Forum Discussion

LOFAT36's avatar
LOFAT36
Explorer
Apr 14, 2017

LED's

To switch out my old TT tailights to LED's, I assume I would have to get a new socket. Correct ?

30 Replies

  • I put a while light behind the red lens on my TT and it works OK. I got the bulbs at Wall Mart and they fit the standard socket. They are sold as replacements for standard taillight bulbs. I put one in at a time so I could compare results then I stood back and watched. They do light up quicker but, the ones I have are not any brighter.

    If you find some brighter ones let me know. The tail lights on my TT are hard to see in bright daylight and I sure wish they were brighter.
  • GordonThree wrote:
    LOFAT36 wrote:
    GordonThree wrote:
    When shopping, buy LEDs matching the lens color for best results.


    I don't understand this. Lenses are red, bulbs are clear. Correct ?


    Incandescent bulbs are most often clear. LEDS however only generate "simulated" white light, relying on our eye (or camera) to integrate two colors, blue and yellow giving the illusion of white. High end
    LEDs can generate a fuller spectrum, but I haven't seen anyone selling those on a retrofit bulb.

    Putting a white led behind a red lens doesn't work as well as putting a red led behind a red lens or an amber led behind an amber lens.


    Interesting, I never knew they came in red. I'll check that out. Thanks, Gordon.
  • LOFAT36 wrote:
    GordonThree wrote:
    When shopping, buy LEDs matching the lens color for best results.


    I don't understand this. Lenses are red, bulbs are clear. Correct ?


    Incandescent bulbs are most often clear. LEDS however only generate "simulated" white light, relying on our eye (or camera) to integrate two colors, blue and yellow giving the illusion of white. High end
    LEDs can generate a fuller spectrum, but I haven't seen anyone selling those on a retrofit bulb.

    Putting a white led behind a red lens doesn't work as well as putting a red led behind a red lens or an amber led behind an amber lens.
  • I bought a set of Harbor Freight LED lights, then took them apart and used the LED light board to put inside my old trailer lights. They work great.
  • GordonThree wrote:
    When shopping, buy LEDs matching the lens color for best results.


    I don't understand this. Lenses are red, bulbs are clear. Correct ?
  • yillb wrote:
    LOFAT36 wrote:
    To switch out my old TT tailights to LED's, I assume I would have to get a new socket. Correct ?


    Negative, they make bulbs that fit in stock housing, I did the same swap, i did it on ALL the lights on my trailer, and ALL the lights on my truck.

    What year is the trailer ?


    2011 Rockwood. I'd like something brighter.
  • I found some direct replacement LEDs for mine, not sure which you have but found mine at a local O'REILLY'S. I'm sure Super Bright LEDs would have something as well.
  • LOFAT36 wrote:
    To switch out my old TT tailights to LED's, I assume I would have to get a new socket. Correct ?


    Negative, they make bulbs that fit in stock housing, I did the same swap, i did it on ALL the lights on my trailer, and ALL the lights on my truck.

    What year is the trailer ?