Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

[canuckjgc]

The bottom of the lense of my boat trailer cracked (and fell out). But looking directly at the lens you would never tell anything is wrong.

This will allow water in (obviously) when I launch, but I don't think it was waterproof to begin with (2004 ezloader with regular lightbulbs). The other lense doesn't look totally waterproof.

I'd rather not replace the lense if I don't have to.....thoughts?

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

If they aren't water tight you are going to get water in the lenses.

If you don't unplug the lights before backing in the cold water hitting the bulb could cause the bulbs to crack and go out on you.

Then there is the moisture in there after the water runs out causing corrosion of the sockets and causing a failure of the light. and when you go to change the bulb the base might be corroded int the socket which could be a PITA.

however if they aren't corroded too badly yet a good slathering of silicone grease or any thick water repellent for that matter might extend the life of the socket.

If it were me I would just buy some new sealed led trailer lights and change them out. http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Trailer-LED-Lights/dm/*******.706835737--**********.169621230--view_id.217588

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

Any compelling reason why you don't want to replace the lens? Should be able to get one for a five spot.

 

[gstanton]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

I just figure on replacing both ~3 years (salt)... at about 9.00 each. LED's are still too expensive for my taste. I figure I can replace a lot of incandescents for the same money. and I really don't care what they look like, as long as they work! It only takes 15 min or so - aka less than a six pak.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

i cant imagine your red lense keeps any water out even if bolted in place, also cant imagine on a 2004 trailer that they arent submersible[meaning they have a clear lense around the bulb]. i never unplug mine and they never give me issues. if they arnt submersable then i highly surgest you go spend $30.00 for a set and install them. that way you never unplug and never forget to plug in when you leave.

 

[weareallnuts]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

I put pole trailer guides on my boat, extended the wiring up through the metal tube then pvc, mounted lights at the top using sch 40 pvc 90's, short piece of pvc to mount the lights, and end caps. A couple bolts in the bottom of the poles prevent the pvc from turning. You have to ground the lights to the trailer at the bracket. Voila, no problem with water ever again, plus the guides make it easier to launch and load your boat.

If you're interested, I'll be glad to send you pictures.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Bottom of trailer light lens cracked, water gets in, is this a problem?

I put pole trailer guides on my boat, extended the wiring up through the metal tube then pvc, mounted lights at the top using sch 40 pvc 90's, short piece of pvc to mount the lights, and end caps. A couple bolts in the bottom of the poles prevent the pvc from turning. You have to ground the lights to the trailer at the bracket. Voila, no problem with water ever again, plus the guides make it easier to launch and load your boat.

If you're interested, I'll be glad to send you pictures.

I would be happy to see those pics if you care to post them. I am considering doing something similar.

In response to the thread: One of the places I shop has cheap trailer lights they call "submersible" because the light housing has a hole in the bottom to let the water drain out. There is no seal around the lens so they are making no attempt to keep the water out, just prevent the water from staying in. They are cheap enough to replace every couple years when the bulb sockets corrode up. Myself: I have a routine of unplugging the lights as soon as I get to the launch. It is the first thing I do when I get out of the vehicle. By the time I have the straps and cover off and the fenders and mooring ropes on, the bulbs are cooled enough to submerge. Plus I always have spare bulbs in the vehicle.