My experience installing Bargman LED tail-lights
After doing research here and elsewhere I decided I really like the looks of the Bargman (47-84-610) surface-mount LED tail-lights. I bought them from etrailer.com who mistakenly only sent me one light initially, but after a quick call the second one was on the way. (I wasn't bothered by the delay since my TT was in the shop getting some work done anyway.)
I finally decided to tackle the installation and began with the left light. Removing the old fixture was easy but the location of the hole and wires made putting on the Bargman somewhat clumsy. So I took my Dremel tool and removed some of the unnecessary plastic on the backside of the Bargman. I could now easily tuck the wiring under the light fixture without putting too much stress on the wires.
I REALLY like the way the new Bargman looked, especially when the lights were turned on. They are BRIGHT and will get the attention of anyone following me.
Now it was time to tackle the RIGHT fixture.
As soon I removed the old light fixture and held the Bargman up to the trailer I started kicking myself. I remembered reading a review of someone who had installed them and recalled his exhortation to MEASURE the area before buying. That's where I messed up.
Our TT is a rear kitchen model and the back panel for the fridge is located just above where the old fixture was mounted. When I held the new fixture up there, it extended up onto the frame of the fridge panel.
With the top of the fixture sitting on the frame there was a large GAP behind the light and now it would no longer sit flush on the trailer. I had some thinking to do.
I went to my local Home Depot in search of an answer and lo and behold found the perfect solution! I located some PVC lattice strips that were just the right width and they were white! So I cut pieces to create a place for the light fixture to sit on the trailer that would be the same as the frame edging of the fridge panel.
I pre-drilled holes in the PVC strips and wired and mounted my fixture. It sat on the trailer perfectly and the back panel of the fridge can still be opened should it ever need servicing. Finally, I caulked both fixtures to keep moisture out.
How did it end up looking? Judge for yourself!
But now I had one more issue. Because the Bargman lights don't project light down onto a license plate, I needed to find a new location for my license AND a way to light it up at night. (I could have wired up a light just below the new tail-lights but frankly I didn't want to. I like the way they looked all by themselves and I kinda liked the challenge of finding another solution.
After thinking of several different options I finally settled on a simple and inexpensive choice. I ordered a simple mounting bracket that I could bolt onto my spare tire mount. (Amazon sells them for a little over $5.
It bolted right on and holds the license securely.
But what about the light?? If you look closely at the image above you'll see my solution on the top of the license plate. After searching all over the web I finally found a clip on light that goes right onto the plate itself. It is LED and solar-powered and will come on in the evening after charging all day. (There's also an on and off switch so I can save the battery if I want to.)***
The clip is VERY strong. I clipped it on before installing the license plate and literally threw the plate all around and it didn't even budge. I have every expectation it will stay put.
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
***Here's the link to the clip-on LED sign light.
I finally decided to tackle the installation and began with the left light. Removing the old fixture was easy but the location of the hole and wires made putting on the Bargman somewhat clumsy. So I took my Dremel tool and removed some of the unnecessary plastic on the backside of the Bargman. I could now easily tuck the wiring under the light fixture without putting too much stress on the wires.
I REALLY like the way the new Bargman looked, especially when the lights were turned on. They are BRIGHT and will get the attention of anyone following me.
Now it was time to tackle the RIGHT fixture.
As soon I removed the old light fixture and held the Bargman up to the trailer I started kicking myself. I remembered reading a review of someone who had installed them and recalled his exhortation to MEASURE the area before buying. That's where I messed up.
Our TT is a rear kitchen model and the back panel for the fridge is located just above where the old fixture was mounted. When I held the new fixture up there, it extended up onto the frame of the fridge panel.
With the top of the fixture sitting on the frame there was a large GAP behind the light and now it would no longer sit flush on the trailer. I had some thinking to do.
I went to my local Home Depot in search of an answer and lo and behold found the perfect solution! I located some PVC lattice strips that were just the right width and they were white! So I cut pieces to create a place for the light fixture to sit on the trailer that would be the same as the frame edging of the fridge panel.
I pre-drilled holes in the PVC strips and wired and mounted my fixture. It sat on the trailer perfectly and the back panel of the fridge can still be opened should it ever need servicing. Finally, I caulked both fixtures to keep moisture out.
How did it end up looking? Judge for yourself!
But now I had one more issue. Because the Bargman lights don't project light down onto a license plate, I needed to find a new location for my license AND a way to light it up at night. (I could have wired up a light just below the new tail-lights but frankly I didn't want to. I like the way they looked all by themselves and I kinda liked the challenge of finding another solution.
After thinking of several different options I finally settled on a simple and inexpensive choice. I ordered a simple mounting bracket that I could bolt onto my spare tire mount. (Amazon sells them for a little over $5.
It bolted right on and holds the license securely.
But what about the light?? If you look closely at the image above you'll see my solution on the top of the license plate. After searching all over the web I finally found a clip on light that goes right onto the plate itself. It is LED and solar-powered and will come on in the evening after charging all day. (There's also an on and off switch so I can save the battery if I want to.)***
The clip is VERY strong. I clipped it on before installing the license plate and literally threw the plate all around and it didn't even budge. I have every expectation it will stay put.
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
***Here's the link to the clip-on LED sign light.
