Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: GleamB on November 04, 2018, 01:17:21 am

Title: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: GleamB on November 04, 2018, 01:17:21 am
I want to change out the 3157 incandescent side signal bulbs to LED. I need to know if it is a simple plug and play. I ASSUME it will be cool white, but I read that they can be amber, as well. Why would you install an amber bulb in an amber lens ?
Also, some sites suggest that I might have to change the resistance, in some manner. Anyone have a recommendation. They go from about $10/ bulb on Amazon to 10 for $19 on ebay. I have had luck with LED's on ebay, but don't have lots of time for delivery. Thanks








Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: craneman on November 04, 2018, 01:47:48 am
The amber bulbs are for clear lenses
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on November 04, 2018, 07:54:17 am
Glenn, double check the bulb base.  Most 3157 I see are the flat blade type base. Match the base.  Looks like what I in 2012 is no longer available, probably better ones now.  The flat blade bases work (in some cases) in the rear tail/turn/backup lights.  For the side marker/turn lights you need to make sure it is not too long.  Warm or cool will work.  Cool will be a bit brighter.  I used warm white. Mine are still working fine.

If the lens is colored use white light, same with marker lights.

You can replace the whole fixture.  Amazon.com: United Pacific Amber 18 LED Trailer Bus Mid Turn Signal Marker... (https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZDCPZL/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I have a pair of these that I want to mount near the rear wheels.  You can never have too many lights.
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on November 04, 2018, 07:56:50 am
Link below to what I used.  Still working perfectly.  At the time, I did not understand that you are supposed to use "white" bulbs behind "amber" lenses.  The LED bulbs I ordered were amber, but they are very bright, and seem to work fine.  They are also available in "white".

I don't think you will need to worry about the lower "resistance" of LED bulbs.  I have replaced all the external running lights on our coach with LEDs, and they all work fine with the stock OEM wiring.

Replacing GV Clearance Lights With LEDs (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=32323.msg290486#msg290486)
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: GleamB on November 04, 2018, 02:05:51 pm
Thanks for the help. Roger....how do you trace down the correct wires to tap into, when you add those new lights??
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: stump on November 04, 2018, 03:57:02 pm
I used these on my sides..Amazon.com: United Pacific Amber 18 LED Trailer Bus Mid Turn Signal Marker... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZDCPZL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on November 04, 2018, 04:18:56 pm
I have the lights and the project is waiting to happen.  My thinking is that I am going to tap into the rear tail and turn circuits and run new wires through the rear in a protective wire cover, (those corrugated plastic tubes) to the mid point or just ahead to the rear tires.  The hard part then is to get the wires where you want them.  I may go up through the floor into a cabinet base in the BR and then back through the wall at the floor line at a downward angle to come out abouve the waist trim strip.  Not easy.

I want a second side turn signal indicator.  People seem to be paying less attention than ever.  Give them all the warning I can.
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: John Haygarth on November 04, 2018, 05:10:12 pm
I have the same side  lights as Roger shows for signals and the same style ones for all clearance lights around coach. I have all led rear corner fixtures and strip red led lights above the corner ones. At night the rear end is like Vegas.
JohnH
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on November 04, 2018, 05:40:39 pm
I want a second side turn signal indicator.  People seem to be paying less attention than ever.  Give them all the warning I can.
I added turn signal repeaters in the front wheel wells.  I think they help get the attention of drivers who are running along side our coach, but who cannot see the rear turn signals.  Handy for changing lanes on multi-lane highways.  I agree...more lights = good!

Amazon.com: 8" x 1" LED Utility Strip Light Amber Functional/Decoration Use... (https://www.amazon.com/Utility-Functional-Decoration-Sealed-Parking/dp/B01GQ3BYU4/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rp_0_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01GQ3BYU4&pd_rd_r=71bc5efa-5f2e-474c-be58-496725275af9&pd_rd_w=pPrfQ&pd_rd_wg=gfr6i&pf_rd_i=desktop-rhf&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2f64e549-0497-4586-8c63-7905e90fd6a2&pf_rd_r=JBX0GYQ85A2GZTR99ES7&pf_rd_s=desktop-rhf&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=JBX0GYQ85A2GZTR99ES7)
Title: Re: LED replacement for side signal lights
Post by: rbark on November 04, 2018, 05:50:59 pm
I like those lights Chuck! Look good.