Fed up with trailer lights, Light bar?

[McGillicuddy]

I'm tired of unreliable trailer light connections. Does anyone use removable light bars for their trailers? Any thoughts or designs you care to share? Thanks.

[Fr. Frank]

Rewire the trailer from scratch, and stop patching/fixing. It drove me nuts, too, until I learned to rewire any trailer I bought, using new waterproof lights, and also to seal every connection with silicone.

The only problem I've had in 10 years has been blown bulbs caused by vibration or lights broken by idiots using them for steps to reach/climb into the boat. As for the vibration, I now even balance my trailer tires. But I also spend the time and money to completely rewire and relight any trailer I get. And for the past 3 or 4 years, I replace regular lights with LEDs, too.

[bigeasy1]

Gillie,This is weird,I just was complaining about the same thing myself.Yesterday,I finally ripped out everything,and replaced it all with new stuff.
Fr.Frank is right,it's just not worth messing around with old stuff.

I bought a Submersible assembly for over 80" trailers at Pep Boys,for 26.99.
It came with the lights and a 25' wiring harness,and the crimps.
The LED model,was 49.95.I took the cheap way out,as I only tow the trailer once to where the boat will live.

[fdheld34]

Gil-
I got fed up too and I am still fed up especially after receiving ticket for improper/unsafe equipment..just not my year so far!!!!
I remember float on trailers used to have removable lights that would fit on top of the guide posts..including license plate bracket....Do what Father Frank says..replace all......everything. I plan on doing this soon as well...when time and money permits!!!! I would go with LED (fully waterproof)..or if you felt more safer mount to guide posts if you have them....but not necessary
-Fred

[eggsuckindog]

A couple options - they do have lights with bungee wraps for the rear cleats - I never had lights for years because I could never keep them running either. The last 2 trailers had guide bars - since then I have had very little problems with my lights - they never get wet sitting up there. I just don't think anything can be sunk in saltwater and survive long JMHO

[McGillicuddy]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the feedback. I hear you on the solid connections and sealing the $#!+ out of everything, but water is a wily adversary and always wins over time. I already pulled everything. I had already bought a new submersible light kit (submersible just means your can put it underwater - sure as heck doesn't mean it will survive very long)... "Waterproof" is the better route but too late - already bought the "submersible" kind. Now I'm thinking removable mounted bar rather than a permanent mount. I know you FL guys get the double whammy due to daily rains and humidity along with dipping the trailer so I thought maybe someone had resorted to a removable trailer light bar. Unless I hear any real negatives I'll dream up a design and get crackin'.

[Old'sCool]

Pipe-Lights! They have LED available also.

[Blue197320]

i use 16/3 wire or extension cord for my lights. that way you have a good ground all the way up to the tongue where it stays dry also. get some liquid electrical tape and put that on the butt connectors then take adhesive lined heat shrink and put that over the 16/3 and the light wires and you should be good to go.

[stumpie2]

what i did is went to my local u- haul and bought the magnetic lights that have the entire rigging that is removable when i get to the water.... good strong magnets that hold firmly to trailer and i use one set for all of my trailers... in my opinion its the best thing ive ever done as my trailer goes...

[McGillicuddy]

Thanks again for the feedback guys. Reel escape mentioned pipe lights and I had been thinking PVC tubing for a light bar. Here's where I headed, hope its legal: