?
A trailer light board replicates your car’s rear lights and number plate when they’re obscured by a trailer or load, ensuring legal and safe towing.
2. Is a trailer light board a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes — if your rear lights or number plate are blocked, a working light board is mandatory under UK road laws.
3. What’s the difference between 7-pin and 13-pin plugs?
A 7-pin plug provides all necessary lighting signals (brakes, indicators, tail lights). A 13-pin plug includes extra features like reverse lights and battery charge circuits for caravans.
4. How do I attach a trailer light board?
Most boards include mounting holes, straps, or clips. Ensure it’s secure and visible, and connect the plug to your vehicle’s socket.
5. How long should the cable be?
It depends on trailer size. For small trailers, 4–5 metres is usually enough. For longer trailers or boats, consider 8 metres or more.
6. Can I use LED trailer boards with any vehicle?
Generally yes, but older vehicles may need a resistor or LED-compatible relay to prevent flickering or bulb failure warnings.
7. Do I need to attach a separate number plate?
Yes — if your original plate is obscured, you must fit a duplicate to the trailer board.
8. Can I use a trailer board with a bike rack?
Absolutely. Choose a compact board with secure mounting and the correct plug to ensure full compliance.
9. What should I do if one of the lights isn’t working?
Check the bulb, wiring, and plug connection. Clean the contacts and replace blown bulbs immediately.
10. Are trailer boards waterproof?
Most are water-resistant, but not fully submersible. For boat trailers, choose sealed LED models with reinforced wiring.
Final Thoughts
Trailer light boards are a vital part of safe and legal towing. Whether you’re moving a trailer, transporting bikes, or towing for work, a quality light board ensures full visibility and compliance with UK law. Our wide range includes compact, heavy-duty, and LED options with plug types and cable lengths to suit every vehicle and trailer setup. Trusted by drivers since 1988, we only stock trailer boards built for the road ahead.
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