Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

[Quadzilla724]

After purchasing a boat and trailer, I had all kinds of lighting issues (previous thread on issue). I ended up buying a completely new kit and rewired everything. First trip after was good. Second trip had lights not working at all. I open the taillights to see that both bulbs had blown. Not just the filaments; the glass seemed to have exploded on both bulbs. I assumed the taillights were waterproof considering they are boat-trailer lights. So my question is, do I need to seal these with silicone (where the wires enter the light box)? Should I unplug the lights so there's no power going to them when I dunk them, which I heard was just a wives-tale? At the moment, I'm backing the trailer just short of the water to avoid contact and it's a much bigger pain in the butt to launch. The bulbs are replaced and they work perfectly at the moment. Thanks.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

You must have installed some of the older style lights that are Not waterproof. There are newer design lights that Are in fact waterproof. I bought my boat/motor/trailer new in 1999 and All the original lights still work!...which to me is a little remarkable!...Maybe go get some good Waterproof lights and install them....Good Luck!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

I assumed the taillights were waterproof considering they are boat-trailer lights.

You assumed incorrectly.
There are waterproof lights and there are water resistant lamps. Waterproof, no need to unplug. Water resitiant, you pay your money and take your chances

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Before you launched the boat, had your headlights been on for a while or been standing on the brakes for a while? They usually won't pop unless they are pretty hot.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

If light bulbs are getting water on them, then the light housing is not waterproof. Even if you unplug to keep the bulbs from exploding, the eventual corrosion from water being there will cause problems in the future.

Get some waterproof lights and then you don't even need to unplug.

 

[ufm82]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Or better yet, buy a set of LED lights ( under $50 anywhere) and not only are they waterproof, there are no bulbs to replace either. Mine are 5 years old. Just like new...

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Or better yet, buy a set of LED lights ( under $50 anywhere) and not only are they waterproof, there are no bulbs to replace either. Mine are 5 years old. Just like new...

same here. best $50 i ever spent. mines 5-6 and work like they did the day i got em. and i NEVER unplug at ramp anymore. sealing them all up with silicone. ??? bad idea. then when one blows theres the unsealing to replace the bulb and re sealing. the ones you got you will have to unplug or youll blow it everytime you back in and hit brakes. take it from a guy who USED to have to change a bulb or two every outing. if you plan on keeping them buy 10 spare bulbs and keep them in the glove box. youll need them everytime you forget to unplug.

and yes. mine would explode too or crack. then when i would try and remove they broke and cut me.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

The lights you bought to replace the original trailer lights, are those capsule style? 2 piece plastic with a rubber O-Ring that keeps the water out? If so, check that the O-Ring hasn't moved. Had that happen on my Four Winns trailer and I blew a bulb. Basically looked like what you described.

Also, you don't mention length of boat & trailer. What be thee? Any need to keep the lights connected while launching (ie brakes)? If not, simply replace your bulbs and during launch prep, disconnect your trailer lights. Should be cool enough when you're ready to launch to avoid blowing them. I launched in this manner with my Bayliner and never blew a bulb.

 

[batman99]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

.

I also suggest proper boat lights. aka: Water proof lights. For a few different models, surf:
http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Trailer-...9458502--session_id.618229062--view_id.217594

LED lights at: http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Trailer-...9458502--session_id.618229062--view_id.217588

Also.... Was told to unplug the trailer wiring BEFORE backing boat trailer down the ramp - into the water. Simply "unplug", then remove rear trailer straps, then back in. When removing the boat, simply load the boat, pull boat trailer out of the water and on try land, tie the boat back down. Then, re-connect the boat wiring.

As mentioned above by others, use LED light assemblies on the boat. LED take water abuse much better - compared to normal light bulbs - that tend to run hotter temps as well... But if you cannot afford LEDs, then use lights having "submersible trailer lights" ratings.

Hope this helps...

 

[Quadzilla724]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

OK thanks all. I generally drive to the lake when it's dark out so the bulbs were lit the entire trip.

I didn't plan to silicone the red faceplate that I get into to change the bulbs but rather the holes in the back where the wires enter. The faceplate seems waterproof.

As for LED, can I attach them to the current electrical system or do I have to rewire (AGAIN!)? If it's a matter of swapping out the incandescent lights, I think I can handle that.


I didn't

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

If bulbs "exploded" (usually show wierd patterns on glass and sometimes green streaks), then the fixtures were NOT water proof. Better quality "water proof" fixtures are in order.

I leave trailer plugged in, lights on. and have not ever "blown" a bulb from water intrusion. But I use quality fixtures and have recently upgraded to LED.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

OK thanks all. I generally drive to the lake when it's dark out so the bulbs were lit the entire trip.

Yup, then you want waterproof lights. Unplugging them a minute before you back in is going to do nothing since the bulbs and housing are hot from continuous on.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

I unplug anyway no matter what. Hardly a big deal other than remembering. Big corrosion issue in salt water if not waterproof but in fresh water not so much. Better to have not waterproof than a slight leak in a waterproof unit. The water drains and evaporates faster in a none waterproof unit.
Just my thoughts though. There are several "right" answers here already.

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

As for LED, can I attach them to the current electrical system or do I have to rewire (AGAIN!)? If it's a matter of swapping out the incandescent lights, I think I can handle that.

If you switch to LED lights there will be some very minor wiring to do. Just remember to use a good waterproof connector to join the wires. Good luck and happy boating.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

there is no such thing as waterproof. Proceed accordingly.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

there is no such thing as waterproof. Proceed accordingly.

Unless you get the ones that are sealed so that when the bulb burns out, you replace the whole unit. Over 35 years and not one of these on any trailer has ever leaked for me.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

If you switch to LED lights there will be some very minor wiring to do. Just remember to use a good waterproof connector to join the wires. Good luck and happy boating.

No re-wiring needed.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

No re-wiring needed.

correct. what would be different?? my leds have a yellow and brown on one side and a green and brown on other and both a white ground. the standard. yellow/green are turns/ brown is tails. clip wires and connect new leds with heat shrink connectors. and then enjoy boating without unplugging or worring any longer. i just had to re wire my entire trailer cause mice had chewed the crap out of the wiring. all standard. these are the ones ive had since around 06. in fact im tired of bulbs. added these just today. if my bulb burns out still covered. leds on bow.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

there is no such thing as waterproof. Proceed accordingly.

Gotta humbly disagree..... Some are 100% sealed, with a non replacable bulb., like the oval ones I had on my trailer. Went to LED, which are 100% also. No re-wiring because the fixtures have an industry standard 3 prong plug on them. Just be sure to use the grease supplied and check the connections once in a while and zero problems, wet or dry.

Never unplug mine because of the reverse lockout solenoid for my brakes and have no problems. Tail lights actually assist in lining up on trailer when hauling out.

 

[generator12]

Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

The dead horse is about to be beaten again!

Day or night, you're usually doing a lot of braking while pulling into position to back into the water, and then while doing so. That's all it takes to heat the glass. So, you unplug them as mentioned above.

But the corrosion...! I had to check my lights EVERY time I hooked up, and had to fix something almost every time I checked them. And I had tried silicone, etc. to no avail.

LED'S fixed everything. It's all I'll ever have from now on.