Tips for How to Rewire a Boat Trailer
Rewiring your boat trailer may seem like an overwhelming task, but it is a simple and inexpensive process. Obtain a rewire kit for $15 to $30 at a boating or recreation supply store. Have wire strippers and electrical tape nearby, enlist the help of a friend to help pull wire and check lights and plan for about a half-day of work.
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Study Kit Instructions and Wires
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Your rewire kit will come with detailed instructions, including diagrams for the correct matching of wires. Study the directions carefully and lay out your wires ahead of time, making sure you understand the potential connections. Wires colors are not always consistent between manufacturers.
Carefully Secure Connections
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Because your boat trailer will be submerged in water repeatedly, the electrical connections should be well secured. Wet connections are a common catalyst for shorts and corrosion. Secure bare wire ends well, twisting and folding them over before taping. Use plenty of tape to cover connections and bundle multiple wires together. Adhesive-lined shrink tubes are available at hardware stores as an alternative to electrical tape for covering connections. These must be of the correct size and intended for sealing connections against water. Avoid the type used for stereo equipment.
Check Ground Wires
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When purchasing a rewire kit, make sure there is a ground wire on the wiring harness that attaches to your vehicle. This wire is often omitted, as the trailer hitch is expected to act as a ground connection. This is a common, preventable cause for light failure or malfunction.
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- Photo Credit boat trailer image by wiladayvo from Fotolia.com
