replacing incandescent running/brake lights with led

We've been using 1157 type double filament bulbs since I was a kid in the '60's for tail/brake lights. "Work Fine, and Last a Long Time" Cost about fifty cents apiece.

One advantage of LED's is that they instantly reach full brightness unlike incandescent bulbs. Also, they usually are much brighter so that instant brighter light just might get the attention of the cell phone idiot tailgating, but I doubt it.

I don't see where there was any expectation of meaningful power efficiency increases.

LEDs have other advantages for these uses. Many LED tail lights are brighter than many of the (often poor) reflector designs used, or at least generally more visible. Due to the lower current consumption, they ought to work better with marginal grounds or power connections, though that's not ideal in any case. There is (or at least should be) far less worry about having to change burnt out bulbs. With purpose-built LED fixtures, you can get permanent sealing and hopefully thicker lenses to help avoid cracking, leaking, etc...but of course that might not actually work out as well as it in theory ought to if the maker decides to use the advantages to build the lights more cheaply than was possible previously, rather than to a more reliable standard.

The complaints about the lights not working well (or rather being particularly visible) in poor weather were in relation to the incandescent versions, by the way.

jamesroadking wrote:
Someone please in a cost verses function way enlighten me here. And what is the actual cost?
So, what's the advantage of changing out your trailer or 5th wheel running and brake lights for what these new bulbs cost. Your running and brake lights are powered off your truck's battery and alternator, not your house battery.
I understand lower your amperage drain on you house battery when your dry camping from your interior lights, but your running and brake lights are not hooked up to the trailer or 5th wheel battery. I think that six or eight running lights aren't a problem for your trucks electrical charging system.

You hit my question right on the HEAD! When I first read the OP's question I had "exactly" the same thoughts. I just didn't know how to state it, so decided no comment was better than a bad comment. What's the cost savings here? I don't get it at all ... ESPECIALLY after reading these LED running light bulbs don't work right in inclement weather, as another poster (above) stated.

I replaced all my lights with the Bargman 84/86 series. They look great and draw less current. These are the kind that plug into the old light socket so the install was 2 screws easy. However, I did use a battery brush to clean the corrosion out of the old light sockets and I hose-clamped the connection after inserting the new light into the socket. Then I coated the whole thing with dielectric grease.

The fact of the matter is that the stock Bargman lights are horrible quality. They are literally a regular 3157 incandescent bulb placed in front of a flat piece of reflective plastic... that's it. The reflective plastic doesn't do much to project light through the lens, making it a very ineffective light. If you've ever towed in the rain or the fog and seen how poorly the stock lights illuminate, you would understand.

I don't have Bargman lights on my Jayco, I've got the Command Electronics. I was hesitant to purchase their direct LED replacement, as I had never seen them in person before. I just purchased regular LED trailer lights (whole new assembly) and replaced the entire thing, housing and all. My lights are MUCH brighter now and I have confidence towing at night or inclement visibility conditions.

Someone please in a cost verses function way enlighten me here. And what is the actual cost?
So, what's the advantage of changing out your trailer or 5th wheel running and brake lights for what these new bulbs cost. Your running and brake lights are powered off your truck's battery and alternator, not your house battery.
I understand lower your amperage drain on you house battery when your dry camping from your interior lights, but your running and brake lights are not hooked up to the trailer or 5th wheel battery. I think that six or eight running lights aren't a problem for your trucks electrical charging system.

If you use Bargman 47-84-410, all you have to do is take the existing lens off, remove lamp and put the new unit in place. No extra wiring needed.
That is what i did to the TC and the light is far better.
Brian

Hatii,

They will work Great. The only thing I advise is that you get a tube of dielectric grease to coat the connections as they don't have an current to keep them clean of oxidation.

Matt

Those are the lights we are going to get. I am going to get some butyl tape to seal the backside.