Trailer Accessories

About Trailer Accessories

Trailer accessories are essential components for safe, legal, and efficient towing operations across the UK. MyToolShed.co.uk supplies a comprehensive range of trailer equipment including lighting systems, electrical connectors, tie-down straps, coupling components, and specialist lifting gear. Whether you're a tradesperson transporting tools and materials between sites, a motorsport enthusiast moving bikes to events, or a weekend DIYer collecting building supplies, having the correct trailer accessories ensures your load is secure and your setup meets UK road safety regulations.

Modern trailer accessories have evolved considerably, with LED lighting boards offering superior visibility and durability compared to traditional bulb systems, whilst wireless trailer light sets provide convenient plug-and-play solutions. MyToolShed stocks both 7-pin N-type and 13-pin Euro socket systems to suit various vehicle configurations, alongside professional-grade ratchet tie-down straps, static mounted cranes, and specialist motorcycle securing systems. Our range features quality products predominantly from trusted manufacturers including Sealey and Draper, ensuring reliability for both commercial and domestic applications.

Applications

Trailer accessories serve a wide range of professional trades and personal uses:

• Builders and Construction Contractors – transporting tools, materials, and equipment between job sites daily
• Landscapers and Groundworkers – hauling machinery, aggregates, and landscaping materials
• Electricians and Plumbers – carrying cable drums, pipe work, and specialist equipment to various locations
• Plant Hire Companies – moving mini-diggers, compactors, and hired machinery safely
• Motorcycle Enthusiasts – transporting bikes to track days, race events, or workshops
• Caravan Owners – requiring proper electrical connections and lighting for towable accommodation
• Car Transporters – using specialist tie-down systems for vehicle recovery and transportation
• Agricultural Workers – moving livestock trailers, feed, and farm equipment
• DIY Enthusiasts – occasional users needing reliable equipment for house moves or material collection

Choosing The Right Trailer Accessories

Electrical Compatibility: Determine whether your vehicle has a 7-pin N-type or 13-pin Euro socket. Most modern vehicles feature 13-pin systems offering additional functionality including reverse lights and permanent 12v power. Adaptors are available if your vehicle and trailer use different systems.

Lighting Requirements: Basic trailer boards provide essential rear lights for occasional use, whilst LED systems offer superior brightness, lower power consumption, and extended lifespan. Wireless trailer light sets are ideal for users without permanent wiring installations, offering quick setup and removal.

Load Securing: Select ratchet tie-down straps with load ratings exceeding your cargo weight by an adequate safety margin. Specialist applications like motorcycle transport benefit from dedicated fast-lock systems that prevent movement without damaging paintwork. Always inspect straps for wear or fraying before use.

Weather Resistance: Choose electrical components with appropriate IP ratings for water and dust protection, particularly important given British weather conditions. Quality connectors with proper sealing prevent corrosion and electrical failures during operation.

Safety Information

All trailer lighting must function correctly before every journey—check indicators, brake lights, and side lights each time you connect your trailer. Ensure lighting boards are securely mounted with cables routed safely away from moving parts and road surfaces. When using tie-down straps, never exceed stated working load limits and secure loads at multiple points with even weight distribution. Electrical connections must be clean, dry, and properly seated to prevent short circuits. Always verify your vehicle's towing capacity isn't exceeded by the combined weight of trailer and cargo, as overloading affects braking performance and may invalidate insurance cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 7-pin N-type provides basic lighting functions including indicators, brake lights, and side lights. The 13-pin Euro socket, now standard on modern vehicles, offers additional features including reverse light activation and dedicated caravan power supply. Adaptors available at MyToolShed.co.uk allow compatibility between both systems.

Are LED trailer boards better than traditional bulb versions?

LED trailer boards offer brighter visibility in poor conditions, draw less power from your vehicle's 240v to 12v converted electrical system, resist vibration damage, and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs. Whilst LED boards cost more initially, they prove more economical and reliable over time.

How tight should ratchet tie-down straps be tensioned?

Straps should be firm enough to eliminate cargo movement but not so tight they damage the load. Typically, you shouldn't be able to lift the strap more than 25-50mm away from the cargo surface. Over-tensioning risks damaging both strap and cargo, whilst under-tensioning allows dangerous load shift during transit.