Can all trailer lights go in the water?

Question

i just bought and installed the new trailer lights on my jet ski trailer. Can any trailer lights get in the water when I back up to unload my jet ski???

Answer 1

unless you've got leds unplug them always

Answer 2

YES BUT UNPLUG THEM BEFORE YOU BACK IN THAT HELPS

Answer 3

If trailer light bulbs get exposed to the shock of cool water compared to the bulb being hot while being on, they can and usually will fail if the light bulb(s) get hot enough.

Here's the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) regarding boat lights.

Stop at the closest allowable area near the launch ramp but NOT at the launch ramp.  Use this pre-launch stop to get your PWC prepared and ready for launching, no one wants to wait forever because you didn't load or prepare the boat/PWC before launching.

If you have to get on a regular highway or road to get to the launch ramp, do not disconnect your lights until you get at the ramp.  Otherwise, the launch ramp is close enough for you to go ahead and pull the trailer lights plug off before heading to the launch ramp.

Launch vessel, leave lights unplugged unless you must travel over a regular road or highway to park your vehicle and trailer.  Go boating, then bring it back, unplug lights before getting the trailer in water if not unplugged already, load the PWC(s), plug up the trailer lights, then head out.

In short, even if you submersible lights, its best to play it safe and just unplug them before putting the trailer in the water.

Answer 4

They can but maintenance depends on what style they are.

I have regular old trailer lights and I drilled a large 1/4" hole at their bottom plates to let the water drain out when I pull it out.

I also have extra, larger lights mounted on a 2x4 I strap down on the rear o0f the trailer. I detach these before going in.

Maintenance usually means cleaning the sockets and bulb bases every so often to get the corrosion off. I spray the bases with WD-40 and the trailer plug as well.

Be sure to unplug the electrical cord from your vehicle first as any short circuit could blow a fuse in it.

There are some totally sealed lights that would be the best.

FYI

Thanks

sloopy

Answer 5

Unless you have LED lights, it's best to unplug them before going in the water.  The bulbs get hot very quickly, and as soon as the water hits them, they tend to implode.

Answer 6

Some people are going to tell you there are sealed units that can go in the water. However, I always unplug mine, and those on my customers boats.

Why risk shorting out the system?

Answer 7

Regular trailer lights will almost always short out or blow the bulb if submerged. Unplug them before backing in and let them drain all the way before plugging them back in.

Lights specifically for boat trailers should not have a problem being submerged and sealed beam tail lights should not have a problem.