Does the Trailer Wiring Need to be Waterproof on a Boat Trailer to Avoid a Short or Damage

Updated 04/20/2010 | Published 04/18/2010

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Question:

Hey there, Do the hot wiress to each light Brown, green or yellow on the trailer need to be completely water proof/tight? By lengthening them a couple inches, I know have a weakness in the wire where water may access the circuit when the boat is back into the water down a boat ramp. Water conducts electricity so now a path the the grounded trailer exists. Thanx for your help, please advise.

asked by: Wayne

Expert Reply:

If you are going to back your trailer in the water while it is still connected to the tow vehicle, you will need it to be waterproof. Whether or not it is water proof depends on the trailer, the construction, how it is wired, and if the taillight housings are waterproof.

You can use shrink tubing, a good amount of electrical tape, or Liquid Electrical Tape, # SWC50122, to help keep out moisture where wires are connected or exposed. To avoid a short or other damage, you should always disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle before going into the water. Even the heat from the bulbs, when making contact with the water, can blow the bulbs.

You should also allow the bearings on the trailers wheels to cool a little before entering the water. Hot bearings will try to pull the cool water into the hub which could cause damage to your trailer wheels.

expert reply by: Michael H