New LED tailights??

[Cobra21]

If I replace my old incandesant factory tail lights with new Bargman LED fixtures (not just bulbs) will the signal flashers work properly or will they blink real fast without using resistor kits some have spoken of. I don't want to open a whole can of worms by purchasing new tail lights. It is a Chev. motor home.

Brian

[intheburbs]

Water-Bug wrote:
LED lights make sense for an RV used for boondocking, to extend battery charge. However on a vehicle that normally has an alternator idleing, they don't conserve enough energy to warrant the replacement cost. You can buy a ton of 12 volt incondescent bulbs for the cost of a LED replacement. It's a gimick. 🙂

I wouldn't call LED lights a gimmick. They have distinct advantages over incandescent bulbs

1) significantly lower current draw
2) little or no heat generation
3) usually much brighter
4) instant on/off - useful for brake lights and turn signals
5) much longer life

Yes, the power savings on a vehicle would be negligible in terms of cost. However, I replaced all 17 clearance lights, the tail lights, and the interior lights on my enclosed cargo trailer with LEDs. The entire trailer now pulls a total of 1 amp.

And from a safety standpoint, the LED tail lights on my truck are extremely bright. There's no doubt, even in near-whiteout conditions, that I've hit my brakes.

[falconman]

I know everyone says LED's last longer but that's not always the case so you need to be prepared for a failure should one occur. One of my new Bargman replacements failed in less tha a year. Due to the price I hadn't purchased a spare module but luckily I had the old lights with me. When I got back home I had to buy two new modules so I'd have one as a spare. There were no signal issues on the TT but I needed load resistors when I replaced the taillights on my truck.

[Harvey51]

I agree they probably do not save any money but the long life of the LED is nice. It is awkward to lose a bulb on a trip.

[Water-Bug]

LED lights make sense for an RV used for boondocking, to extend battery charge. However on a vehicle that normally has an alternator idleing, they don't conserve enough energy to warrant the replacement cost. You can buy a ton of 12 volt incondescent bulbs for the cost of a LED replacement. It's a gimick. 🙂

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support

[intheburbs]

The LED tails for my Burb came with load resistors to simulate the incandescent bulbs. The turn signals flash normally.

[301TBS]

Depends on year and make of vehicle, it may come with an electronic flasher. My 2009 F150 is ok.

[ScottG]

If it does blink fast just get s new "heavy duty" flasher from any auto parts store (<$20).