LED Stop/Turn/Tail

W7PSK · 06-26-2020, 07:02 AM

searched a million ways and couldn't find a thread on this soooo

I have the old incandescent Stop/Turn/Tail single 4 inch round. 1 red and 1 white on each side. Id like to convert it to LED with Both being red. My RV club has been behind me and they say its hard to see me at times.

Ive been reading every web page for sale and cannot seem to decide.

anyone have an older Everest they have converted or another similar rig.

Id like to pull the trigger but I'm nervous.

**JRTJH** · 06-26-2020, 07:20 AM

These are the ones I used in 2014 when I replaced my tail lights: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lig...47-84-610.html They have nearly doubled in price in the 6 years since I bought mine, but definitely worth the price.

There is no license plate light, so you'll need to buy that separately, mount it under (or above) one of the new LED tail lights. It is easy to wire the license plate light to the existing tail light wiring (not the brake light wiring)….

Here is one of many threads on the topic: https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...ght=tail+light My post is #9. There is another photo of a different LED light shape in post #10.

ADDED: Remember that each LED light is sold as a "1 each unit" so you'll need to order 2, one for each side of your trailer.

The license plate light also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, Here's one: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lig...s/LPL56CB.html

travelin texans · 06-26-2020, 09:27 AM

https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Round-LE...3192325&sr=8-9
Added these to ours!

W7PSK · 06-26-2020, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

These are the ones I used in 2014 when I replaced my tail lights: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lig...47-84-610.html They have nearly doubled in price in the 6 years since I bought mine, but definitely worth the price.

While nice, those wont work. If you notice above, I have the 4inch round.

W7PSK · 06-26-2020, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Round-LE...3192325&sr=8-9
Added these to ours!

Nice, but I should have said, Mine are Flange Mounts, not puck.

travelin texans · 06-26-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W7PSK

Nice, but I should have said, Mine are Flange Mounts, not puck.

I replaced mine & my buddies that were flange mounted with ones similar to those posted using the rubber inserts, 6 years later were still in place no issues.
But if you'd rather do the flange mount Amazon has them as well.

B-O-B'03 · 06-26-2020, 01:02 PM

Why not just buy LED replacement bulbs for the existing fixtures?

I bought some to replace the step light and it works great, the same bulb would work for all the running/clearance lights.

Betting they have equivalent tail/stop replacements as well.

-Brian

NH_Bulldog · 06-26-2020, 02:27 PM

Same here. I swapped in LED replacement bulbs in place of the old incandescents. I did the rear lights as well as all of the marker lights

Customer1 · 06-26-2020, 03:30 PM

If the existing incandescent lights aren't bright enough you have a wiring problem. Clean all connections and particularly your ground connections. If you change to LED you will still have the wiring problems.

**JRTJH** · 06-26-2020, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W7PSK

While nice, those wont work. If you notice above, I have the 4inch round.

I see that your trailer has a molded rear cap with specific "moldings for tail lights". You're right, the ones I used won't work for your trailer. Danny posted a link to some that may work for you.

Alpine · 06-26-2020, 04:42 PM

Another vote here for just changing out the bulbs. That's what I did a few years back and they are great! Pop out your existing bulb to see what the base looks like.... take it in to your favorite auto store or Wally World... and there you go!!!

W7PSK · 06-26-2020, 10:46 PM

I did go with LED bulbs an people had problems seeing them if not looking straight at them. Ive checked wiring and cleaned connections. Ill keep looking.

**flybouy** · 06-27-2020, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W7PSK

I did go with LED bulbs an people had problems seeing them if not looking straight at them. Ive checked wiring and cleaned connections. Ill keep looking.

But did you check the voltage at the sockets? Were the replacement bulbs the correct replacement, i.e. Were the bulbs you took out the correct bulb? The dual filament builds that fit identical sockets come in different wattages for the same base.

**JRTJH** · 06-27-2020, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W7PSK

I did go with LED bulbs an people had problems seeing them if not looking straight at them. Ive checked wiring and cleaned connections. Ill keep looking.

First, what "color" LED arrays did you use that people had problems seeing? White LED's behind a red lens will not shine brightly. The reason is because all the light emitted (that is any color but red) is absorbed by the red lens.

To achieve "maximum light emission" the LED arrays behind a red lens must emit red light.

Further, to expand on Marshall's comment, if the light fixture base is corroded or is there is a corroded wire connection behind the light, it will reduce the voltage to the LED array. Some LED arrays will only illuminate a part of the LEDs when the input voltage is low, some will not illuminate any of the LEDs. In a "multicontact LED array" (such as an 1157) there are actually two separate and distinct LED circuits, one for the "low level tail light" and a separate circuit for the "high level stop light".

So, check the voltage going to the socket and use red LED arrays to get maximum light emission.

NH_Bulldog · 06-27-2020, 05:20 AM

Another thing to consider is the orientation of the LED diodes on the “bulb” vs. the orientation of the socket (straight in or sideways). I have the rectangular fixtures, so the socket/bulb is sideways which gives maximum light exposure.

With yours being round, I am guessing the bulbs are straight in, which means the only direct output is off the end of the bulb and the sides are only reflecting which is not ideal. There are bulb types that are designed for the straight in sockets, but in this case you are likely better off with new fixtures.

Do you have a picture of the back of your trailer? Have you removed the lens and looked for a brand/model? Have you pulled one of the lights and brought it to an auto parts store or Tractor Supply?

**flybouy** · 06-27-2020, 06:16 AM

When we bought are our camper we ordered it. Came from the factory with the cheap Bargman 5 way rectangular lights. That had to fool with one side to get the socket to work at PDI. I asked the teck if wanted a flashlight to see if the bulb was lit after he put the lense back on.

Went home and immediately ordered replacement LED lamps.Results? Useless. I wouldn't put that light fixture on the back of a kid's tricycle. Ordered direct replacement LED fixtures and what a difference. Also replaced the clearance lights with LED fixtures. They have been on the camper for 8 years and all are as bright as they day they were installed. One of the best upgrades for the money IMHO.

larryflew · 07-02-2020, 07:48 AM

I used 10 bulb LED like the Amazon ones pictured but used the existing chrome screwed on rings that where on my 5th wheel. I also switched my back up whites to be tail lights and added a small white LED to my back up circuit for the few times it's nice to have back up lights.

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