gene so Loc: Las Vegas, New Mexico

Hello,
In planning a kayak trailer I know about marine shrink tubing, but very little else with regard to creating an electrical system for lights on a trailer that will provide trouble free-long term usage.
I see the terminology "submersible lights". While this may be a fine solution, would it not make sense to simply mount the lights on the sides of the trailer, and above the potential water line?
I could use some experienced insights into these matters.

Thank You,

Gene So

Critter Loc: Warwick New York

You can buy water resistant lights, but you should make it a common practice to unplug them before you back into the water that way you have less of a chance shorting one out.

Critter Loc: Warwick New York

Also as a rule of thumb whenever I wire a trailer, I use the four wire setup. I put the green for left turn red right turn brown tail black as brake just easy way to remember not to pass on right.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

When I wire a trailer I run wire down both sides so I do not have to splice any wires. Prevents any water damage or corrosion. I mount my lights up and out of the water. Hope this helps.

Critter Loc: Warwick New York

Just shrink wrap all your connections and you should be fine for a couple years anyway

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

I’m confused gene. Is your kayak so big that you need to back it into the water to launch it? Most folks just lift it off the trailer and set it in the water. In any case, back your trailer in until your kayak floats and then measure from the water line down to the trailer and you will know how high to mount the lights. If it’s practical at that point then I don’t see a problem with it. They make water resistance wire nuts with grease or gel inside that might be of help to you. Good luck.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Mounting the trailer lights high works well. If you have to make a wire splice use the shrink wrap for the connection but use some liqid elect tape before. This seals the inside of the tube watertight. Just don't plan ln separating the wires ever again.

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

I've got submersible lights on my trailer, I never unplug them and back them all the way into the water. Never had any issues. Go to the marine store and get the four wire rig designed for trailer lights, they come with instructions on how to wire everything. Note your vehicle may need a booster to run the lights, may. If you hook everything up correctly and your blinkers don't work that's why.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

If you have a Harbor Freight, the have LED submersible lights for a good price

Larry M Loc: North Clairmount, San Diego

I've used submergible lights before and never had a problem.
Harbor Freight sells magnetic lights.
Just remove them before you back your trailer in.
You'll also have them for any other trailer that you have.
What I use now is a 1by2 piece of wood with the lights attached to each end and then just attach it to the back of the boat. Remove it and toss everything in the truck.

Egghead

Here's a diagram, if you use shrink connectors and shrink tubing you'll be ok. Use heavy grease in plugs going to light it keeps the water out.

Jeremy Loc: America

YUP. Harbor Freight has submersible LED with all the wires...and instructions for 40 bucks. Like Ivey said ..I never unplug them either. They are called submersible. You can put them like Gordons. Some states might be a pain as far as vehicle code (location). Be more worried about your wheel bearings getting submerged than the cheap LEDs. Use Blue marine grease.

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

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Gone Fishin'
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Mister twister Loc: Foxworth,Ms.

Trailer lights, now there’s a topic that will never be solved. I know most of us figured them out and our thoughts and solutions were fool proof. You know what the next line should be don’t ya? Anyway, fish, enjoy, load up and fix the lights again when you get home. Water is not your only problem, there’s rocks, vandalism, and yes you will back into something one day.

gene so Loc: Las Vegas, New Mexico

Gordon,

Yesss!! I like that your system. Double lines, no sweat. Conduit bends into pvc with lights mounted above.
Above those I shall mount vertical rods with colored balls atop them to "see" my low slung kayak trailer when backing it up. Simple, straightforward, and correct th first time. What more could I ask for?

Thank You,

Gene So