backup floodlight on a Cobra trailer?

[Matt Herron]

I thought it might be useful to install a backup floodlight on my 1999 Fiberglass top Cobra trailer for backing it into my side yard after dark.  The 7 pin RV connector on my car and RV has a pin dedicated to reverse, and the 6 pin round on the trailer has an AUX/charger pin that might be used, so it seems doable.  Anyone ever tried this?  Suggestions on lights and positioning? (up on the fin box area?)

Thanks, 

Matt (J3)

[Guy Byars]

Get a cheap hand held LED light from Amazon, put velcro on it and also on the back of your trailer.  Whenever you need to backup, stick the LED light on the back of the trailer and turn it on.

[Tom Seim]

Here is a LED light that will fit onto the dog house:

https://www.amazon.com/Buyers-Products-5624324-Back-Up-Light/dp/B005H8YMKE/ref=sims_dp_d_dex_ai_rank_model_3_d_v1_d_sccl_1_1/142-9465406-6710009?pd_rd_w=xfEZK&content-id=amzn1.sym.5f8efc59-5cdc-4991-ae96-a0843709ca56&pf_rd_p=5f8efc59-5cdc-4991-ae96-a0843709ca56&pf_rd_r=SYSB23MJTDM7VAS25ZEW&pd_rd_wg=UVUVe&pd_rd_r=45225263-471f-4bbe-ad86-c62c36d096c6&pd_rd_i=B005H8YMKE&th=1

If you don't have a reverse circuit available, you can wire it to the running lights and add a switch, either manual or remote controlled.

Tom 2G

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[Marc Brinker]

Here's another idea - how about a wireless backup camera instead of (or in addition to) the backup light. Has IR vision for night use, regular camera view during the day. I just googled it, and there appear to be plenty of options. Mostly geared toward the RV market - but would be a great addition to sailplane trailer. 

Search "wireless backup camera" on Amazon. Several options less than $100. 

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[Matt Herron]

I like the Camera idea.  Will look into that.  I 3D printed a holder for my phone on the back so I could "FaceTime" with the back of the trailer, but the mount distorted in the summer heat and wouldn't hold the iPhone.  I just bought these lights so I could aim them down.  Will see how they work  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QVWVLVS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

[John Johnson]

I have a wireless camera and it works great day and night.  I mounted the camera bracket to the top of the fin.  The camera gets 12V from the taillights so I have to have the lights on to use it.  I use it a lot when swinging the trailer around in tight places like getting past the gas pump island after fueling.  Without a spotter, its really hard to judge sometimes and the camera helps a lot.  Bright, very clear picture.  Wish it was a bit more wide angle for the trailer clearance viewing.

2 years ago, mine was $100 but is no longer available on Amazon.  Many similar are available:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVHJQYK?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3 

[John DeRosa]

Matt,

Yes, it seems doable. Pretty simple three steps to accomplish it.  Note: I have not done this.

While my presentation on trailer wiring (https://aviation.derosaweb.net/presentations/#trailerwiring) doesn't touch specifically on a backup (reverse) light you might find the information within it useful.  It has the information on all the various Euro and US trailer connectors and includes a schematic for a Cobra trailer.

As you noted there is an "Aux" pin blue wire in Cobra trailers that is listed as for a "fog light".  My documentation indicates that this blue wire is not used inside Cobra trailers at least for your vintage.   

Here are the three steps;

1. At the front of the trailer connect the Cobra trailer's blue "Aux" wire to the US 7-pin connector's "reverse lights" center pin.
2. At the aft of the trailer gain access to the Cobra internal wiring block located behind an aluminum panel (see the attached photos below).  At the top is an unused blue connector which contains the needed blue Aux wire (+) and a white ground wire (-).  So if you can find the matching Euro connector this project will be simpler.  Let me know if you do find a source.
3. Connect your new backup light to the blue Aux wire and ground.  Make sure of proper polarity if using LED.  It should work. 

Let me know how it turns out.

Good luck, John (OHM)

Warning: I have seen several Cobra trailers with burnt wiring.  Tread carefully.  Test frequently with a voltmeter. Hopefully you read this far!  

[Jim M]

That's what I did, with a switch mounted inside.  It should make derigging in the dark easier too.

[Mark Mocho]

Tresda 30W Rechargeable Work Light, 3000 Lumen Magnetic Work Light Battery Powered, Waterproof Portable Cordless Job Site Lighting for Construction Site, Workshop, Garage, Camping, and Car Repairing - Amazon.com

[Matt Herron]

This is great info John.  Thanks very much.  Jim, I also like the idea of putting a light inside.  I didn't consider de-rigging in the dark...

[Eric Greenwell]

I've heard of pilots that mount a light duty trailer hitch to the front bumper, so they can push the trailer backwards while easily seeing the trailer and everything behind it.

[Eric Greenwell]

Derigging in the dark: unhook the trailer, position the tow vehicle so it's headlights illuminate the glider and trailer.

Eric G

[Matt Herron]

I ended up hooking some flood LEDs (see previous post) to the running lights wire, and adding a waterproof switch on the outside under the light.  I also did the same thing on the inside.  Simple, and direct.  I am also considering adding a connector that matches the plane batteries so I can power the trailer light without the car connected.  Not sure where to put it yet...

Matt

[Doug Tarmichael]

How do you back up a trailer with a surge brake?

Doug

[christopher behm]

Cobra surge brakes only work rolling forward, not back. Ingenious. 

Regards, 

Chris

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Subject: Re: [RAS_Prime] backup floodlight on a Cobra trailer?

 

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[David S]

On my Cobra trailer, the surge brake disengages once the wheel starts turning backwards.

   ...david

[Michael Opitz]

On older ones there is an S shaped hook where you manually slide one end in a slot behind the surge brake piston.  This prevents the piston from moving rearwards and activating the brakes. 
Once you again move forward, the S hook is spring loaded to pop out to let the surge brake work normally again.