Replacing rear tail lights with LED's

[Wingdreamer]

I bought a set of these from this ebay site last summer and replaced the crappy taillights on my trailer. Excellent price and quality. Passing this on to you if you are thinking of upgrading..... well worth it!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Over-8-80-Led-Truck-Trailer-Boat-Trailer-Light_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3efb52fd98QQitemZ270504492440QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

[copcarguy]

I installed these lights on my boat trailer...  I agree that they are a really nice set of lights!
 
I replaced the rear lights on the Fleetwood Niagara I used to have with LED's as well...  click on my webshots link for some pics.  The install took less than 5 minutes and was WELL worth it!

[Recumbentman]

I don't understand how this is a good mod to do :confused:
most of us install LED's to save battery power from our PU, but the tail lights are powered by your TV so I don't see the benefit in doing this, plus the cost is on the high side.  What am I missing here :eyecrazy:

[Hoagie]

I don't understand how this is a good mod to do :confused:
most of us install LED's to save battery power from our PU, but the tail lights are powered by your TV so I don't see the benefit in doing this, plus the cost is on the high side. What am I missing here :eyecrazy:

I don't think most people do this mod for the power savings. It is done for the increased light output of the LEDs, improving the visibilty of your trailer. If you look at the Webshots of CopCarGuy's installation you can actually see the difference in the photos.
 
I'm not saying this justifies the expense for everybody, but if you have to replace a tail light I'd certainly do it then. Just my 2 cents.

[copcarguy]

I don't understand how this is a good mod to do

1: The LED's are at least double if not triple the brightness of regular incandescent / filament light bulbs, which equals more safety.
 
2: LED's turn on in milleseconds to full brightness, so when they illuminate it gives the people behind you more time to not hit you.
 
3: LED's just look waaaay cooler than regular tail and brake lights. :p

[Wingdreamer]

Absolutely, What copcarguy stated above is my reasoning. I never once considered power savings, as it is correct that the tow vehicle powers the lights.... However, water leakage, corroded bulbs, lousy or no reflectors around the bulbs, and very poor visibility when signaling or braking during daylight hours were the main reason. I would follow other pop ups on the highway, similar model to mine, and could barely see the brake lights or signals during the day.  Now, at eye/driving  level from behind, I can see the LED lights a block away. Well worth the piece of mind for me. I have even considered a high mount style that I may wire in on the roof above the spare. I am considering a strip style LED brake light that I got off of a Astro/ Safari van at the wreckers. Attach with white velcro strip on top of the trailer, then a 2 pin trailer plug to make it a quick connect style at one of the tail lights. I REALLY DON'T want to get rear ended by someone who doesnt see my brake lights. Helluva way to end a great camping trip before it even starts.......

[copcarguy]

Hey Wingdreamer...
 
check out this brake / clearance light on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Red-LED-Truck-Trailer-Turn-Clearance-High-Brake-Light_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem19b8dcc82cQQitemZ110475659308QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f100
 
if the link doesn't work it's item # 110475659308.
 
I used this light as a third brake light on a truck cap / topper.  It is a clearance light as well as a brake light.  The plan you have to wire in the third brake light from the Astro will have it flash with whatever side blinker you tap into.  This light on eBay has both right and left circuits so it'll work correctly.  You also can't go wrong for under $20 shipped!