Trailer wiring

D

Day-Dreamer

New member
After 9 years in the marina, we bought a new C-Dory 22 and went trailer boating again. The boat worked very well after sorting out a few assembly issues, and the trailer is stable even at turnpike speeds. It has been the perfect boat for our frequent trips around Casco Bay and the Kennebec River.

There are still a few challenges to work out. Since the third time in the water, all of the trailer lights never seem to work at the same time. I have vague recollections from long ago trailer boating experiences of the same problem.

I bought and installed some led tail lights which so far has solved the burnt out bulb problem. The wiring connections, especially the grounds, seem to corrode away after every launch. I have reached the point where wiggling the grounds no longer works, so it si time for the long term fix.

Has anyone worked out a long term fix for the corroding connections problem? Is there a boat/trailer wiring book that explains the solutions so that even the mechanically challenged can do a decent job?
 
Hi Day Dreamer,

When I first purchased my 1983 C-Dory, I had the same problem. I had a USCG Petty Officer work on the trailer. He installed a new set of lights, and I have not had any problems since. Nothing works for ever.

Also, unplug the lights before putting the trailer in the water when launching or retreving the boat. Also liberally spray the whole light assembly with WD-40 or substitute.

I hope this helps a little.

Good luck.

Fred
 
Jim & Becky – Fred gave you excellent advice. I would add one thing, remove the lenses on your trailer lights and put a bead of silicone around the seal. If you keep the water/moisture out you shouldn’t have problems with your lights.

One other thing you can do is place a light bar on your boat and remove it when you launch and retrieve but to me that is more of a hassle than sealing the lights properly.
 
Fred, I used to always unplug the electical plug before launching, However on the King Trailer you can't unplug the connection because of a solonoid that must be energized if you want the brakes to release so you can back up. Unplug the plug and the brakes are locked.
 
Anna Leigh":10jyvb6j said:
Fred, I used to always unplug the electical plug before launching, However on the King Trailer you can't unplug the connection because of a solonoid that must be energized if you want the brakes to release so you can back up. Unplug the plug and the brakes are locked.
Click to expand...

Uh umm, I'm cornfused.

All the launch ramps I've ever used required backing downhill, and my surge brakes never activate when I back slowly downhill , Dave, plug in or out. Do you have electric over hydraulic brakes with a breakaway battery on the King?
 
Anna Leigh":3yd6s0b4 said:
However on the King Trailer you can't unplug the connection because of a solonoid that must be energized if you want the brakes to release so you can back up. Unplug the plug and the brakes are locked.
Click to expand...

David, I always unplug the connection on my King Trailer. The places where I usually launch are level terrain for the "approach" and then once the trailer starts down the ramp, it's no problem. On the few occasions when the brakes lock on the level, I just move forward to unlock them and then ease back.
 
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