There was a time when we got to the boat ramp that we would remove our trailer lights before backing boat and trailer into the water. To prevent the lights from being dunked and their internal metal fittings from instantly corroding, we had mounted the fixtures with wing nuts on the bolts and installed separating connectors in wires. Then, a few years ago, we started switching our fleet of trailers over to LED lights and have been very happy with their longevity, even when dunked with every launching. Submersible LED lights are brighter, longer lasting, and quicker to illuminate than their incandescent predecessors.
Kent and Audrey Lewis
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For years I endured endless agony over boat trailer lights, including several sets of alleged but ultimately bogus “submersible” lights. I can’t count the number of times I installed new lights or rewired old ones in my driveway or the marina parking lot, usually in the rain. One time a thief even snipped the wires, apparently to steal the plug off the parked trailer at the marina.
Three years ago I bought a pair of bluetooth-actuated taillights. A transmitter plugs into the outlet, and the battery-powered LED lights stick onto the trailer with magnets that seem plenty strong to survive road bumps. As long as you remember to remove the lights before backing into the water, it seems foolproof. So far, it’s worked without problems.
Now, if only someone would invent trailer-wheel bearings that are truly sealed against water intrusion.
Just a concurring comment re. the Lewis’ article on LED trailer lights. I replaced the (awful) lights on a Trailex trailer with sealed LEDs, and have the same lights on a transom mounted light bar. 6 years on no failures of the lights and no-one has rear-ended me yet.
Nice lights but tell us more about THE BOAT! It looks very interesting. And a sideview pic would be nice too.
Glad to hear someone who’s having success with less.
I have replaced 3 sets of them in 2 years and have tried everything.
Rewired and actually ran separate ground wires for each fixture.
Within 3 months they either light half way or not at all and you can’t just replace bulb and be on your way, the whole light needs replaced.
If your in a remote area you may have to drive several miles with no lights until finding a new fixture.
I’m going to stick with regular bulb lights which lasted 20 years and only have to replace bulbs.
My lights are also up out of the water on guide poles so they never get wet.
Good luck!
Good article, it’s time to switch over to the LEDs. The frame at the end of the trailer with extra lights is now on my to-do list.