Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Expidia

Commander
Joined
Aug 26, 2006
Messages
2,368
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

I swapped out the lights on my daughters canoe trailer and also her boat trailer with the LED kits from Walmart for $50 (I bought the kit and will save the new wire harness for future use) I only had to use the lights since the old wires were in good shape. I did not want issues down the road so I first slipped on a few inch piece of shrink wrap tubing and then soldered each connection. Then shrunk the the heat wrap tube with a hair dryer. Both a cheap soldering kit and a package of shrink tubes are available at a store like Harbor Freight.

Make sure you remove and shine up with a little sandpaper each ground connection from the wires to the trailer body. 90% of problems with trailer lights are usually grounding related issues in my experience.

On my 5 year old rig the rear light housings are open to the water, I unplug before launching but when I forget the bulbs have never popped so maybe they are water resistant bulbs (I've never looked).

Stiil, after seeing how bright her LEDs are I'm going to swap out mine for LED's too even though my OEM lights are fine. That extra brightness can possibly prevent someone from rear ending me taking out my outboards lower end and ruining my season while waiting for expensive replacement parts. $50 is cheap insurance!
 

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

On my 5 year old rig the rear light housings are open to the water, I unplug before launching but when I forget the bulbs have never popped so maybe they are water resistant bulbs (I've never looked).

Mine are completely open as well - like most runabout trailers I've seen. Never popped a bulb and I don't unplug. Normal bulbs are fine unless you have had your headlights on or are standing on the brakes while waiting to launch. Unplugging the lights right before you launch does absolutely nothing to keep them from exploding - either they are too hot already or they are not.
 

Quadzilla724

Cadet
Joined
Aug 5, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Mine are completely open as well - like most runabout trailers I've seen. Never popped a bulb and I don't unplug. Normal bulbs are fine unless you have had your headlights on or are standing on the brakes while waiting to launch. Unplugging the lights right before you launch does absolutely nothing to keep them from exploding - either they are too hot already or they are not.

OK, so it's settled. I'll dunk my current lights without unplugging and if/when they die, I'll replace with LEDs. Thanks everyone.
 

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Electrical equipment around water is like a woman, sooner or later you're gonna have to deal with one problem or another. And usually over and over again ... :eek:
 

pom mom

Cadet
Joined
Feb 20, 2011
Messages
10
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

I just replaced mine a few days ago with LED's. It made a big difference, they look great. I too was having a problem with the corrosion. I'd have to clean the contacts for the bulb every time I went to the lake. I'm in the habit of unhooking the lights, so I'll probably keep doing it. The lights were very easy to attach to the existing wiring.
 

maproy99

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 14, 2011
Messages
266
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Upgrade to the leds. You won't regret it. The only disadvantage is the cost, but the lifetime of the led light vs a standard light, it will pay for itself. Plus you will save a tad of gas by using less electricity from your alternator.
I upgraded to the led lights last year. I still went though the unplugging routine (just so used to it) until my neighbor was out with me, and I had my pwc and boat die on the way in before sunset. LOL, what are the chances! Got the boat going again and made it to the ramp an hour after sundown (had to tow the pwc, I believe it got vapor lock). I went to unplug the lights and then realized I didn't have to, as this allowed me to see the back of the trailer on the ramp and where it was under water when I loaded the boat. Just that one day the led lights paid for themselves in my option. Got home at 11 pm from the lake though....
 

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Upgrade to the leds. You won't regret it. The only disadvantage is the cost, but the lifetime of the led light vs a standard light, it will pay for itself. Plus you will save a tad of gas by using less electricity from your alternator.

You're crazy. OK LED lights are nice - but how are they ever going to pay for themselves? And less gas because they use slightly less electricity - be real.
 

Lowe170

Seaman
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
60
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

You're crazy. OK LED lights are nice - but how are they ever going to pay for themselves? And less gas because they use slightly less electricity - be real.

Agreed on LEDs as do most. Plus their slimmer profile makes them more aerodynamic, also contributing to fuel economy... Sorry, couldn't resist! :cool:
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,398
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

Upgrade to the leds. You won't regret it. The only disadvantage is the cost, but the lifetime of the led light vs a standard light, it will pay for itself. Plus you will save a tad of gas by using less electricity from your alternator

Wow !!!! Hybrid boat trailers now :D
I will be keeping the money for LED's until my regular lights need replacing. Don't think that is going to happen for many years though. Looks like it's going to cost me in gas though :facepalm:
 

WIMUSKY

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
20,320
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

You're crazy. OK LED lights are nice - but how are they ever going to pay for themselves? And less gas because they use slightly less electricity - be real.

I guess because you'll never have to replace bulbs again. Although, as others, I've yet to replace one anyway and I don't have a sealed system. Drop the tail gate and you'll save even more gas............:rolleyes::facepalm:
 

Quadzilla724

Cadet
Joined
Aug 5, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Both Trailer Bulbs exploded.

I guess because you'll never have to replace bulbs again. Although, as others, I've yet to replace one anyway and I don't have a sealed system. Drop the tail gate and you'll save even more gas............:rolleyes::facepalm:

I know you're kidding there, but an open tailgate actually creates more drag and uses more gas than a closed tailgate.
 
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