Trailer Light Kits: 2026 Test & Comparison

Fully functional, road-legal lights are essential for every trailer. They help keep you safe and make your trailer visible to other road users. Our 2026 comparison explains what to look for when choosing trailer lights and which options suit your needs.

What functions do my trailer lights need?

Germany's Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) set out the minimum requirements. Your trailer lights must reliably provide these functions:

• Tail lights: Make your trailer visible from behind in the dark.
• Brake lights: Shine brighter than the tail lights when you apply the brakes.
• Turn signals: Signal your intention to turn to other road users.
• Reflectors (cat's eyes): Reflect light from other vehicles.
• License plate light: Keeps your trailer's license plate readable at night.

Many modern kits also include a rear fog light, which improves visibility from behind in poor conditions. Larger trailers or caravans may also need side marker lights or parking lights. A good kit includes all the functions required for your trailer.

7-pin or 13-pin? Choosing the right trailer plug

Choosing a plug system is an important decision. The classic 7-pin plug (ISO 1724) is enough for most car trailers. It carries the basic lighting signals.

The 13-pin plug (ISO 11446) is now standard on newer vehicles, especially motorhomes and caravans. Its main advantage is the extra contacts, which let you:

• Supply power to a separate battery in the caravan.
• Use a separate ground connection for more reliable operation.
• Connect a trailer reversing light control system.
• Run separate wiring for electric brakes.

Important: If your car has a 13-pin socket but your trailer has only a 7-pin plug, you'll need an adapter. A simple, reliable adapter such as the

Fritz Göbel 13-pin to 7-pin trailer adapter for car

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converts the signals correctly. If your car has a 7-pin socket and your trailer has a 13-pin plug, you can use an adapter such as the

Fritz Göbel GmbH 7-pin to 13-pin trailer adapter – converts car 7-pin to 13-pin

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.

Comparing mounting options: Which is best?

Trailer lights come with several mounting options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed-mounted lights

Traditional lights bolt securely to the trailer frame for a stable, durable fit. The wiring can be installed permanently or connected with plugs. This option is ideal for trailers that always have lights fitted.

Magnetic mounts for flexibility

Lights such as the

3-chamber light with magnetic mount, 7,5 m cable, 7-pin

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Fully wired kits

A fully wired kit such as the

3-function trailer lighting, fully wired

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Buying criteria: What to look for

Beyond features and plug type, there are several other important quality factors to consider.

StVZO approval and inspection marks

Only buy lights with a General Operating Permit (ABE) or an ECE approval mark. This confirms that the product meets legal requirements and is approved for use on public roads. Without this approval, you could face a fine and risk losing your insurance coverage.

Ingress protection rating (IP code)

Because trailer lights are constantly exposed to the elements, they need solid protection from water and dust. An IP rating of at least IP54 is recommended. IP54 provides reliable protection against splashing water. If you often drive in the rain or in dirty conditions, IP67 or higher is a better choice.

Build quality

Look for sturdy housings made from durable plastic or metal. The cables should have an adequate cross-section and resist oil, gasoline and UV radiation. High-quality plug connections resist corrosion and provide reliable contact over time.

Note: Even the best lights are no use if they are not working properly. Invest in a reliable lighting tester, such as the

Fritz Göbel vehicle lighting tester - Fast & Accurate Light Function Test

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. Use it to quickly check that all signals are working before every trip.

Compare trailer lights

Our comparison will help you understand the different types of trailer lights and find the right one for your needs.

Here are the most-reviewed trailer lights in our range:

Care and maintenance for a long service life

Regular maintenance helps keep your trailer lights working reliably for years.

• Cleaning: Clean the light lenses regularly with water and a mild cleaner. Dried-on dirt can reduce light output.
• Contact care: Apply contact spray to the plug contacts from time to time. This helps prevent corrosion and maintain a reliable electrical connection.
• Function check: Test all lighting functions before every trip, especially after the trailer has been parked for a long time. A tester lets you do this on your own.
• Cable check: Regularly inspect the cables for damage, breaks or worn insulation.

A little routine maintenance can prevent costly failures and help keep your trailer road-ready.

Conclusion: How to choose the right trailer lights

There is no single best trailer lighting solution for everyone. The right choice depends on your needs. If you only tow a small car trailer occasionally, a flexible magnetic kit is a good fit. It is quick to install and remove.

If you use your trailer regularly and want to keep it equipped, consider investing in a high-quality, fully wired kit. It saves installation time and delivers consistent performance. Pay close attention to the IP rating and cable quality.

If the plugs are incompatible, an adapter is a simple, safe solution. For peace of mind that everything is working, a lighting tester is essential. Whichever option you choose, make sure all products have valid StVZO approval. That way, you can stay compliant and travel with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Which trailer lights are legally required?

The StVZO requires trailers to have working tail lights, brake lights and turn signals, as well as reflectors and license plate lights. The exact setup depends on the trailer's size and type. Use only lights with a General Operating Permit (ABE) or an ECE approval mark.

What's the difference between 7-pin and 13-pin trailer lighting?

A 7-pin plug carries basic functions such as turn signals, brake lights and tail lights. The 13-pin standard adds connections for the rear fog light, charging the trailer battery, grounding for caravans and other functions. A 13-pin connection is usually needed for caravans and trailers with electric brakes.

Can I install trailer lights myself?

Yes, you can install them yourself if you have some DIY experience. Fully wired kits make installation easier. After installation, test every function with a vehicle lighting tester or ask someone to help. Check that the polarity is correct and that all cable connections are secure and waterproof.

What does the IP rating mean for trailer lights?

The IP rating (International Protection) indicates how well a housing is protected from solid objects and water. For trailer lights, IP54 or higher is recommended. It protects against splashing water from any direction. Higher ratings such as IP67 protect against temporary immersion and are a good choice for frequent use in wet conditions.

Do I need a complete lighting kit for a small car trailer?

For a standard car trailer, a complete kit with tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, reflectors and license plate lights is the simplest and safest option. It includes all legally required components and ensures they work together. Browse the kits in our trailer lighting category.