Karavan Trailer "Submersible” LED Lights
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ForestWhaler |
Posted on 07/27/13 - 8:38 AM
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Has anyone had trouble with moisture getting into the rear submersible LED lights on Karavan Trailers? Since 2006, I'm on my third replacement set at a little of $100 each time. Any great replacement lights out there? It's a Montauk 150 on the trailer.
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wing15601 |
Posted on 07/27/13 - 1:25 PM
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The best way to keep water out of your trailer lights is to mount them high, on the PVC guide poles at the rear of the trailer. If you do that you don't have to buy the really expensive waterproof lights.
I winter in Ft. Myers and summer in St. Joseph, Michigan. It’s now about 12 years since I’ve joined this group. I gave my 1972 whaler to my daughter and sold the 17’. Bought an O’Day 28 sailboat and sailed on Lake Michigan. Yesterday I bought a 2005 130 Sport. |
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Phil T |
Posted on 07/27/13 - 2:41 PM
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While I agree with Wing, a set of LED tails should only cost $60. See www.easternmarine.com
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ForestWhaler |
Posted on 07/27/13 - 2:57 PM
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Thanks for the ideas! I live in Colorado and use the Whaler exclusively at 9,000 foot elevation or higher (Dillon Reservoir and Turquoise Lake, for example). The major highway to the lakes is I-70 with a summit of 11,000. I have a guess that the sealed, "submersible" lights are manufactured at or near sea-level and the pressure differentials cause inevitable water leaks???
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rfuerst911sc |
Posted on 07/28/13 - 4:50 AM
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I purchased an LED kit from a local retailer for my 13 ' boat trailer. After looking at the housings it seemed to me they lacked a good seal where the wires enter the housings. I applied a liberal coating of clear Polyseamseal caulk making sure to " press in " as much as I could. I let that dry for 24 hours and applied a second fillet coat. So far not one drop of water to my knowledge in the housings.
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Finnegan |
Posted on 07/29/13 - 3:11 PM
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For my money, (and I have five boat trailers!) the only trailer tail lights worth buying are the DRY LAUNCH #701 series. These are COMPLETELY waterproof, and will last the life of the trailer. They have been on the market for about 25 years. They are that good. Don't waste your money on LED's.
You can buy them with the wire connections up inside the waterproof part of the light. These lights do not use gaskets at all, and just use the air pocket principle. I have been using them on one of my trailers for 25 years, and never once have I unplugged before putting in the saltwater. It's just not necessary
http://www.sierraproductsinc.com/tsinc.com/
You can see them here on my trailer:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...4085402411
Their side maker lights and light bars work just as well.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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ForestWhaler |
Posted on 07/29/13 - 5:10 PM
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rfuerst911sc and Finnegan, thank you for great ideas and suggestions.
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