Forum Discussion

jepalmer's avatar
jepalmer
Explorer
Jul 08, 2013

underwhelmed by tail lights

Just took delivery of a new (to me) 2008 North Shore. In bright sunlight the brake lights were hard to see. I'd like to be noticed if I step on the brakes .

Anyone ever upgrade their tail lights to something with a little more oomph?

thanks.

13 Replies

  • Pete_k's avatar
    Pete_k
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2013
    Have the LED's on my boat trailer and they will let you know they're on for sure.Will be replacing 15 more of the round ones over the next year or so. Swapping everything over to LED's. way brighter and last so long its unreal.
  • DHCamper's avatar
    DHCamper
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    As shown by Learjet, the Bargman 47-84-610's are great. They get a fast reaction from traffic. Possibly because they look more "commercial" and flash faster and brighter, I noticed cars becoming much more courteous in allowing me to merge into a lane. They also reflect light better than anything else I've seen.
  • webslave's avatar
    webslave
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    Dedicated LED lighting assemblies will always "outshine" regular fixtures that were designed for incandescent lighting. I used the Command units when I had my FunFinder, however, on the 5ver I'm using the Bargman units:



    This is shot at "high noon". You couldn't see the stock units unless it was going on dark outside. These you can't miss. I'm assuming it is a cost thing, but, it sure would be nice if the manufacturers would step up to the plate and make sure we're visible out on the road. It is hard to imagine somebody not seeing a 35', 13' high box, but, when I'm signaling my intentions, those smallish lights need to be as bright as possible.
  • GPG52_'s avatar
    GPG52_
    Explorer II
    Jul 09, 2013
    Definitely on my to do list for upgrades. In the meantime we have made it a habit of using commercial type reflective tape strips on the back of our RV.(those used by transport companies) Using the red and white roll we were able to cut additional white sections for the front right/left side and red sections the rear sides. These are not effective for day time running but do add much visibility at night.GPG
  • Jim_Sharon's avatar
    Jim_Sharon
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    Before installing new LED tail lights from command electronics, I replaced my standard incandescent bulbs. No help, lights were just as dim.
    Then I bought a set of LED bulbs.$25 for 2 bulbs. These actually looked less bright.
    Then I bought the led light assemblies. Wow,what a difference. tail lights are easy to see in daylight, and turn/brake lights really are attention getters.
    About $30 each, and they fit (pretty much) where the old set had been.
  • Learjet's avatar
    Learjet
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    l001952119 wrote:
    jepalmer wrote:
    Just took delivery of a new (to me) 2008 North Shore. In bright sunlight the brake lights were hard to see. I'd like to be noticed if I step on the brakes .

    Anyone ever upgrade their tail lights to something with a little more oomph?thanks.


    I have these and they are excellent. Cost me $75.00 for set. copy and paste address.
    http://www.commandelectronics.com/sl_led.html


    click link http://www.commandelectronics.com/sl_led.html

  • samandtheduck's avatar
    samandtheduck
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    Could they have the wrong bulbs in them? I have seen people put single element bulbs intead of the double element bulbs in tail lights. I have also seen the 7 pin plug wired wrong and the running lights come on when you step on the brakes instead of the brighter brake lights. Just a thought before you spend money upgrading.
    Brian
  • gitane59's avatar
    gitane59
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2013
    l001952119 wrote:
    jepalmer wrote:
    Just took delivery of a new (to me) 2008 North Shore. In bright sunlight the brake lights were hard to see. I'd like to be noticed if I step on the brakes .

    Anyone ever upgrade their tail lights to something with a little more oomph?thanks.


    I have these and they are excellent. Cost me $75.00 for set. copy and paste address.
    http://www.commandelectronics.com/sl_led.html


    X2: these are exactly what I used as well when I renovated my coach. Much brighter!
  • l001952119's avatar
    l001952119
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2013
    jepalmer wrote:
    Just took delivery of a new (to me) 2008 North Shore. In bright sunlight the brake lights were hard to see. I'd like to be noticed if I step on the brakes .

    Anyone ever upgrade their tail lights to something with a little more oomph?thanks.


    I have these and they are excellent. Cost me $75.00 for set. copy and paste address.
    http://www.commandelectronics.com/sl_led.html

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,020 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 26, 2025