trailer light maintenance

[jb_from_texas]

is there a good way to keep the boat side terminal clean and such?

my boat sits outside and on the rare occassion i do use the lights (usually fish my home lake that is a block away in my neighborhood so I dont bother) they are always hit or miss.

Reason being is that my 4 prong connector (boat side) stays out in the weather.  I usually have to clean it up with light sand paper to get any type of connection.  This sux when i have to go to the gas station to fill up the boat.

i thought about bagging it but the humity would be too great here in Florida.

Suggestion?

[Team_Dougherty]

I have a cover that is specifically made to cover the ends of the connector. I think I got it at walmart or similar store. You could just use an old car end connector. In either case just apply some dielectric grease to the pins and hole put the cover or old car end on and your good to go. Your connections will stay nice and clean. Reapply grease every 6 months.

[flechero]

Most trailer owners have a few old sets of wiring and a few lights left over from previous changes.  ...lol  I always used an old plug from the truck side... the trailer light kits come with it and I rarely have to change that side so I have had an extra.  

Worst case scenario for you is to go to wal-mart or Academy and buy an extra one... they only cost $2-$3

[jb_from_texas]

would the dielectric work on a fuse panal as well?

[Team_Dougherty]

would the dielectric work on a fuse panal as well?

Yes it will. Dielectric grease will keep any exposed electrical conductor from corroding. You should also coat your tail light bulb bases before you put them in the sockets.

Here is the di-electric grease I use. http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/content/prod_detail.aspx?PN=03082-8&S=Y

[llPa1nll]

I have a cover that is specifically made to cover the ends of the connector. I think I got it at walmart or similar store. You could just use an old car end connector. In either case just apply some dielectric grease to the pins and hole put the cover or old car end on and your good to go. Your connections will stay nice and clean. Reapply grease every 6 months.

I couldnt agree more with you about the grease. I just found that secret last year after 2 complete lighting harnesses later. I have since rewired my entire trailer and used so much heat shrink tubbing that all my connections should be water tight now...

[Tom Bass]

I use the spark plug terminal grease that you find in the little red packages on auto parts store counters. It works great and a little goes a long way.

[Team_Dougherty]

I use the spark plug terminal grease that you find in the little red packages on auto parts store counters. It works great and a little goes a long way.

That is dielectric grease.

Dielectric grease is a silicone based lubricant that DOES NOT conduct electricity. I have seen it in a spray can like I posted above and I have seen it as thick as Vaseline. The reason you put it in your spark plug boot is to allow easier remove from the spark plug wire later on.

There are many good uses for it.

Spray your auto battery terminals with it.

use it on all light bulb bases before you install a light bulb. How many time have you broken a bulb base off in a socket in your house.

It is great stuff.