LED Tail Light Upgrade

Shane826 · 04-10-2016, 01:12 PM

Both of the tail lights on my 2007 3326 need some attention. The bulbs have to be twisted "just so" or they don't work. If cleaned the sockets, added dielectric grease, new bulbs, and tried "crimping" the sockets to make them tighter for better contact. All to no avail. Add to that the lens/cover retaining tabs on the curb side light are cracked and flimsy, maybe it's just time for some new lights. Anyone have a recommendation on a surface mount LED assembly with the same (or slightly larger) dimensions as the originals? Are the LED assemblies on the newer TMs the same size? As always, thanks for any ideas!

tentcamper · 04-10-2016, 02:14 PM

We replace our, but decided to stay with what came with the camper about $12 each. Bargman 34-92-002 #92 and 34-92-004 #92.

But if I was switching to leds I would go to Bargman 48-84-009 or 47-85-002 or 47-84-530

Shane826 · 04-10-2016, 06:56 PM

I think those are both recessed into the shell... Maybe I'll just put a new set of OEM assemblies on and then install LED "bulbs" when the incandescents burn out.

tentcamper · 04-11-2016, 07:46 PM

I tried to find some dual element LED's bulbs, I could only find some with oval shaped contact, they did not make good contact with the recessed round contacts.

Let me know if you find some that work.

ka9nyn · 04-12-2016, 09:58 PM

Look at http://www.etrailer.com.
They have surface mount LED light fixtures for tail lights and clearance lights.

tentcamper · 04-13-2016, 08:28 AM

Not much selection with backup lights.

Shane826 · 04-13-2016, 11:05 AM

Search "LED 1157" or "LED 1156" on Amazon, there are a ton of LED "bulbs"... Would I need any kind of resistor or anything to keep the turn signals blinking properly? I know if you use these on a car the turn signals will blink rapidly and some cars will throw a "Service Vehicle Soon" or similar message because it thinks the bulb is burnt...

tentcamper · 04-13-2016, 06:07 PM

Look at the contacts of those bulbs, if they are not round but more a oval shape, they will not work well. I have a set of the ones that said they are 1157 compatible. I'm on the second camper that they don't work on.

Both campers the base connector for the 1157 rear lights have a small round recessed with the contact sitting below the surface. The round solder balls on the 1157 bulbs make contact to these recessed contacts. The oval contact of the 1157 led bulbs will not make good contact if any. its just a few 1000 of an inch recess.

Shane826 · 04-13-2016, 06:25 PM

Oh I see what you're saying. The contacts on the bottom of the bulb are oval, not the base of the bulb... I'll take a closer look.

ka9nyn · 04-13-2016, 06:30 PM

You can always add separate B/U lights.
They (eTrailer) have several surface mount white multi-LED fixtures.

Improvise, Adapt, Overcome.