Andy Taylor
Well-known member
Is it necessary to unplug my LED trailer lights when I back into the water? I've been reading conflicting things about this. Thanks.
TinBoats.net
The original aluminum boat site!
Do you unplug your LED trailer lights ?
- Thread starter Andy Taylor
- Start date
Help Support TinBoats.net:
Captain Ahab
Well-known member
no need - that is why I put them on, tired of changing bulbs when i forgot to unplug!
fish devil
Well-known member
:twisted: Absolutley, positively NO!!!!!
bulldog
Well-known member
Captain Ahab said:
Yep.
Wallijig
Well-known member
Nope
Reason went with LED's
makes easier to see trailer location under water at night to line up boat
Reason went with LED's
makes easier to see trailer location under water at night to line up boat
Wallijig said:
Good point never thought about that.
I just put LEDs on my trailer and I will probably still unplug, just safer if you ask me. I'm more worried about what it might do to my truck electrical system. With my luck it would take out my computer in the truck.
Unplug better safe than sorry....
Andy Taylor
Well-known member
Thanks guys. Once again, not unanimous.
I always unplug my lights from truck, currently have LEDS on trailer. No reason not to. Have been boating for 10 years and never had an issue where I needed the trailer lights to take my boat out of the water, even after dark. I have reflectors on the truck side of my guide-ons and my truck tail lights shine on them and they light up nicely.
Wallijig
Well-known member
So why make/buy submersible lights if unplug them every time? Is not this what they are intended for?
All late model trucks I know of, trailer is fused separately under hood to protect rest of system. Only way I could see cause any damage worst then a blown fuse is if one switched to wrong size of fuse or while backed in and lighting struck water. Once one pulls out of water it does not dry right away, one would have to sit there quite a while for everything to completely dry out. If do have issues using submersible lights backing in I believe it's a problem due to wiring problem and just showing up sooner then later.
I just switched my trail to all LED lights. I got tired of the cheap wire they come with, drying and cracking, so I run 16ga chemical resistant extension cord wire inside frame, soldered and liquid taped every connection. Solder directly into side marked lights sealed with silicone. Also soldered with liquid tape a round 7 pin plug with pigtail to wiring, so did not have to use adapter up at truck. Used grommets also every place wire come thru frame. The extension cord wire is a 3 wire so I also could ground every light directly to plug and not rely on trailer for grounding. I am very confident wiring will hold up for yrs. with no issues.
All late model trucks I know of, trailer is fused separately under hood to protect rest of system. Only way I could see cause any damage worst then a blown fuse is if one switched to wrong size of fuse or while backed in and lighting struck water. Once one pulls out of water it does not dry right away, one would have to sit there quite a while for everything to completely dry out. If do have issues using submersible lights backing in I believe it's a problem due to wiring problem and just showing up sooner then later.
I just switched my trail to all LED lights. I got tired of the cheap wire they come with, drying and cracking, so I run 16ga chemical resistant extension cord wire inside frame, soldered and liquid taped every connection. Solder directly into side marked lights sealed with silicone. Also soldered with liquid tape a round 7 pin plug with pigtail to wiring, so did not have to use adapter up at truck. Used grommets also every place wire come thru frame. The extension cord wire is a 3 wire so I also could ground every light directly to plug and not rely on trailer for grounding. I am very confident wiring will hold up for yrs. with no issues.
Frogman Ladue
Well-known member
Read the fine print on the manual. Submersible and water proof mean two different things. Submersible means it's OK to unplug, submerse in water, pull out, let drain and dry, then plug back in. Water proof means do what ever you want, nothing is getting in. Leave em hooked up.
Wallijig
Well-known member
Think there are different qualities of led's. Ones I installed said on box submersible to 80'. I think if They get to 80' I will have more problems, then worrying about then damaging electrical system. 
I was just stating reason why I do not unplug. Everyone can do on what feels best for them.
I was just stating reason why I do not unplug. Everyone can do on what feels best for them.
Andy Taylor
Well-known member
Thanks guys. I don't remember if the packaging said they were waterproof or not. Not all LED taillights are waterproof?
Bugpac
Well-known member
I run my submersible lights plugged in all the time, never ever had a fuse blow.
z0mbie f1sherman
Well-known member
I leave them plugged in... No issues
Frogman Ladue
Well-known member
Andy Taylor said:
Correct.
In some capacity, they all have a circut board inside. Ya kinda don't want to get that wet.
Wallijig
Well-known member
Google "Submersible trailer led lights"
Click on any manufacture that comes up, you will see if submersible they all say waterproof in description also. Circuit board and any sensitive parts are sealed in epoxy, so water can not get to them. Your wiring connection point is weakest link for corrosion.
They are protected no different in water protection, then transducers on depth finders. Does anyone worry about them underwater?
Click on any manufacture that comes up, you will see if submersible they all say waterproof in description also. Circuit board and any sensitive parts are sealed in epoxy, so water can not get to them. Your wiring connection point is weakest link for corrosion.
They are protected no different in water protection, then transducers on depth finders. Does anyone worry about them underwater?
Hanr3
Well-known member
I never unplug and I have had both lights on trailer. Never blew a light on my truck while 4 wheeling either. Nor do they blow when its raining outside. Keep the housing water proof and you won't have any issues, regular or LED. Today's LED are buried in epoxy so corrosion is never an issue.
The reason you unplug regular lights is the bulb cracks/blows due to rapid cooling, not from a water/electrical issue.
The reason you unplug regular lights is the bulb cracks/blows due to rapid cooling, not from a water/electrical issue.
baseball_guy_99
Well-known member
I don't unplug mine and have not had a problem yet.
