Jersey Jim
Well-known member
I only splashed the new trailer in the salt once on August 31st, then maybe 5 times in December, then Friday (Jan 6). Well 2 trips ago the right side running lights on the forward wheel-well light, rear light, and center light on rear cross member failed. Pulling the wiring out of the tube revealed a non-waterproof butt-splice for the forward wheel-well amber running light. This connection rotted through and put out the rear running lights. A week later, the very next trip after repairing the right side, the same happened 2 days ago on the left side. I guess SeaLion figures you won't submerge the tires lower than the hubs? Oh, and I faithfully hose out the inside of the 3x4" frame tubes along with the rest of the trailer as soon as I return home. 4 months exactly and splices failed. I made sure to use heavier 16-gauge (individual conductor) trailer wires, heat-shrinkable butt-splices with the melting ooze, and self-fusing silicone tape for overkill. SeaLion seems to put a lot of thought and good quality components into their trailers, and is why this surprised me. I like the quality of the LED lights, but I see this as more of a "human error" assembly fault. I never have backed a trailer into the water without first unplugging the lights, but this trailer I must leave them active, as the backup signal is necessary to disable the 4 disc brakes when reversing (surge brakes). I guess that was more of an issue with hot incandescent bulbs. Oh, and the dealer was more than happy to correct the problem the first time I reported it, but they were shut down for the holiday week and I needed the trailer. Has anyone experienced this with SeaLion, or any trailer for that matter, in such a short period of time?