Trailer Lights keep failing

[Dozer]

I purchased my 4.5 drifter new with a new RM trailer some 18 months ago, and the trailer lights have failed again for the 5th time. I have had it back to the dealer who has fixed it each time, but has commented that just because they are called "submersible" lights, apparently that does not mean they are suitable for submersing fully in salt water.

I pointed out that they put the lights at the end of the trailer that the boat slides off, and suggested it might get wet from time to time - he immediately gave me one of those "I know - but I dont know what to tell you" looks.

I started on my usual diatribe about being able to put a man on the moon, but cant make a tail light on a boat trailer last more than 2 submersions - but gave up. I know he does not make the lights, just fixes them.

Anyway - if anyone has had a similar problem, and come up with a solution (that does not involve a light board), I'd love to hear it.
Dozer

[Andy]

Go buy a set of sealed narva led lights. Dont buy the ones with the connectors 10cm from the lights, buy the ones prewired with 9m of cable.

I fitted them to my trailer, destroyed one a week later. Fortunatly it was not due to submersion, but due to a tyre blowout about 100km south of Ayr. Best part was, even though it was all smashed up it still worked, and continued to work for the week I was in Lucinda and for the trip home.

If you insist on using you current lights, drown them in lanox, or even better tectyl 506.

[Dozer]

Thanks Andy,
I have drowned them in every water shy grease I can get my hands on. Resorted to drowning my sorrows in alcohol every time they died. I will look into the Narva LED lights - Thanks for the tip. Will let you know how it goes.
Dozer

[chin]

I've got a set of those Narva LED lights with the pre-wired cables.
Both lights filled with water within 12 months and failed. Narva replaced them, and said not to tighten the 2 mounting screws too tight, as it cracks the case.
I'm sure I didn't, but anyway we'll see how set #2 goes.

[Zutta]

Mate i have the cheap L.E.D from BCF on mine 2thumbsup

Wired them up and then drown them in sickaflex, Let em set , Then gave them a good going round with electrical tape!

Havn't had a problem yet, Touch wood :)

[wrassinator]

got the submersa-light on the quintrex trailer 2 yr not a problem ! hope next lites on rm trailer (leds) are as good !

[sheebaridgeback]

I can concur with Andy, pick up some LED light sets with the full length cabling to the plug. Only addition I can add, I gave my lights a good squirt of Silicone to seal the back of the lights to the trailer when fitting them to the trailer. I also ran a beed of Silicone around where the colored lenses join the black part of the backing plate. Basically anywhere you think water can get in, seal it up just to be sure.

I've had the LED lights now for 18 months and dunk the lights at the ramp at least once a week, and have had no issues. I've seen guys at the ramp unplug the 7pin before backing the trailer into the water. With sealed LEDs and no cable joins, there is no need for any of this messing around.


Jason

[Dozer]

"[QUOTE=sheebaridgeback;1322]I can concur with Andy, pick up some LED light sets with the full length cabling to the plug. "

The lights that came standard with my RM trailer had the join close to the lights. I dont understand why when you can get full length runs. A leaking (and subsequent short) joint was my first light failure, completely avoided by your suggestion.

Dozer

[jelifish]

I have installed LEDS on my trailer. Where I joined them used heat shrink and have had no issues so far in the 3 years.
Jelifish

[guffo]

howdy all,
i've got an rm trailer with full length wiring ,had no issue's with light's leaking or failing,but then again i don't use my boat as much as a lot of guy's on here or as much as i'd like.the only issue i had was that bloody number plate getting bent and buggered,like i'm sure a lot of you would have.i'm just in the process of making a light board(will try and put some pic's up later) i tried something a bit different,i didn't run the wiring directly from the board to the car,i put a plug in line and mounted it where the tail light used to be,and doused the wiring inside the plugs with tectyl 506(thanks Andy).we're going over to coast in a few week's so will see how it goes.

cheers guffo

[guffo]

138

139

140

141
guffo's light board.

[chin]

Good idea Guffo, my rego plate gets mangled occasionally too, it's mounted on hinges but still gets caught sometimes.
Not sure how legal your light board will be, it's up pretty high....guess P.C. Plodd will let you know if he doesn't like it. doh

[guffo]

good point Chin,didn't think about that,rang the rta to get some info the girl told me the number plate wasn't to be higher than 1300mm from ground level,and guess what,1300 to the bottom of the plate:D well close enuff(whistle)

cheers guffo

[chin]

Homework well done Guffo, 2 gold stars for you. :)