CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat And Kayak Trailer Keeps Blowing Fuses In Vehicle

Updated 02/02/2024 | Published 01/31/2024

Products Featured in This Question

CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat and Kayak Trailer w/ Bunks - 12" Wheels - 14' Boat - 800 lbs

(162)

$1902.66

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1481)

$10.96

Eclipse Magnetic Mounting Bracket for 4-Way Flat Trailer Connectors

(11)

$21.73

Question:

CE Smith Multi Sport Plus Boat and Kayak Trailer w/ Bunks - 12" Wheels - 14' Boat - 800 lbs Item # CE48870 I recently bought one of these to get my inflatable fishing boat to and from fishing trips and it has mostly worked very well for that purpose. But, I keep blowing fuses in my Explorer. Sometimes when I am launching and sometimes when I am retrieving. I think it is due to the plug getting wet and causing it to short. What is the best way to avoid this in the future? It is getting a bit annoying having to replace the fuses.

asked by: Thom

Expert Reply:

Yeah, I can see that getting pretty obnoxious. I believe you are correct about the 4 Flat plug getting wet as the lights that come included with the CE Smith # CE48870 are fully submersible and all the connections are water proof. So with that said, there are a couple things you can do to remedy this.

First, and the most common way, is to make sure the plug has dielectric grease (like # 11755) applied to it and simply making sure the plug is completely dry before plugging it back in. Wet electrical connections can definitely cause a short. It should also be noted that this holds for both 4 flat connections. Yes, you read that correctly. You have the main one that connects to your vehicle, but also the one further back (see picture for clarification).

Second, and in my opinion the better way to go, would be to elevate the main 4 Flat when unplugged. Now, I will admit to never having tested this to see how it fits together, but the EcoHitch Magnetic Mount # 306-X6019 could be a great option for this. Your winch mount will have to be mounted fairly far forward to accomplish this kind of thing, but since you mentioned using your trailer to haul an inflatable fishing boat, I would assume it is. You still want to use some dielectric grease on the plug and make sure it is nice and dry, but this would keep it out of the water when launching and retrieving your boat. Now, I am aware this isn't really possible for the rear connection, but you could use some heat shrink covering to make that one water tight and you should be all good to go.

expert reply by: Lazer S