Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

[nrowles]

Any ideas on what could be causing trailer light bulb(s) to shatter? The problem seemed to have started out of nowhere. Had new wiring last year. No wires seem to be cracked,worn,split,touching another. There is only 1 circuit of wiring from truck to passanger to driver lights (if that makes sense). The passanger side blew/shattered 3 times so I replaced the light housing to try that first. Now today both passanger and driver had blown. After messing with the lights for some time, I noticed the fuse for left turn/brake was blown (but I think this was from me screwing around trying to figure out what's going on and has nothing to do with main problem). Any ideas on what could cause the bulbs to completely shatter into pieces?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

Backing into cold water with hot bulbs is the usual culprit. Try unplugging the lights as soon as you get to the launch ramp to give the bulbs time to cool off.

 

[nrowles]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I actually thought of that, but, is it normal for most people to have to do this? I never remember doing this when I would go with buddies and it seems like a pain to have to do that.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

Some lights are able to keep out the water long enough to launch, but yours apparently can't.

 

[nrowles]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

Should be my last question....are there marine grade bulbs that shatter less easily?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

The housing and not the bulb is the important feature. You need a submersible light assy. Better yet, LED lights are the way to go.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

Unplugging is a very simple step in the pre-launch get ready process. Remember to connect it up again when pulling out Both of these tasks become automatic after you do it a few times. Sort of like getting used to using seat belts. Paid $15 extra for them in my new 1965 Olds Cutlass and have never backed out of the driveway without them ever since. If seat belts aren't fastened in my car it doesn't move. Little thinks like safety chains, coupler check, light check are all simple 10 second steps. Get used to doing them.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

It is normal. I didn't realize what was causing mine to shatter until recently after I went through a bulb after one launch.

100 degrees while driving plus the bulbs heat from being on the while driving. Dunking it into cold water the glass just can't handle it.

I unplug when I get to the ramp and plug it back in before leaving.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

Well, just to be different, I never unplug before launching.
I MAY have blown one bulb while launching in the last 30 years.
I say MAY, because I found a frayed wire when I got home.

A few years ago I switched to LED's.
No failures yet, except for the one light that was DOA right out of the box.


I always wondered, if everyone says this is normal, why it doesn't happen to everyone.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I think it probably depends on the quality of the light housing. The better it is sealed and watertight, the less bulbs you pop. Evidently, mine do not seal too well. I was going through bulbs really quickly until I started unplugging before launching. So far so good.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

after i shattered about 100 of em i spent $50 on a set of leds. never unplug, never have a light out, never worry about em now. best $50 i ever spent. i used to carry spare bulbs and a screwdriver. no more. leds are IMO the way to go. no corroded bulb bases and cutting fingers on shattered bulbs. and there brighter.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I always unplug. Sealed or not sealed it is good practice in my opinion. It will cost about $50 less to try this than to simply convert to LTD's

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

buy forgetting 25 times and blowing a $2 bulb = a set of leds. that was my line thinking that made me spend the $50. and for that time i have 5 beers and dont get the dui on the way to the campground due to being stopped for a blown taillight was another thought. i got tired of driving home with 1 light.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I have Leds and dunk em'. I've got enough to worry about going boating then to bother with plugging and un-plugging lights. For $50.00 its worth it not to worry about them. That's why I've never forgetten the plug!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I do not tend to boat at night so the only trailer lights that tend to get used are the brake lights.
They have never gotten hot enough to crack the glass.

I used to disconnect the trailer connector before backing down the ramp until the day I hit a small pot hole in the ramp at 1mph in reverse.
The surge brakes kicked in and scared the life out of me, I thought the skeg had dug into the ramp.
Nope! Just the surge brakes locking up in reverse because the connector was unplugged and the reverse lockout was unpowered.

The lockout pin is too much trouble so now I just leave the lights plugged in.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I have surge breaks too.. It's been so long since I moved the trailer without it plugged in I totally forgot about backing without it plugged in.

See I HAVE to dunk em'

 

[generator12]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

+ 1 on both unplugging and using LED's. I've done both.

The most important difference with the LED's is their reliability. I had to re-work my rear lights almost every time I pulled the boat anywhere due to corrosion, etc. Hard-wired LED's - just connect trailer to truck and go.

 

[sspencercj]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

My old jon boat trailer blew lights almost every time if I didn't unplug before launching. It became second nature to unplug while loosening winch strap and other preps. New trailer has LED submersibles.

 

[bucket of rivets]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

I found that water conditions at the ramp often made the difference on my old trailer, if it was rough and churned up, water would splash up into the belljar type housings and pop the bulb. The brake lights got hot all the time since they were on most of the way down the ramp and in the water.
I no longer have that concern since I haven't had a trailer without LED lights now in several years.
They seem to last forever and are totally sealed. I also solder and seal all connections since I run mostly saltwater these days.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Shattering Jon Boat Trailer Light Bulbs

+ 1 on both unplugging and using LED's. I've done both.

The most important difference with the LED's is their reliability. I had to re-work my rear lights almost every time I pulled the boat anywhere due to corrosion, etc. Hard-wired LED's - just connect trailer to truck and go.

yep. i havent even gave my lights a second thought in 5 years. ide paid $150 if i knew then what i know now. ill never own another boat trailer without them.