How To Upgrade Wiring Connections on Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer with Bunks

Question:

I recently watched an excellent how to video that you did on the assembly of a Malone eco lite bunk style tandem kayak trailer. It was noted that the wiring assembly for the side an D tail lights was not as you’d like it to be and not like the other Malone models and suggested an alternate fix. Could you please tell me what the name of the suggested coupling method was? Thanks so much…

asked by: John O

Expert Reply:

I don't know exactly what you're referring to as I don't really have a way to scrub all our videos for this exact section you referenced but looking over the wiring for the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer part # MAL73FR, I think I know what was proposed as an upgrade. The wiring connectors that come with the trailer are admittingly cheap, wire nuts don't really belong on trailers and quick-splice connectors are very unreliable. In order to prevent any issues going forward I highly recommend using heat shrink butt connectors, the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector part # DW05744-10 on all the lighting and wiring connections. These are much stronger than the above and will do a better job of avoiding corrosion as they are sealed. The sealing is done by applying heat to the ends of the connector, it's recommend to use a heat gun but I'd be lying if I said I didn't just use a lighter.

expert reply by: Conner L