Dull tailights

[Veebyes]

We do the routine light check after every hookup but had no idea how dull the lights had become. The plan was to replace the bulbs with LEDs, at no small cost.

Took the rear light assembly off today to see which type of bulbs we would be replacing when low & behold discovered why the lights were so dull. 8 years, many miles & much dirt collected on the bulbs. No wonder they were so dull!

Cleaning bulbs is not exactly near the top of the list for maintenance however those lights being seen by those behind is very important. Something else to check & clean.

[rhagfo]

I cleaned lenses replaced the bulbs with LEDs, and painted the back of the fixture with Crome paint, way better now.

[doughboy]

i had the same problem with my tail lights being dim.
while i had the lens off for cleaning,i covered the back of the housing with aluminum foil, shinny side out. it can be formed to stay in place or glued, what ever works for you. mine sure are bright now and the price was right...

[wa8yxm]

My RV has sealed Tail Lights. thought he back up lights are still OEM, the stop/tgurn are now LED since the OEM's did not last long.. Love 'em.

[mike_brez]

Mine lenses had some spider cracks and hazing. Hey they were 18 years old sitting in the Florida sun and heat. Changed over to led.

[SidecarFlip]

Good tip to remember. Yearly cleaning in the spring...

[F-TROUP]

LED's don't have to be expensive, replaced mine with the cheap ones (stop/turn/tail) off Ebay two years ago work great.

[wnjj]

If the bulbs are that dirty, consider cleaning the inside of the lens too.

[CavemanCharlie]

Veebyes wrote:
We do the routine light check after every hookup but had no idea how dull the lights had become. The plan was to replace the bulbs with LEDs, at no small cost.

Took the rear light assembly off today to see which type of bulbs we would be replacing when low & behold discovered why the lights were so dull. 8 years, many miles & much dirt collected on the bulbs. No wonder they were so dull!

Cleaning bulbs is not exactly near the top of the list for maintenance however those lights being seen by those behind is very important. Something else to check & clean.

Yes, thank you for this post. I discovered the same thing. It doesn't always take 8 years though. It depends on how many dirty roads you travel down.

[Lwiddis]

Excellent maintenance tip.

[gbopp]

Excellent information. The only time I check my bulbs is when they burn out.
Thanks for posting.