Trailer lights

[x-trued]

On another post someone mentioned always disconnecting the trailer light harness before backing onto the ramp.  I had never heard of this, but it makes sense.  I would assume that the hot lights comming in contact with the water could cause them to blow.  Do you disconnect, and it this a common recomendation?

[Ben]

With the proper type lights, there is no need to disconnect them,  if I had to do that, I would do some upgrading before my next trip to the water.  Same with the trailer light wiring harnness, properly done all connections are water proof and you don't have to worry about corrosion.  I've been backing boats in the water since 1965, when I bought my first boat on a trailer, and I am yet to unplug my trailer lights to do that.

[KU_Bassmaster.]

I've heard people doing this too,  to be ........... courteous?? I am like Ben and have never disconnected my lights either. Maybe I am overlooking something. Can someone please explain.

[x-trued]

Why would this be considered courteous?

[Skwerl]

I think KU meant to say 'cautious'. If you've got an old beater trailer and the lights have been busted off and replaced with El-Cheapo utility trailer lights from the local Discount Auto Parts store, then unplugging them may be necessary. Boat trailer lights are designed to hold an air pocket and prevent water from coming in contact with the bulb or socket. If your lenses are loose or broken then water gets in and you can get an instant short when submerged.

[cart7t]

I always unplug mine. Old habit I guess.  

[KU_Bassmaster.]

No I meant courteous.  Come to think about .... when I heard about this, it had to do with non-boaters backing in boaters trailers/boats at tourneys.  I could see how baoters make get upset if non-boaters back their trailers in and short out their lights.  But then again, I would also think it's the boaters responsiblity to unplug them before he gets in the boat if that bothers him.

[RobDar]

My old lights needed to be unplugged...they were not encased in the clear-water proof housings like my new ones. ( previous owner had bought non submersable lights at Wal-Mart or somewhere and had screwed them right over and through the existing...was hilarious!!!!)

As long as they are sealed lights no need to unplug them...

One of the guys on the circut has a switch...which I have never seen before...I do not know if it was something he installed himself or what...

speaking of being courteous....when you are all lined up at the ramp to launch in the morning...turn off your head lights so they do not glare on someone else in the ramp...

asked a guy last week to click off his head lights cause I could not see in my mirrors...he told me to

"just launch the "F---in" boat"

so I grabbed my 2 million candle power spot and lit him up...

he turned his head lights off!

[senile1]

I mentioned unplugging the lights in the Boat Ramp Complaints thread.  I have a 1987 trailer and I noticed that occasionally the lights would blow, so I started unplugging them.  Ben, Skwerl, and the others are correct regarding the unplugging of lights.  You shouldn't have to, but if you have an older trailer like mine, or for some reason you've replaced your lenses and they don't seal properly, you might want to consider it.  I know a few guys with used boats and trailers who do this.  

[IneedAnewScreenName9886691]

I am with Cart, I habitually unplug mine, Last thing I need is to be pulled over from a day fishing...if you know what I mean.  

[Live.2.Fish]

When I got my first boat 2 years ago I never unplugged my lights and after two different times that both my taillights went out someone told me to unplug my lights and I won't have anyproblems with lights burning out.  Sure enough I have always unplugged my lights and I have never have any bulb problems since.  I have and probably will always unplug them now on.  Just paranoid I guess.