Does the Trailer Wiring Need to be Waterproof on a Boat Trailer to Avoid a Short or Damage
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 4' Long
- Q&A: How Does Lock N Roll Articulating Trailer Hitch 336VS501 Deter Theft
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: LED Combination Trailer Tail Light - 7 Function - Submersible - 18 Diodes - Driver Side
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller VS Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Review of Autowbrake Trailer Brake Controller - Proportional Controller - 3430001
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: echo
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Video: Hopkins 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector Review
- Search Results: electric drum brakes
- Search Results: 7 pin trailer wiring harness
- Search Results: electric brakes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Clearance Lights - MCL97RPG Review
- Video: Lets Go Aero Anti-Rattle Hitch Receiver Lock Review
- Search Results: stl14rb
- Search Results: stl15rb
- Search Results: l44649
- Video: LubriMatic Wiring 11755 Review
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - License Plate Lights - LP91CB Review
- Video: Performance Tool Wiring - Tools for Wiring - PTW2992 Review
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring