Question for the "seasoned" anglers on trailer lights (searched for a similiar topic and found nothing)...I've been told that one should always unplug the trailer lights prior to launch, don't know if this is universal or just for the bulb type or includes LED lights too. I have not ever unplugged the lights prior to launch and usually do not see others unplugging either.

The recent Towing Guide that came out says to ALWAYS unplug the lights.

Fact or myth - good or bad? Thoughts?

If you have a leaking lens cover you probably should as it'll blow the bulb out when it gets wet. LED's are no worry so I never unplug the trailer lights. Hell I have a hard enough time remembering to put in the drain plug in and even forgot the tie-downs once LOL!

I never unplug mine.

I never unplug mine either.. but the fact is (as stated above) if they leak...you need to unplug them... When used the bulb obviously gets hot.. so when the water hits it.. they fry.. also the water will short the wiring.. but only if it can get to them.. hence leaking...

Sealed lights don't require unplugging. Unsealed ones do.

sealed? Lot of so called sealed lights leak. I use to unplug my skeeter trailer lights but my boat now has LED lights and I do not on this one

LEDs do not produce heat so no need to unplug

my tailights are sealed, but my side markers are not. I have never unplugged them, and haven't had any issues

I don't think I can back my boat up without the tail lights plugged in, since I have a hydraulic surge brake coupler.

Thanks for the input guys...it seems as I suspected, that if they are sealed - or the LEDs that produce little if any heat, then no need to unplug. I have never unplugged them and not had a problem. I also have the surge brakes, and I understand they are not affected if "lights unplugged" since they work when brake pressure is applied,backing up and going slow should have no effect on the brakes...bottom line - I'm leaving the lights plugged. THANKS!

Anytime you have pressure on the trailer tongue your breaks will be applied. With enough pressure your tires will lock up especially if your trailer has some age on it.

By the way, one of the reasons I don't unplug mine, is so I don't forget to plug them back in, and get pulled over, or rear ended on the way home

I dont unplug mine because I am lazy.

"Anytime you have pressure on the trailer tongue your breaks will be applied. With enough pressure your tires will lock up especially if your trailer has some age on it."

That's forward moving pressure and when the brakes are applied to assist the "surge" process - correct? I've seen and been told if you go slow enough, and backing - typically no problem, but perhaps as you say, on older trailers things might be different. Guess you got to know your equipment in this case.

Good point also, about not forgetting to "re-plug" afterwards - mine weill stay "plugged" as it works for me. THANKS!

Surge brake systems have nothing to do with the brake system on your vehicle. They are activated by the weight and momentum of the trailer 'pushing' against the tow vehicle when it slows. Same thing happens in reverse when you back up. The tow vehicle 'pushes' the trailer and activates the brakes. They might not engage on a smooth flat surface or going downhill but any bump or incline will lock them up.

Most surge brake systems have a manual or electrical reverse lockout to offset this.