Boat Trailer Tail Lights Stopped Working After Backing Trailer in Water

Published 10/15/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Combination Tail Light for Trailers Over 80" Wide - Submersible - 8 Function - Driver Side

(36)

$11.49

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 16-14 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 10

(1104)

$13.84

Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light - 6 Function - Submersible - 18 Diodes - Square - Red - Passenger

(64)

$36.79

Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light - 7 Function - Submersible - 20 Diodes - Square - Red - Driver

(64)

$42.07

Liquid Electrical Tape

(11)

$27.95

Question:

Hi guys, I ordered and replaced my submersible light left-hand and thought it was odd that the light fixture was not totally sealed small open square in the back where brown and yellow wires connect I replaced the whole fixture with the new light and spliced the wires 10inch up with standard 110 volt yellow splicing caps - though I guessed this was the wrong way to go, because the existing splice had a water-tight clear seal over it. Everything looked good until 1st launch in water then BOTH right hand and left hand main break/blinker lights went out. however, both Running lights are still functional. Can you help me troubleshoot this? Thanks, sorry for the mess.

asked by: Gary H

Expert Reply:

There is a subtle difference between submersible lights like # ST5RB and completely sealed lights. Submersible lights will let in water but will allow it to drain out. Sealed lights will keep water out and as such are also submersible.

Part of the problem is that you really need to disconnect the trailer wiring prior to submerging the trailer in the water since the light is not sealed and the connection splices are not water tight.

The brake light/turn signal functions not working could mean that the associated fuse on the vehicle side is blown.

I recommend using Optronics LED lights # STL28RB and # STL29RB. The housing is waterproof, the LEDs are sealed. That just leaves the wiring connections to worry about. Using heat shrink tubing or connectors such as # DW05744-10 would be the way to go. Coating the connections in liquid electrical tape, # SWC50122, would also be a good solution.