Verlichting aanhanger
Just like your car, your trailer needs proper lighting. And this isn’t the Wild West, so those lights must comply with legal requirements. Here you’ll find all essential information to ensure your trailer is fully compliant. We also list the mandatory reflectors so you can hit the road safely.
1. Tail lights
Every trailer must have tail lights, of course. Because your car’s rear lights are blocked when towing.
2. Brake lights
When you brake, your brake lights indicate this. They’re mandatory on your trailer as well. Located at the rear, they must illuminate red when you slow down.
3. Indicators
Need we say more? Turn signals, indicators, blinkers, or whatever you want to call them, are required on every trailer. And of course, they must be used correctly in traffic!
4. Position lights
Trailers up to 160 cm wide must have at least two position lights.
Trailers narrower than 160 cm must combine them with reflectors: white in front, amber on the sides.
Trailers wider than 160 cm require position lights on both the front and sides.
5. Marker lights
Marker lights indicate your trailer’s width. They are mandatory for trailers wider than 160 cm. They must turn on automatically with the position lights.
6. Fog lights
Rear fog lights are usually integrated into the tail light units. Your trailer must have one or two, regardless of whether it has its own licence plate.
Exception: trailers over 750 kg built before 31 December 1997.
7. Outline marker lamps
If you have a wide trailer, outline lighting is recommended. These red-white lights indicate the full top and side outline of the trailer. They’re compulsory from a width of 210 cm.
8. Number plate light
Your number plate must always be visible, even at night. Plate illumination is mandatory, just like on your car.
9. LED
LED lighting has surged in popularity in recent years, and trailers are no exception. LEDs are bright, energy-efficient, shock-resistant and long-lasting. What’s not to like?
Is your old trailer lighting worn out? A full LED upgrade might be the solution! Or choose a new EDUARD trailer. From 4.5 m onwards, our models are equipped with additional LED marker lights as standard.
10. Reflectors
Reflectors are a crucial addition to your lights. They’re mandatory on the rear and sides of all trailers.
Rear:
- 2 equilateral triangles (15–20 cm), point facing upward
- Mounted on a flat surface perpendicular to the trailer’s length
Sides:
- At least 2 amber reflectors per side
- More for longer trailers
ECE104 reflective tape
All EDUARD trailers over 750 kg come with ECE104-certified reflective tape for optimal visibility.
11. Electrical connection
When connecting your trailer, you must plug in the electrical connector. All the trailer’s lighting functions run through this socket.
Two types exist: 7-pin and 13-pin. Today, the 13-pin Jaeger connector is the market standard.
There are also 13-pin Multicon plugs with a different layout. Benefit: they accept 7-pin plugs.
7-pin plugs are the older type and limited — they cannot power a reversing light.
Pro tip:
Adapter plugs exist to connect the two systems. Note: adapters do not add extra functions. A 7-pin to 13-pin setup will only deliver 7-pin functions.
Check-up
As you can see, a trailer has a lot of lighting components. Regular checks are essential, preferably carried out with two people.
How to check:
- Have someone stand behind the trailer and test all the lights.
- No helper? Place a mirror or reflective surface behind the trailer.
- Flickering lights? Use contact spray on the plug, because dirt or usage can reduce conductivity.
- Still not working? Check for loose wires, cable damage or broken bulbs.
- No success? Visit an EDUARD dealer or certified technician.
- Maintenance or inspection coming up? Make sure your lighting is in order.
Light it up!
Your trailer lights must function perfectly for road safety and legal compliance. Therefore, check them regularly.
Notice an issue? Inspect the contacts. And if you can’t solve it yourself, your EDUARD dealer will be happy to help.
