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Topic: Replacement Clearance Lights (Read 1041 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacement Clearance Lights

I Have purchased some wedge type LED bulbs (#194) to replace the incandescent bulbs in my clearance lights with LED's.
 
Upon examination of the existing clearance lights I have detected many with cracks and a genuine faded state after 15 years of exposure to the elements. To replace the bulbs, I need to remove two screws, separate the top segment of the light, remove the existing wedge bulb, and insert the new LED wedge bulbs. I then need to replace the top section and install the two screws, with silicon to prevent leaking. If the top section does not play nice, then removing it may also loosen the bottom section, and require additional caulking. Once accomplished, I will have LED bulbs, but the same 15 year-old, faded looking lights.

My understanding is that the existing clearance lights are the following:
 
Truck-Lite Marker Light Red    Model 18 - 18300R   
Our Part Number:          U13 18300R
Product Name:              Marker Light Red Model 18
Manufacturer Number:  Truck-Lite 18300R
Cross Reference:            IMP 81012, T45 M132R

Truck-Lite Marker Light Yellow    Model 18 - 18300Y   
Our Part Number:          U13 18300Y
Product Name:              Marker Light Yellow Model 18
Manufacturer Number:  Truck-Lite 18300Y
Cross Reference:            IMP 81013, FRL 42018559

Which are described to be:

   * Sonically sealed lens & housing
   * Replaceable bulb
   * Not suitable for PC requirements
   * Kit Components: 1 lens/housing, 1 plug, 1 mounting gasket

These are available at the Truck- Lite website for $2.70 each.
 
Replacing all 12 of them would eliminate the faded appearance, but they are just flat lights that look more like a reflector, although they do have a light. They are about 4.5'' wide, 1.625" high, and 1" thick, with screw holes on 4" centers.
 
I would like to replace these with a newer style. I am looking at some that have two lights. They are about 4" x 2" x 1", with screw holes on 3" centers. I can purchase them for less than $4.00 each.
 
The problem is losing that extra extra 0.5" (which might not now cover the old screw hole), and the new additional screw hole. My concern is that the now-exposed area that has been covered for 15 years will look different than the rest of the roof. It might polish out, but I do not know.
 
Has anyone replaced their clearance lights with a smaller sized light? If so, was the newly-exposed area a problem?
 
If you replaced your clearance lights, which model did you use? Any other advice or suggestion would be appreciated.
 
Sorry to make this so long, but wanted to describe my situation in enough detail that y'all understood my "project."
 
Thanks,
 
Trent

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #2 –
D.J.,
 
I looked at those, but my recollection is that they cost almost $20 each. Since we need 12 of them, I started looking for a less expensive alternative.
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #3 –
Trent
When I was at MOT last time getting some work done I asked them about LED clearance lights since I had a bunch out.  They had them in parts department to directly replace the clearance lights for my coach.  Seeing that they had those wonderful moveable staircases I had them replace them for me.  Sure was glad when I saw one of the high back ones drop inside and have to be fished out.  Things up high I'd rather have someone else do...........s.

Maybe call MOT parts and see what they have Trent.

Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #4 –
Just a little side note: If you do replace the light put a little dab of silicone on the screw hole and around the hole for the wire. I didn't think water could get in if there was a screw in the hole. I was wrong. Especially on the front cap driving in a hard rain..
Andy 1989 U300 40'

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #5 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –
D.J.,
 
I looked at those, but my recollection is that they cost almost $20 each. Since we need 12 of them, I started looking for a less expensive alternative.

As a one-time expense I don't have a problem with paying for that kind of reliability. Over the years I've had several cases (in various vehicles) where the miniature bulbs were still capable of working, but the tiny contacts weren't making sufficient contact and the lights were dark. I prefer to avoid that in the future, and the hard-wired LED assemblies eliminate another potential headache.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #6 –
The DW insisted I replace all the front clearance lites with LEDs after she saw me trying to reach the lites from above, laying on the sloping roof on our GV with a leg wrapped around an air horn. She said I was getting too old and wouldn't heal as fast as I used to if I fell off. I ended up replacing ALL the clearance lites with LEDs. Very happy with the performance. The looks are the same.
When I did the replacements I used a ladder standoff. (I didn't tell the DW I had plans for one until we bought the LED lites/housings.)
Sneaky me!! >:D  >:D
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #7 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
When I did the replacements I used a ladder standoff.

I used a ladder standoff when I installed the Motorcade Club decals on the front and the rear. I was a little bit concerned about putting extra pressure on the front and rear end caps, but it did not seem to be a problem. Depending on the length of your ladder, and where your standoffs are mounted, you might be able to go directly to the roof on a Grand Villa. (Although at that angle, you are putting more weight on those two standoff points.)

I plan to use some scaffolding for working on the clearance lights. That should avoid putting any additional pressure on the end caps.

BTW, this is typical of how some of my projects go:

    Step one, buy LED wedges to replace the existing incandescent #194 wedges.

    Step two, notice that some of the lights have cracks and look at least 15 years old.

    Step three, start looking for replacement housings and find what look like the original lights for less than $3 apiece.

    Step four, decide that, because of step three, I want a better looking light than the originals.

    Step five, fall in love with the double bulls eye lights, but discover they only come in 4" widths (with 3" centers), compared to the original lights which were 4.5" (with 4" centers).

    Step six, bring my Foreforum buddies into the design process and ask for their experience and advice.

    Step seven, discover (today) that Walmart sells my desired lights with two LED's already mounted, for less than $8.

    Step eight, still hoping someone with experience, will answer my question about replacing 4.5" lights with 4" lights.
 
Maybe sometime I will learn to have a step zero (more planning) before step one (purchasing). Nah, too late to learn new tricks now.  :-[

Trent


Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #8 –
Trent, have a piece of aluminum cut to cover the light shape and a bit more then mount the LED fixture over that and you will have covered the holes and old footprint.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #9 –
John,
 
I really, really like that idea!
 
I've got some stainless steel that would probably work, although it may be too thick (1/8" maybe). I've also got some aluminum diamond plate, but I don't think that profile would work. I think the guy who did some welding work for me has a CNC machine and could make me 12 copies pretty easily.
 
I just realized the bottom of the existing clearance lights would be the right size and shape. I haven't taken one apart yet, but there are probably ridges on it.
 
But wait . . .  !!! This is my excuse to get a 3-D printer. And Christmas is almost here. Wow! Serendipity!
 
Uh oh; just shared this with DW -- she said "No way, Jose." So sad; just when I was getting to that moment in my dream.
 
But thanks for the great idea. Will search for the ultimate material.
 
Trent

Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #10 –
No wait a moment......... Let's go back to that 3D printer for Christmas thing.

 What if that happens ...and then you could make them for the rest of us (makes you a commercial member) and pay for your Christmas gift.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR
 

Re: Replacement Clearance Lights

Reply #11 –
Your DW might like the idea of the Micro 3d printer more.  That thing is only $350.  I am sooooo having trouble resisting buying one.  For me it makes more sense than the larger ones since I only would want to print small mounting bits like this.