Suggestions for waterproof wire connections?

[johnv]

We're about to wire up our (new) tail lights and (old) license plate light. The factory used crimp cap style splices on these, where the wires were twisted together and the cap crimped on. Are these OK to use for a restoration or are folks soldering these and covering with shrink tube?

How are most people making wire connections?

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John

[kto17]

I learned a useful trick a few years ago for crimped connections that are exposed to the elements. Squirt some automotive dielectric grease into the plastic connector before you insert the wires and crimp it. Some excess grease should come out both ends.

If you can find them, they male those crimp connectors that the plastic is the heat shrink tube material so you can seal the ends.

[vikx]

I use smaller wing nuts and fill with silicone. Makes them easy to change if repairs are necessary. Wing nuts with silicone grease pre loaded are also available.

[universalexports]

all good ideas, I just used shrink tubbing, the main thing is make sure your camper is not leaking water inside the aluminum where the wires are. Mine just had the twist on caps and after 51 years the wiring was still OK.

[Hugh Currin]

I soldered connections with shrink tubing. I have no idea if this is best but it's what I decided to do.

I did go to lengths so no connections are made inside the walls. All the connections can be re-done without pulling skin. i.e. connections at the lights accessible via removing the light. etc.

[capnjonny]

If you need waterproof connections use automotive style crimp connectors . There is a special shrink tubing that seals to make a waterproof connection. It is dull black. It has an adhesive inside that fuses to the wire. you can buy it at West Marine among other places.

To make the connection first select a size shrink tube that will slide over the plastic crimp connector.
Cut a piece of tubing about 1" longer than the connector and slide it over the wire on one side of the splice
Splice the wire using your crimping pliers and connector.
Slide the tubing over the connector so there is 1/2" of tube each side of the connector.
Apply heat on all sides of the tubing either with a heat gun or a lighter or match , heating the tubing enough that it shrinks tight to the wire on either side. You will see the adhesive sticking to the wire.
You now have a waterproof splice.