Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the water?

[projo198]

I have always done it, but have never seen anyone else do it. People have even asked what I am doing when I unplug it.

I just figure even with a 12V system I don't want a charge on the wires when it goes into the water.

Am I alone here?

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I never have but I did have a lot of trouble with blown bulbs on my old trailer. My new trailer with leds is not an issue. Unless it's salt water it doesn't conduct enough electricity to hurt anything.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I've never done it and I've been through one bulb on each side in 7 years - burnt out not exploded.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

things beaten into my skull since a youngster on boating

always disconnect the trailer lights at the ramp
always double check the plug is in before backing down the ramp
always disconnect the transom straps and transom saver (motor deflopinator)
Never disconnect the winch and safety chain until the boat is semi-floating

any mineral in the water can conduct electricity. Salt water is an excellent conductor. Nothing like having to replace bulbs and fuses. even LED lights are not always sealed. if they are IP67 rated, then fine, back in with the lights on.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I always try to remember to do it. salt water here. SOP. Nothing is waterproof or watertight.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I seldom remember to uplug, maybe one out of 10 times, but no shattered bulbs so far.................
But I'm very dilligent in checking that the plug is in, go figure.
And I never forget to remove the transom straps.
And I never unhook the winch or saftey chain too early (roller trailer).
But I just don't remember that wiring harness.........

 

[keith2k455]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I always unplug it...don't forget when the trailer is plugged in it is now connected to the vehicle wiring. I don't want any problems with that. I just unplug it when I'm out of the vehicle removing the tie straps before backing the trailer in to the water, throw the tie straps in the hatch, unplug harness, close hatch, back in.

 

[DC20]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I'm in salt water and never unplug, no problems with the LED's.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Yup same here.... unplug the harness......check the drain plug........check trim up........Check........Dunk it in the water!

Never had those fancy seal up lights that never leak water.......Just yer plan old tracktor supply stuff.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I unplug every time. When you touch the brakes while the bulbs are immersed it creates heat and that alone with the cooler water temp will cause the element to blow.More likely to happen if you put in right away as soon as you get there. I wait a little while so my bearings cool down. When hot bearings hit the cooler water it could get sucked in past the seal.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I launch/load when it's dark half the time, so I leave them plugged in all the time. After a rash of blown bulbs due to cracked light housings I changed to LED lights, no problems since then.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Always have and always will -- even with LEDs. Why risk an expensive set of lights. It's just too simple.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Never for over 35 years. I have sealed lights.

Never had one leak.

http://www.iboats.com/Optronics-Ova...89566634--session_id.856686243--view_id.39326

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

On the trailer with drum brakes, I disconnect. I don't disconnect the lights on trailer with disc brakes and brake lock-out solenoid. No problems since becoming a boat owner in 2006.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Yes, I unplug it except for the times when I forget . . . Then I don't unplug it.

In my old trailer, the lights would crack if operated in contact with water. The newer trailer lights seem to have better water protection.

 

[HMcClard]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

I also have a habit of unplugging the trailer harness. The only time I've blown a bulb was when sitting waiting with my foot on the brake a long time waiting to get on the ramp then didn't unplug; I guess the bulbs were really hot. Anyhow, it's a habit so I do it.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Why risk an expensive set of lights.

Can't see ........at night....... Nothing like trying to load a boat (or even back the trailer) and not being able to see the trailer

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Can't see ........at night....... Nothing like trying to load a boat (or even back the trailer) and not being able to see the trailer

That is a good point - if I ever loaded/unloaded at night I would have to switch to sealed lights or unplug. As it is the bulbs are never hot when they get dunked (stock Karavan non sealed lights)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

Don't need lights if the trailer wasn't under water....

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Does anyone else unplug their wiring harness before putting the trailer in the wa

i was taught to unplug, new trailer has leds, but i still unplug