Auxilary Back-up Lights Problem

[stg2500]

Is anyone having problem with water accumulating in their Auxilary Back-up Lights? I have the round tractor type lights mounted next to the trailer hitch. I found a little water dripping out of one of them last week. Once I removed the bulb I found that they were full of water.

 

[Midnite]

Have you backed a boat trailer into a river or lake recently? I have four of those lights on my '92, and they're definitely not watertight, although I can't see any way they'd fill with water from normal driving regardless of how hard it's raining.



If they got submerged when you were loading/unloading a boat, then I could see how they might fill up. If they're not totally shot at this point, I'd suggest that you completely dry them out (maybe slip the rubber housing off the lens to help get all the water out) and then do a bit of waterproofing on them. I'd put a dab of silicone caulk where the black wire comes out of the housing, and probably also put a bead around the edge of the lens where the rubber housing contacts it. Hopefully this would make it completely watertight.



Mike

 

[stg2500]

No I haven't backed a boat into the water. The only thing that they have been subjected to is rain. The rubber seems to seal around the lens. The water must be coming in from the hole for the wiring. I guess I will have to seal up around the wires and see if that makes any difference.

 

[jwgary]

I have heard lot of people who put a small hole in the bottom of the rubber cover. When the lights are used right side up, there is no problem, but upside down they will hold water. The hole should not allow much water to get in and it will all drain out. The water probably gets in there from condensation and accumulates over time.

 

[Patriot Diesel]

I got lots of water in mine. It eventually blew both of the bulbs. They were the rubber tractor lights. I have taken them off, they are being replaced by a set of KC's

 

[Shovelhead]

Most aftermarket lights are designed to be mounted with the anchor/mount down so there is a designed vent on the bottom.

When we flip them over to use them as back-up lights, it's necessary to make a new one on the "bottom". Sealing the "old" vent is optional.

 

[Bigsaint]

Yep

I had a set of the tractor utility lights on the last truck, mounted on the rear bumper for backing up and they filled with every rainfall. I put the same type on the new truck, but took the advice of several members here and drilled a small weep hole in the bottom of the rubber housing, works great.



Scott W.

 

[John]

I went a different route when I installed my PIAA 1500XT ion crystal fog, backup lights. I made a little rubber "mud" flap (water flap actually) to cover the back side of the light housing (which faces forward). I sized them properly so they can hardly be seen (even when looking for them) however, they provide excellent protection from rain intrusion.





..... however, if your into submersible activities with your Ram, well.....

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Waterproof Lights

Had the tractor lights (grote) on my last truck, mounted upright on the rear bumper. Had water problems and blew out a few bulbs. This time I went with JABSCO waterproof lights. They are standard marine equipment and I have had no problems for 6 yrs.

 

[redneckdr]

aux backup lights

somebody makes a tractor light with a small sealed beam. ihaven't started looking yet, but they should keep the water out. generous glob of dielectric silicone on the electrical connection should make them very resistant to water.