What’s the Difference Between Waterproof and Submersible Trailer Lights?

When it comes to boat trailers, choosing the right lighting system is critical for safety, durability, and compliance with road regulations. Many trailer owners are unsure about the difference between waterproof lights and submersible lights—and the terms are often used interchangeably, even though they don’t mean the same thing.

Submersible Trailer Lights

• How They Work: Submersible lights are designed using the bell-jar principle. When the trailer is lowered into the water, a small amount of water may enter the housing. However, the trapped air inside creates pressure that prevents water from reaching the electrical contacts and sockets.
• What to Expect: These lights are not truly sealed. They’re built to survive repeated dunking but can still allow moisture buildup over time, especially if seals wear out or housings crack.
• Common Use: Many older boat trailers or budget-friendly models rely on submersible incandescent lights. They’re serviceable but require more frequent maintenance, such as reapplying dielectric grease and checking for corrosion.

Waterproof Trailer Lights

• How They Work: Waterproof lights are fully sealed units—no water gets inside, period. Modern waterproof trailer lights are often LED-based, which makes them brighter, longer-lasting, and resistant to vibration.
• What to Expect: Because they’re sealed, waterproof lights provide better long-term protection against corrosion and electrical failure. They require less maintenance compared to submersible incandescent lights.
• Common Use: Most newer boat trailers, including Venture Trailers, come standard with sealed LED waterproof lights, giving boaters a major advantage in reliability and durability.