You must have other wiring problems, or something really strange about your tow vehicle. I have been dropping boats in salt water since the 70's, and never fried my vehicles wiring or electrics.
the voltage is so low (relatively) that water (salt or not) shouldn't cause a short across 2 poles.
Unless you were dumb enough to back your truck in till the water was coming in through the doors, and your ecu is mounted low in the cab.
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just because you found it that way... doesn't mean it's supposed to be that way.
Part of diagnostics is spending time figuring out not only what the problem is, but also sorting through what it isn't.
The older the engine is, the chances of it having more than 1 problem goes up exponentially
Boating has always been a rich mans hobby. Buying a new boat gets cheaper every year, but the maintenance, the repairs, and the overall cost of ownership of a boat has never gotten any cheaper.
The reason for unplugging the lights isn't for anything electrical at all. It is because when cold water hits the hot glass of the bulb, the glass pops. Won't happen if the light housings are sealed. I have sealed non-LED lights on 3 boat trailers and never unplug them when I back in. Never had a problem unless a housing is broken. The absolute most anything having to do with your trailer should do to your tow vehicle electrical is blow a fuse.
I had blown a couple of bulbs this way, but never electrical damage. I've replaced the lights with submersibles recently and haven't had any problems with leaving them plugged in.
Lights? Look at all you fancy-pants city folk, with Lights on your trailer. It's been my experience that the reflection off all the beer cans flying around in the back is more than enough
Seriously though, I've never unplugged either and have never had a problem. I've sunk it pretty deep on occasion too.
Erik
When I had my hitch and harness put on they told me to unplug before backing in. I have a new trailer (2008). I forgot once and popped the adapter module that's part of the hitch harness. Cost me about $25 and 30 minutes. The module's part of the harness so I had to replace the harness. Older cars/trucks dont use the module so maybe that's why some don't have the problem. My trailer tongue doesn't touch the water. I have a 2003 Highlander.
Thanks,
KWB
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Key West 1520CC
Yamaha 70 HP/2 Stroke
I bury mine deep and leave the lights on. It's the only way I can hit the trailer at night. If the lights and wiring is good, no problem. If bulbs blow or blink, it's time for some maintainance.
When I had my hitch and harness put on they told me to unplug before backing in. I have a new trailer (2008). I forgot once and popped the adapter module that's part of the hitch harness. Cost me about $25 and 30 minutes. The module's part of the harness so I had to replace the harness. Older cars/trucks dont use the module so maybe that's why some don't have the problem. My trailer tongue doesn't touch the water. I have a 2003 Highlander.
Thanks,
KWB
The aftermarket modules/ harness are junk. They splice into turn and brake signal harness at the back of the truck then use a "module" to fool the trucks computor into thinking there isn't an overvoltage problem in the lighting circuit.
I've never had an issue with a factory tow harness
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Grady White Seafarer
200 Evinrude Ocean Pro
Unless something was wired way wrong, I can't imagine it doing more damage than blowing a fuse. Most trucks these days have specific trailer tow circuits as well that isolate the trailer lights from the rest of the trucks wiring system and lights.
On some vehicles with factory light modules, it's wise to wire trailer lights in with a relay or converter module if you have amber rear turn signals.
I rarely unplug any of my trailers, mostly since I just plain forget and have never had any problem other than the occasion popped bulb from the hot bulb hitting the cold water. Never a short, never a blown fuse. One some newer trailers with surge brakes, there's a reverse solenoid that must be hooked up to allow backing.
Who is telling you there's major damage? What type of damage? How was the trailer and truck wired? What type of truck?
The aftermarket modules/ harness are junk. They splice into turn and brake signal harness at the back of the truck then use a "module" to fool the trucks computor into thinking there isn't an overvoltage problem in the lighting circuit.
If it becomes a major issue then maybe I'll look into a factory harness. Meanwhile I've only had one problem so as long as I remember to unplug then I'm ok. Almost forgot another time but my wife reminded me!
KWB
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Key West 1520CC
Yamaha 70 HP/2 Stroke
advice for new boat owners
Baja Islander 180
Linear Mode
