How to Keep Trailer Light Connections From Corroding

Road repairs are dangerous.

Trailers are subject to abuse, exposure and neglect. Most of the time they sit outside and are expected to perform properly when you need them with little or no maintenance. Oftentimes, you'll conduct a routine inspection, and the trailer passes. Later on, though, you might be stopped by law enforcement for faulty lighting. Of course, you can argue that you just checked the lights--but that doesn't change the fact that a trailer light has failed. With a few procedures this scenario need not play out.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head crewdriver
• Lubricant, Lubriplate or equivalent
• Tube silicone
• Aerosol primer
• Paint, aerosol can
• Connectors
• Crimp pliers
• Tape

Instructions

1. Remove the lens cover on the lights. Use 220-grit sandpaper to very lightly scuff the side of the bulb and the contacts. Use a light-assembly lube grease, such as Lubriplate brand grease, and generously coat the contacts. Install the bulb.

2. Remove the taillight assembly and clean it. Clean rust and flaking paint where the light mounts. Prime and paint the metal. Apply a generous bead of silicone sealer to the back of the light and install it. The sealer will prevent water intrusion.

3. Inspect the lens gasket. Repair small tears or cracks with silicone sealer. Carefully fill in the cracks or tears, make sure the repair is level with the existing gasket, and allow the sealer to cure for 24 hours. Install the lens cover.

4. Cut the old wire connectors out, strip the wire and install new crimp connectors. At each open end, fill the hole with silicone sealer. Wrap the area with electrical tape. Create a wiring bundle with all the wires, wrap them with tape, and seal the taped ends with silicone sealer. Use small tie straps to cinch the tape into place to prevent unraveling.

References

• Duckworks: Troubleshooting Trailer Lights