Trends & innovations for 24 Volt trailer manufacturing 2026

In this blog you will read:

• The latest trends in trailer manufacturing
• How plug-&-play and modular wiring harnesses speed up mounting
• Why robustness and regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly important
• How to standardise lighting more intelligently across multiple vehicles

From individual lighting to an integrated lighting system

The biggest shift is not in the lights themselves, but in how you bring them together. A modern lighting system consists of LED luminaires, a wiring harness, connectors, a distribution point and corresponding documentation. You no longer buy these parts separately, but rather coordinate them. This shifts the question from "which light fits here?" to "which system fits this vehicle type and production series?". It is precisely this system approach that reduces the risk of error and makes repeatable mounting possible.

Plug-and-play lighting

This is where the greatest practical benefit lies. With plug-&-play lighting, a fitter connects pre-assembled components without cutting, stripping or soldering. This reduces installation time, lowers the risk of errors and ensures the result is reproducible across an entire production run. Particularly in series surface mounting, every minute per vehicle counts double. A standardised connector system also means that new staff can get up to speed more quickly and that field servicing is simpler. Take a look at the plug-&-play lighting kits for 24V trailers.

Modular wiring harnesses make semi-trailer construction more predictable

A modular wiring harness reduces wiring to fixed connection points and lengths. As a result, you deliver less customisation per vehicle and the routing in surface mounting remains the same. This affects the entire chain: work preparation is simpler, mounting faster and maintenance clearer. If anything ever breaks down, you replace a module instead of an entire line. A well thought-out design starts with professional cabling for vehicle lighting that is matched to the vehicle type.

Robust vehicle lighting for intensive use

Trailers and semi-trailers operate in harsh conditions: water, dirt, vibrations, temperature fluctuations and stone chips are all part and parcel of the job. Robust vehicle lighting copes with this thanks to a high IP rating, vibration-resistant housings and resistance to aggressive cleaning. For most trailer applications, IP67 is the standard. If you wash vehicles with a high-pressure washer or work in extreme conditions, you’re better off choosing IP69K. That choice makes the difference between years of trouble-free driving and premature breakdowns.

An IP69K rating means that a luminaire can withstand water jets at approximately 80 °C under pressures of 80 to 100 bar. This is precisely the level of stress a trailer is subjected to in a professional car wash.

Regulations remain a key factor

However clever a solution may be, it must, of course, comply with the regulations. ECE regulations specify the position, function, colour and visibility of each light function, whilst ECE R10 ensures electromagnetic compatibility. You should therefore always opt for ECE-approved components and record the approvals in your documentation. A trend may speed up mounting, but never at the expense of homologation. You can read more about this in the article on the applicable regulations for truck and trailer lighting, or consult the official UNECE vehicle regulations.

Styling and uniformity become more important

Appearance has become a serious selling point. A dark "dark look", slim marker lights and a uniform light colour give a fleet a recognisable and professional face. For bodybuilders, uniformity is also practical: the same components on every vehicle mean fewer variants in our stock and a more consistent end result. Shape and function reinforce each other here.

What does this mean for bodybuilders and semi-trailer manufacturers?

The red thread running through these trends is standardisation. Specifically, this means:

• Standardise lighting and connectors where you can;
• design modular, so that components remain interchangeable;
• include lighting early in the surface mounting, not as the final piece;
• Choose certified components and keep approvals;
• Work with a partner that combines lighting, cabling and consulting.

This reduces failure costs and delivers predictable quality, vehicle after vehicle.

From trend to applicable solution

Trends are only valuable if they pay off in your workshop. TRALERT® combines LED lighting, modular cabling and plug-&-play solutions into a single system tailored to your vehicle type and production process. Would you like to speed up your mounting and reduce your failure costs? Then take a look at the page on TRALERT® lighting kits or ask our advisers for a bespoke lighting plan.

FAQ

Why are semi-trailer manufacturers increasingly choosing plug-and-play lighting?

Plug-&-play lighting shortens installation time and reduces the risk of errors, as fitters connect pre-assembled components without cutting or soldering. In series surface mounting, this produces reproducible results and lower failure costs. In addition, field service is easier, as components are quickly interchangeable via fixed connectors.

Which IP class does semi-trailer lighting in heavy transport need?

For most trailer and semi-trailer applications, IP67 is the standard: dust- and waterproof, even during temporary immersion. If you clean vehicles with a high-pressure washer or work in extreme conditions, IP69K offers extra certainties against hot, powerful jets of water. Choose the rating that suits the intensity of your daily use.

Do modular LED lighting systems comply with the ECE requirements for trailers?

Yes, provided you use ECE-approved components. ECE R48 determines the position and function of each light source, while ECE R10 ensures electromagnetic compatibility. Modular systems do not change this: the approval is in the components themselves. Record the homologation numbers in your documentation so that you can prove everything when inspected or delivered.