I want LED tail-lights!

[LeBout]

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

[LarryJM]

valhalla360 wrote:


I've heard of exhaust testing but never testing the lights.

Yeah, LED are easy to pick out once you know what you are looking for but other than asking to see a sticker or sales receipt that says they are DOT approved, I really doubt the average inspector could pick out the color wavelength pattern without some expensive tools. I guess it could happen but not something I would be overly concerned with.

I'm very familiar with the LED light patterns having gone thru testing and updated specs for LED traffic signals. It's really easy to put out a red LED that will absolutely blind you and still use negligible wattage.

Well the point being made is a very valid one when your state has inspection requirements and they sure will FAIL you here in Va for non DOT approved lights and even LED replacement bulbs. This is one reason why some LED lights/bulbs are so much cheaper than others ... it's that DOT issue.

Larry

[Vinman02]

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.

I remember reading an article when LED's first started to become popular and the article stated that while driving 60 mph, the difference in time it takes for a traditional incandescant light to light up versus an LED equivalent equates to 15 feet traveled. Thats quite an improvement is stopping distance in my opinion.

[fireman41]

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.

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

My fire dept one engine has a problem with RFI. Every time we key up the radio the main light bar goes out, when we let off the mic the bar comes back on. Could never find a fix for it.

[STBRetired]

My Bargman panels have the DOT number molded into the lens. They were available as just the panel, or as the panel and the housing. There are dimensions supplied on the Bargman sight so you might be able to find a panel and housing that will approximate your existing tail lights if you cannot find a direct replacement. If you choose to replace just the bulbs, be sure to get one that matches the color of the lens. That way you will get the best light transmission through the lense.

[LeBout]

Would the license plate bracket holder be wired into the tail-light? I've never done that sort of thing before.

And do most states require a lighted license plate bracket on an RV?

[ScottG]

LeBout wrote:

ScottG wrote:
Got a lic. holder with light from fleabay for about $7.
Well worth it!!

Do you recall what kind of holder you bought? Got pictures? Link?

Not sure exactly which one it was but it was something like this: linky

[valhalla360]

westend wrote:

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.

There are a lot of locations in the US where inspection is mandatory.

If inspection services operate your tail lights and can see the difference of lumens, you'll be getting a notice and replacing what you have.

LED tail lights have different diffusion characteristics than a filament bulb. I can usually spot a replacement LED/array and original lens from over 100' away.

I've heard of exhaust testing but never testing the lights.

Yeah, LED are easy to pick out once you know what you are looking for but other than asking to see a sticker or sales receipt that says they are DOT approved, I really doubt the average inspector could pick out the color wavelength pattern without some expensive tools. I guess it could happen but not something I would be overly concerned with.

I'm very familiar with the LED light patterns having gone thru testing and updated specs for LED traffic signals. It's really easy to put out a red LED that will absolutely blind you and still use negligible wattage.

[Drew510]

LeBout wrote:

ScottG wrote:
Got a lic. holder with light from fleabay for about $7.
Well worth it!!

Do you recall what kind of holder you bought? Got pictures? Link?

The same website as the lights has them - HERE

[westend]

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.

There are a lot of locations in the US where inspection is mandatory.

If inspection services operate your tail lights and can see the difference of lumens, you'll be getting a notice and replacing what you have.

LED tail lights have different diffusion characteristics than a filament bulb. I can usually spot a replacement LED/array and original lens from over 100' away.

[LeBout]

ScottG wrote:
Got a lic. holder with light from fleabay for about $7.
Well worth it!!

Do you recall what kind of holder you bought? Got pictures? Link?

[ScottG]

The best thing about being DOT approved is that they will be the correct color and "look" correct when they light.

[valhalla360]

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]

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

[dodge_guy]

Anyone know if they make a panel insert for the lights in question! Ide like to have the entire lens lit up.