Hitch Light Replacement

[Adony]

On the front of my less than 1 year old Wildwood TT is an oval shaped switched hitch light. I have replaced the light socket / rocker switch in it once already due to water intrusion and corrosion and now it has failed again. The water is either coming in thru the switch on the bottom or most likely via the snap in [COLOR=#0072bc !important][COLOR=#0072bc !important]lens [COLOR=#0072bc !important]cover[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]. The caulking around the light frame/body is tight and in good shape. I am sure there is almost a direct stream of water hitting the light from the TV rear wheels when towing in the rain. At first I thought to coat all wiring / switch on the inside of the light with a silicone sealer to keep them dry BUT before I do, I will ask others what they might have done or if they have replaced this particular light with a better (what kind) of light.

[sherdep]

that is the same light I have on the front of mine - when I recieved my trailer they caulked the switch so you had to flip it a few times before it would finally come on - I would think you could get it fixed under warranty since your TT is less then a year old.

[tomjsas]

I had mine fixed once under warranty for the same issue you have described. I assume it is going to happen again...just seems like a poor design and location. If someone has a great idea on how to keep it from happening again would love to hear it.

[edman87k5]

Change it to a better switch? Maybe a waterproof toggle with rubber cover?
There are lots of weatherproof switches out there, but most are too big to fit your location.

[miatared]

I have a new 2011 - took delivery last May.

The light is not waterproof, maybe a bit water resistant. I put some dielectric grease on the contacts, no change. Every other trip I have to take it apart, clean the contacts and it works again for a few weeks.

I lost the plastic lense on the highway once, as I did for the porch light so clearly the design is not great.

I have bought a whole replacement light (housing and lens) for $12, as they wanted $8 for the lens only...

I have seen some nice marine type lamps, completely waterproof, but they are not cheap ($40 to $100). I am hopeful I will eventually find one.

Here is one from Grote, in white would be better but you get the idea.
http://grote.com/product.php?product_number=61F30

Until then, I will tough it out.

[KyDan]

Mine also stopped working within the first few months.
They obviously are NOT water proof and they are in
the path of the monsoon created when you tow in
the rain.

Other than total replacement with a sealed marine unit,
I'd suggest cleaning the contacts in the socket.
Grease the bulb base with silicone GREASE not silicone
caulk. Sometimes this is called O-ring grease.
Then mount a surface switch inside your storage
compartment. Your compartment door is right there
around the corner so it would be easy to reach in there
and flip it on and off.
I haven't done this to mine yet.

Last time I hitched
in the rain and dark I put my truck in reverse, set
the parking brake and shut off the engine but left
the key in run so my backup lights were on.

It's still a BAD choice of light and it's in the worst possible
place for getting wet over and over.
ARE YOU LISTENING FOREST RIVER?!?!?

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Just repaired mine on my 8285WS. I thought it was the switch also, then thought it was a bad ground. Found the "SLIDE ON" connectors for the switch were not making good contact.

Solution: Unplug the slide on plugs for the black & white wire on the switch. Using a pair of pliers carefully squeeze the plugs on the black & white wire to close the plugs contact point, replug the black & white plugs
back on to the switch.

Test: Turn the switch on------and now turn off. This should repair the the loose plug on contacts for the black & white wire.