1976 Ford 302 trailer wiring

[Neal Franson]

Okay, so I hitched up my repaired boat ready to try it out on the high seas, and the trailer lights don't work. This happens about every other time I go out, so I have re-wired it totally twice, trying to make it reliable. The last time I was supposed to be a marine grade harness, but I have my doubts. I have electrical to the trailer, but nothing works on the trailer, so I suspected grounding problems. The main ground is fine. I checked the voltage to the lights and got some weak signals and some inexplicable variables. The light fixture connections always get corroded, as I immerse it in salt water every few weeks.

It looks like I have to rewire it again and maybe get new lights, but how do I make it truly saltwater proof?

 

[AllDodge]

I have no idea why trailer wiring is designed to use the trailer frame as ground, running a ground wire is not that hard, but it is what it is

Your motor has nothing to do with the question your asking, the type of boat is.

I'll assume for now it's a 20ft something boat. Mount some poles on each side of your trailer the height that will not go under water. Some have used PVC pipe, but most anything can work. The trailer lights will no longer need to be submersible but they can be. Run power and ground wires to the lights and use heat shrink tubing with sealant.

As an example HERE is a thread of another which did that