Trailer lights

[handle]

Why doesn't the industry sell a bulb that can handle going under water. I seem to have to replace one or the other almost every time I put the trailer in the water. Any input on this matter?

 

[jm625]

Re: Trailer lights

I have replaced all of my lights with sealed LED submersibles. No problems so far. Seem to hold up well. My one trailer has had same ones for past 3 seasons. Well worth it.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Trailer lights

Unhook your lights before you launch. Just don't forget to reattach the harness before you leave. Problem solved.

As for the rest of the trailer light issues....good luck. I fix something with mine every time I go out.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Trailer lights

You must be buying cheap bulbs. I never unplug my lights before launching. My lights are not sealed. I haven't replaced a bulb in over 4 years.

 

[Neted]

Re: Trailer lights

I have replaced all of my lights with sealed LED submersibles. No problems so far. Seem to hold up well. My one trailer has had same ones for past 3 seasons. Well worth it.

LED's are definitely the way to go, you should never have to replace the lights. the wires on the other hand......

 

[briangcc]

Re: Trailer lights

x2 on unplugging them before you launch (if you don't have brakes that is).

Mine are standard bulbs sealed into a snap case (with gasket). Standard issue on the Four Winns trailer and so far I've only had to replace 1 bulb and that was due to the gasket moving and allowing water in. That's over 7 years of trailering - not too shabby.

Eventually, IF I'm keeping this boat for a while - which is very doubtful since I have 2' itis, I'll replace the bulbs with LED's. Supposedly its less of a drain on the electrical system as well.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Trailer lights

Why doesn't the industry sell a bulb that can handle going under water. I seem to have to replace one or the other almost every time I put the trailer in the water. Any input on this matter?

Ya need better lights that keep the water out. Not supposed to have water in the light fixture. No such thing a "an under water bulb".

 

[PWH1]

Re: Trailer lights

+3 on the LED's. I picked mine up at NAPA and they are well worth it. In addition, I like the higher degree of viability the LED's produce than a standard blub. They are very crisp and noticeable when on.

 

[Wind dog]

Re: Trailer lights

When i bought my rig the old lights were mounted on the fender & they where standard bulbs (not LED) they lasted about 2 trips, so I replaced them with LED's, contrary to popular belief led's do burn out, well some of them do. (To explain there where 6 led's in the light, half of them quit working.) I finally decided no light is going to last when dipped in salt water weekly. So I got a new set of tail lights & mounted them on risers.

 

[generator12]

Re: Trailer lights

One more for the LED's. They are rated for thousands of hours of operation and, other than defective ones, they'll do it. They stay cool, so even if some water contacts them, they don't experience the thermal shock that kills incandescent bulbs.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Trailer lights

go LED or UNPLUG before you launch.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Trailer lights

You can replace just the bulb with an led bulb. THey cost about $6.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailer lights

Simply unplug before launch and recovery. That's all there is to it and it costs absolutely nothing !!!

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Trailer lights

I think that the difference between regular lights that blow and the ones that don't is the ground. If your ground is not 100% the lights will burn hotter and blow when they get wet.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Trailer lights

I think that the difference between regular lights that blow and the ones that don't is the ground. If your ground is not 100% the lights will burn hotter and blow when they get wet.

Ground has zero to do with it. It's the hot bulb being hit by cold water. It's called thermal shock and cracks the bulb glass. All bulbs will do it, good ground or not, as all bulbs get hot when illuminated. Either let bulbs cool prior to dunking or get sealed fixtures to keep the water out.