Trailer lights saltwater

[graysilm]

I just bought a set of submergible LED trailer lights. The set came with some small wire nuts to connect the lights to the harness. Should I use these, or is there a better way to connect them. The connection will be getting submerged in saltwater. Also, the lights claim to be submergibe, does this mean I don't have to unplug them before dipping the trailer, or should I still unplug them? Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

i always unplug, let the lights cool down, while i'm taking straps off.

http://www.blazingproducts.com/products/connectors/index.html

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

Unplugging during launch and retrieval is always a good idea. I would not use the wire nuts as that still leaves the connection open to corrosion. Visit the electrical dept at your local home improvement store. They have a good selection of waterproof splicing components.

 

[graysilm]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

do you think heat shrink would provide adaquete corrosion protection?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

Use the heatshrink that has the adhesive inside.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

If your lamp housing hasn't been compromised and they are not leaking its irrelevant if you unplug or not.

If your housings have been compromised and they?re leaking water the moisture is going to damage the sockets and the internal wiring whether you unplug or not. I guess you might save a 90 cent bulb but you have bigger problems at that point.

Keep your lights in good shape and just back it on in.

For the connections use a good water proof connector and then put skrink tubing over them. Then coat the connections with silicon or RTV and you'll never have a problem with your connections

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

If your lamp housing hasn't been compromised and they are not leaking its irrelevant if you unplug or not.

If your housings have been compromised and they?re leaking water the moisture is going to damage the sockets and the internal wiring whether you unplug or not. I guess you might save a 90 cent bulb but you have bigger problems at that point.

Keep your lights in good shape and just back it on in.

For the connections use a good water proof connector and then put skrink tubing over them. Then coat the connections with silicon or RTV and you'll never have a problem with your connections

However saving a 90 cent bulb X 2 each launch and replacing them with your "never ending supply" of spares you carry could become a tad frustrating !!!!
I unplug every time whether I need to or not.

 

[rndn]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I see people unplug them all the time at the launch, while in 11 years of owning and trailering boats, I have never disconnected the lights. To date, I have not had a problem, of course now because I said this they'll both blow the next launch. I only boat in fresh water.

 

[Wassachu]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I use liquid tape to cover my wire splices. I've never had any problems. I would always unplug my lights. It doesn't take any time. It would take more time to replace damages lights. I've always had the old style lights and have had to replace them several times because the light fixtures leak. I've been looking at these new LED lights so I'd like to know how well they hold up.

 

[eastern27]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I just bought a set of submergible LED trailer lights. The set came with some small wire nuts to connect the lights to the harness. Should I use these, or is there a better way to connect them. The connection will be getting submerged in saltwater. Also, the lights claim to be submergibe, does this mean I don't have to unplug them before dipping the trailer, or should I still unplug them? Thanks

I don't think he has to worry about sockets with these. LED'S are a solid state device. Assuming they were made for marine use all you need to worry about is the harness connections. Solder and adhesive shrink tube should do it.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

Here's how I make em last in salt, I used the bell jar ones that are open on the bottom, the connections, I used crimp ons but sealed with liquid electrical tape (tip: it doesn't last forever, eventually cracks, so at the beginnig of each season take a look at the connections and re-coat if necessary)
And also, coat the bulb base and terminals in the lamp fixture with OMC/Bombardier Triple Guard Grease, it is a water proof grease that even hold up to salt water. The bulbs will come out easily when you do need to change em, and the sockes will not corrode.

Unplugging is a good idea too. Unless you have disc brakes!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I've had LED lights for three years. I have NEVER unplugged them They have never failed and as there LED there's no heat and thus no thermal shock issues to worry about.

That's why I bought them. There just easy.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I have never unplugged, ever! Replaced a couple bulbs here and there, but cars get the same treatment. Sometimes I'll go without ever replacing bulbs the entire year. Salt is my territory. Yes corrosion is a problem but I use em till they fall off. If I replace a light a year, oh well. All connections are as water tight as possible. Good luck!!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Trailer lights saltwater

I went with LEDs too cause all the other lights out there are garbage,you can barely see them if the sun is up, LEDs are at least 20 time brighter.
they are worth the money just for the peice of mind that people can see them and you know your not going to get rear ended.
I don't have salt water but I haven't ever unpluged mine either and no problems,actually never heard of it till I saw this thread, it does make sense though.