Unplug Trailer when launching

[eks]

I have heard from different sources that it is good to unplug the electrical connector before going in the water.

They said that the light is hot when enters the water and it burns out. By unplugging the connector you can extend the life of all your bulbs.

What is your experience?

[illiniboarder88]

I always unplug the lights. It may not be true but I've heard you can blow out your bulbs if you don't.

[Razzman]

As i understand it and from experience it's the cold water on the hot bulbs that does it. I changed all out to LED's and haven't had one issue since. And since i changed my brakes to disc i have to have the trailer connected to backup without hassle. I just spray the connectors with WD-40 to disperse water occaisonally and have been good to go.

[Domsz06]

first time I didn't unhook I blew it out. I have not forgotten since and have the same lights on the trailer as I did 4 yrs ago.

Only problem is..... People here in cali have been very rude to me when I pull out with no lights around dusk time, so I now make it a point to pull out, stop once the lights are on and causually walk to the hitch and turn the lights on. he he he, they can hate me for taking to long on the ramp or not having lights, but not both

[eks]

As i understand it and from experience it's the cold water on the hot bulbs that does it. I changed all out to LED's and haven't had one issue since. And since i changed my brakes to disc i have to have the trailer connected to backup without hassle. I just spray the connectors with WD-40 to disperse water occaisonally and have been good to go.

Do the new trailers come with LED or they still use bulbs? I know that different dealers use different trailer manufacturers but in general I think they all use bulbs, is that right?

[Domsz06]

Do the new trailers come with LED or they still use bulbs? I know that different dealers use different trailer manufacturers but in general I think they all use bulbs, is that right?

depends on the trailer manufacturers.

my maker still has bulbs, but you can upgrade to LED's

[eks]

Do the new trailers come with LED or they still use bulbs? I know that different dealers use different trailer manufacturers but in general I think they all use bulbs, is that right?

I've replaced my light 3 times the last 2 years. I will start unpluging it now.

Thanks for the input.

[talltigeguy]

eksilva,

I thought your trailer would already have LED's. Many 07's do.

I have never unplugged the lights and have burned out 1 bulb on my boat in 3 years. I like to dip the trailer deep for loading and unloading, so the bumper is often in the water as well.

I think that unplugging the trailer is compensating for something that is not wired correctly.

[Domsz06]

eksilva,

I thought your trailer would already have LED's. Many 07's do.

I have never unplugged the lights and have burned out 1 bulb on my boat in 3 years. I like to dip the trailer deep for loading and unloading, so the bumper is often in the water as well.

I think that unplugging the trailer is compensating for something that is not wired correctly.

tall,

that is not true IMO The trailer lights are hot if they are a traditional bulb. Cold water leaks in and shatters them. They have done that on every boat I have owned. I have the waterproof one's on my trailer and they still broke. It's simple physics, hot glasss cool water and the glass will shatter. It happens to pint glasses where I work at when I yank them out of hot water. The temp differential is too much and causes it to break. This is just my opinion and feel free to voice yours.

[Razzman]

Do the new trailers come with LED or they still use bulbs? I know that different dealers use different trailer manufacturers but in general I think they all use bulbs, is that right?

Now days almost all trailers are using the LED's i think. I know for fact that all the name brand mfgrs are using them. If you don't have them it's easy enough to add them and really not expensive anymore if you shop around.

[da.bell]

I think Razz has the proper idea here. change to LED's and your problems will be resolved.

[G-MONEY]

We don't unplug but we have led's

[Domsz06]

I think Razz has the proper idea here. change to LED's and your problems will be resolved.

agreed. It's on my list of stuff to do, but......

[Razzman]

Which is why the LED's are great because they don't get hot and they are generally totally sealed anyway.

[Razzman]

I did the whole trailer for around $100 of off a trailer store on ebay. If anyone wants the store name let me know.