Both systems are based on using LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting systems, which have been making inroads as they are particularly suited to the agri sector. LED light units use multiple small, but bright, LEDs to perform the function of a conventional bulb. The majority are sealed for life units with thousands of hours working capability before possible failure of an individual LED bulb. This was our RockFit experience.

RockFit

RockFit Technologies Ltd based at Shannon, Co Clare recently launched its solution to the agricultural trailer light problem. RockFit has taken trailer wiring to the extreme and developed a ‘plug and play’ LED lighting system with steel wire armoured cabling and impact resistant seven-pin moulded plug.

Steve O’Mara is the managing director of RockFit Technologies Ltd and he says that the RockFit Plug and Lighting System has been designed in-house, is built in-house and sold directly to both the consumer/farmer and OEM’s. Stephen is supplying a number of Irish agricultural machinery manufacturers with his lighting system.

He explains the RockFit system: “We have taken the standard seven-pin plug and replaced the ABS plastic, with a stainless steel 316 insert, and a TPE (Thermo Polyethylene) over-mole giving the unit complete corrosion proof, durability and flexibility. The plug can now take 3.5 tonnes of pressure before it will distort the outside of the plug, but leaving the internal working completely functional.

“From the plug, we have replaced the PVC cable with a silicon-based insulation which is resistant to moisture, UV, dirt, wear and tear, silage, and water (including salt water). The cable has a further layer of protection with Steel Wire Armour throughout, which goes back to a watertight and submersible junction box pre-wired for user.

From the junction box, there is more armoured cable which goes back to two LED lamps. The LED lamps have a constant working life of 100,000 hours, approximately 10 years. The lamps are resin filled to make them waterproof and submersible. The whole unit can be submersed under water, power-washed and driven over. The system comes with a full 10-year replacement policy for non-functional aspects of the unit. The system is completely modular so we can replace any individual component,” says Stephen O’Mara.

There are a number of off-the-shelf systems available on the RockFit website or alternatively there is a configurator where you can build a system to suit yourself. Check out the website www.rockfitirl.com or telephone 061-366980.

Fitting

We fitted a RockFit Plug & Lighting System to the farm’s ageing 27ft bale trailer. This change was compounded by the length of the trailer and 12-volt electrical system (as opposed to a 24-volt truck system which has much more ‘potential energy’). LED lights consume very small amounts of electrical power and the complete sealing should keep muck and water away from vulnerable connections.

Steve sent us a 10.5m system with four amber side markers. Retail price including VAT (before shipping) is €145.

The RockFit Plug & Lighting System is pre-wired, so there is no ‘making up’ of the loom assembly. Simply plug the lamps into the end on the cable.

The rear lamps RockFit used are identical to QTP’s and plugs are also identical. Superseal Block connectors are used to connect the amber side markers to the loom. Like the QTP rear lamps, the RockFit rear lamp connectors require a little care to line up the arrows and pins correctly.

To do a tidy job, I fitted new mounting brackets for all the lights because the originals were in bad shape. The small diameter of the tail lamp plugs was handy when drilling holes for the cable in the new brackets.

The Superseal Block connectors were considerably larger but, luckily, didn’t require any holes to be drilled in the chassis to run the cable out. Left and right rear lamp plugs are marked to avoid any problems fitting.

The armoured cable provides piece of mind when running it along the chassis of an older trailer like this where there are one or two sharp edges from gas-cut modifications and rust worm. Lots of cable ties were used to secure all the cables in place, so hopefully the lights will outlast the trailer.

According to Steve O’Mara from RockFit, a range of mounting brackets for the various lights is also available plus a number plate mounting, all of which are manufactured in-house. A GPS tracker unit is also available incorporated into the wiring loom or as a stand-alone unit.

Likes

√ The indestructability of the kit and, in particular, the peace of mind when used on older trailers.

√ Simple to hook up – one type of plug for the rear lamps and another for the side markers.

Dislikes

X Rear lamps, big fingers — small plug, a little care needed.