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Replaced the cheap tail Lights with Bargman LED
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394 Posts
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January 8, 2013 - 10:27 pm
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Everytime I washed my camper my tail lights would fill up with water, later on, the bulb socket would corrode and wouldn't burn or was weak. I decided to by some bargman LED tail lights from Hitchanything on Ebay. Man what a differnce it made!
Before
[img width=640 height=480]http://i.imgur.com/QFfMd.jpg[/img]
After with Lights on
[img width=640 height=480]http://i.imgur.com/7YhBU.jpg[/img]
I already replaced the marker lights with LED bulbs to cut down on 12 voltage being drawn on battery when I turn the exterior lights on while camping. Off before bed time of course!

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2545 Posts
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January 9, 2013 - 7:46 am
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I was having similar issues with my tail lights and picked up a pair of LED tail lights at Harbor Freight.  They didn't look as good as yours but it was better than what I had previously.

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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100 Posts
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January 9, 2013 - 11:09 am
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Looks great!
I did the same thing, but because of the curvature of our trailer, I had to take the LED lights out and mount them directly.

[img width=640 height=480]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/BaronDugger/Our%20new%20Clipper%20Sport%20126/Clipper%20126%20mods/LED%20lights/15masticandsilicone.jpg[/img]

[img width=640 height=480]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/BaronDugger/Our%20new%20Clipper%20Sport%20126/Clipper%20126%20mods/LED%20lights/17finishedtailights.jpg[/img]

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41 Posts
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January 9, 2013 - 5:41 pm
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When I say apprehensive about the cut off tool, when you broke out the hole cutter and started cutting hols in the back of the camper, I again was, well lets just say apprehensive, again..... but as I said as I watched the Maestro at work, just love it when a plan comes together.
Great Mod with Great Results. Thanks again for letting me watch.
Now your RV Nite Light will really "Shine" at the campground. Order yours from Fire Capt Jim today. Got mine.

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394 Posts
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January 9, 2013 - 8:54 pm
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Thanks FwArcadia, Baron, Lone Lock! You did a great job on your lights Baron! I copied you and drilled a big 3" hole under each light to make it easier to run wires. I used a small clear tube where I cut a slit with a box knife. I used the slit to protect the sharp edge of the metal. I used dumb dumb putty tape to help seal from the weather under each light frame.
Just let me know Fw Arcadia when we are going to start yours! As you witnessed, it's no problem to install.
I want to see pictures Lone Lock when you get yours installed! I think any good quality LED tail lights has to be better than what came on the camper! I wish Somerset  used something like these instead of the recessed round light. In my opinion, cost a little more but looks 10 times better and functions better!

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100 Posts
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January 9, 2013 - 10:05 pm
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No one likes to tailgate me now!
Put butyl tape around the hole, not around the edge of the light.
This is the primary water seal. You can put butyl around both, but I preferred silicone around the outside. It looks nicer.
Be sure to use neutral-cure silicone!
NOTE TO ALL!
DO NOT USE ALCOHOL TO CLEAN SURFACES IF YOU ARE GOING TO CAULK WITH URETHANE SEALANTS!!!
Alcohol interferes with the urethane curing reaction. You'll just have a bunch of bubble gum if there is any residual alcohol..
Use xylene if you have to, but a good detergent is best.
DO NOT USE MEK OR ACETONE! These solvents will remove the finishes.

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1 Posts
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January 11, 2013 - 5:15 pm
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Going to have a look at these lites also.. Like everyone the cheapos fill with water and the lens keep coming loose.. thanks for suggestions.. on my "todo list" for spring..
g

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394 Posts
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January 11, 2013 - 8:54 pm
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I just wanted to add that these do not try to pulsate like some replacement LED bulbs in the old socket would. These was easy to wire, install and no problems after install. My old lights had a ground wire hooked up to the unit. Some units the lights are grounded to the wall panel by using attachment screws through the light base. If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me or BigBaron(I'm sure he would be glad to answer some questions as well!)

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100 Posts
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January 13, 2013 - 6:17 am
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That's why I went with Bargman-I knew they would work. The LED lights are sealed.
This the back

[img width=640 height=480]http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u384/BaronDugger/Our%20new%20Clipper%20Sport%20126/Clipper%20126%20mods/LED%20lights/backsideofLEDlights.jpg[/img]

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53 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 7:46 am
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On Bargman...what does one unit cost, Baron? They look like the stuff on ambulances and they can't be cheap!  ::)

Thanks!  😉

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394 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 9:17 am
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Hey Camp, on Ebay, they run $30-40 each. I bought my four with the 2 chrome bezels for 136.00 with shipping. I put my contact information at the begging of this thread. They have several designs to chose from. E-trailer has a selection to choose from as well. But call them to see if they have your selection in stock. E- trailer did not have mine , back order for 3 months. http://www.hitchanything.com had a good supply.
Most emergency vehicles are using federal/wheelen units. I know the last order on the new fire trucks, we went back to using a standard alternator on the trucks instead of the heavy duty due to lower voltage/amperage draw using LED emergency lights.

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53 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 10:10 am
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Thanks Capt, but I was asking le Baron' because he has the kind I've seen!  😉

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2545 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 10:45 am
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I don't have pictures of my lights on my pup.  I sold it after taking one trip.  I do have a pair I put on my utility trailer I'll snap a photo of.  They were submerssible LED lights from Harbor Freight, $35 I think for the pair and the wiring. 

I was checking the lights, trying to get them to work the night before a trip and just said I'm done, bought the new lights and bolted them right to the bumper so I'd at least have lights flashing back there.  I ran new wire under the trailer as well (I don't have brakes or charge the battery while driving so I only needed a 4pin).  I intended on moving them up to the original light sockets, but one thing led to the other and I sold it.

Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer.  Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.

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1238 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 11:06 am
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That's certainly a mod I can appreciate.  I've been looking at LEDs for both interior and exterior.  I know one Apache owner ended up putting in a third brake light on his Mesa.  It looked really good.

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394 Posts
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January 14, 2013 - 8:03 pm
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Hey Lone Lock, Before you get them wired up, you can use a 9 volt battery to test the lights. LED does not need to much voltage to test. I use a regular 9 volt to bench test before bolting or wiring up to camper/trailer. I have a square LED bolted to my 6x12 trailer as well!

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100 Posts
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January 15, 2013 - 10:54 pm
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Race Mart had fantastic prices. Try google shopping first, and go from there. I don't know if eTrailer has them. Superbrightleds has smaller ones that are nice, too.
I use Amazon a lot because I'm in Korea.

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