Forum Discussion

LeBout's avatar
LeBout
Explorer
May 19, 2017

I want LED tail-lights!

On the trip my wife and I just took I found during one of our stops along the way that one of my tail-light lenses had fallen off. :( I went to an RV store in Sioux Falls, SD and found a replacement that snapped right on, but the whole ordeal got me noticing tail-lights on this trip and how the LED tail-lights are SO much brighter and easier to see.

So, I started searching AMAZON.COM and while I found several to choose from, I just wasn't satisfied. I would like to hear from those of you who have purchased LED tail-lights and if you would be so kind to also give me a review. Did they live up to the hype? Would you buy them again? That sort of thing. THANKS in advance!

Paul

18 Replies

  • The best thing about being DOT approved is that they will be the correct color and "look" correct when they light.
  • RoyB wrote:
    Just be mindful that any after market DOT Safety lights additions must be DOT APPROVED type. This should have a DOT number stamped into the lens to identify if it is DOT approved...

    Ran into this alot back in my off-road trucking and Jeep days... You purchase the fancy new items and install them only to have to remove them when it becomes inspection time.

    Just be sure what you are purchasing is DOT Approved in your state.



    While it's good to get DOT approved lights, I've never had my tail lights inspected. Short of getting something that is just horribly and clearly wrong at a glance, I don't see it being an issue.

    Honestly, I'm shocked that no one has caught on to the biggest advantage to LED Brake Lights and made them standard on all new vehicles. When you apply power to an incandescent bulb, it actually takes about 0.5 seconds to heat up enough to generate visible light. LED bulbs usually are under 0.05 seconds. That means the guy behind you gets almost an extra 1/2 second to react when you hit the brakes.

    The result is near misses become non-events and serious crashes may become fender benders.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Just be mindful that any after market DOT Safety lights additions must be DOT APPROVED type. This should have a DOT number stamped into the lens to identify if it is DOT approved...

    Ran into this alot back in my off-road trucking and Jeep days... You purchase the fancy new items and install them only to have to remove them when it becomes inspection time.

    Just be sure what you are purchasing is DOT Approved in your state.

    There is another issue with LED LIGHTS causing RFI interference with some electronic/radio/TV items... Being SAFETY lights probably won't an issue with you but being a Ham radio guy I have pulled up behind big trucks with their LED lights on and my Ham radio would would start acting up... Also in my RV trailer that had one brand of regulated ceiling LED lights installed would blank out my HDTV and WX radio especially when I was using the OTA antenna every time I turned on the ceiling lights... I had to replace the LED lights for the non-regulated type to resolve this problem... Just something to think about haha...

    Roy Ken
  • Anyone know if they make a panel insert for the lights in question! Ide like to have the entire lens lit up.
  • I replaced all the exterior lights on my MH with LED except for the headlights. Very happy with the results. Used the DOT replacement panels from Bargman for the brake/tail and backup lights. Got LED replacement lights for the clearance lights from Newmar. Replaced just the bulbs in the rest. Pay attention to the lumen ratings.
  • RVhiker wrote:
    These are the exact ones I installed several years ago:Bargman Taillights. Much brighter than the originals, and the base of the new lights was large enough to cover up the holes of the original lights. If you choose these Bargman lights, you'll (probably) also have to install a license plate holder and light.


    I used those too and they are very nice. Very bright and of course, fast to turn on. Got a lic. holder with light from fleabay for about $7.
    Well worth it!!
  • These are the exact ones I installed several years ago:Bargman Taillights. Much brighter than the originals, and the base of the new lights was large enough to cover up the holes of the original lights. If you choose these Bargman lights, you'll (probably) also have to install a license plate holder and light.