non-waterproof trailer lights

[PmDavis300]

so i have a very old trailer with unsealed lights on it. will this blow fuses or anything when i put it in the water? Im going to buy some new lights eventually, but i cant afford it at the moment.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

Unplug them when you get to the ramp while you are loading gear etc in boat.
This will let the bulbs dry before they hit the cold water.
Then when you pull out, let them dry again while you are securing boat and gear and then plug them back in.
When replacing your trailer lights, go with the LED lights.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

Do what they suggest, I had one short out on me and had to replace them both with submersible lights. It was my fault as i was rushing to get out of the way. People at the ramp can be so fiesty sometimes. lol

 

[dono16]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

Couldn't agree more just unplug them,, also since your on a budget you could try and cilicone up the lights you have, just be sure and get every possible place water might get in ,,,,,,,good luck

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

One more thing I have done.
If after you seal everything up and still see water inside, drill a small hole in the very bottom and it will let the water drain out quicker.
Still though, unplug them.
Also keep check on corrosion around the wires and mounting bolts.
Good cause to lose ground.

 

[burroak]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

Unplugging the trailer lights is a good practice in all cases.

If the light housings are not water tight, slather the socket and the base with dielectric grease and drill a hole in the bottom of the housing. Even watertight lights can fail; and most do, in time. Condensation of humidity is a big culprit. Ambient temps and internal heat from the bulbs will cause an expansion of the air inside and it will find a point of least resistance out and in turn the outside air will find its way back inside the same way. You are probably better off than the guy who thinks his lighting system is bullet proof. Since you know that the lights are not water tight, check the grease application often and re-apply as warranted.

 

[MercGuy]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

There is one more consideration.

You state that your lights are unsealed, but they could still be water tight. Are your lights the "diving bell" style ?

That style of light is open at the bottom, but sealed on the sides and top, and can be dunked without problem. I had an old trailer with this style light and never had any problems during the 7 years that I owned it.

Just a random thought...

 

[reelfishin]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

I've owned just about every style trailer light there is over the years and so far I haven't seen any standard bulb style light that won't take on water or short out when dunked to some degree.
Bulbs get hot, and when you dunk a hot bulb in cold water, its going to fail.
The newest epoxy sealed circuit boards of most LED lights work the best, with no concern of water intrusion into the electronics. But even they can hold water in the lens. I've cut larger drain holes in mine to let the water out the bottom.

On regular incandescent type bulb lights, your best bet is to coat all contacts and bulb sockets with grease and simply unplug before every launch and allow a few minutes for the lens to drain after coming out of the water. The best lights are the simplest ones when it comes to that style. I run about 50/50 salt and freshwater here, so it's not uncommon to have a light's internal contacts to corrode away in a season or two. The best lights I've had so far have been the low profile LED's. A lot of guys here mount their lights on top of guide on posts, thus keeping them completely out of the water.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

There is no good time to have to change a trailer light bulb.
The best time is at home on a day when you're not going boating.
Test and check lights every time immediately before going on the road.

 

[jtexas]

Re: non-waterproof trailer lights

if you mount your lights high on the guide-ons, you won't have to worry about it.