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Topic: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... (Read 459 times) previous topic - next topic
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Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Hi all,
I didn't manage to search up a complete answer to this question, how do you access the right rear tail lights in a 2003 RB? During my refit, I'm replacing the tail lights with new LED units. I noticed there is a screw holding the tail light housing in place. I'm guessing I'll need to pull the plate behind the spare tire to get at that screw. Not a huge deal, I should probably reseal the spare tire plate anyway. Thoughts or advice?

Bill Clugston
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #1
A suggestion: Be sure to have some sort of clamp, e.g., alligator clips or the like, to secure the wires to avoid losing them into the void when you remove the taillight "cans". Lazy Daze is notoriously stingy on wiring lengths, and rarely, if ever, provides a service loop.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #2
how do you access the right rear tail lights in a 2003 RB? During my refit, I'm replacing the tail lights with new LED units. I noticed there is a screw holding the tail light housing in place. I'm guessing I'll need to pull the plate behind the spare tire to get at that screw. Not a huge deal, I should probably reseal the spare tire plate anyway. Thoughts or advice?

The right taillight on a rear bath is behind the shower, there is no easy access.
I'm confused, what screw do you need access to remove?

The taillight cans come out once the screws are removed and the wires are cut.
One warning, before cutting the taillight wires, clamp onto the wires with needle-nose vise-grip pliers or locking forceps to prevent the wires from being pulling back into the wall, never to be seen again...BTDT. LDs leave little or no excess wire, it can be difficult to connect the old, short wires to the LED's new wires.

Larry
 




Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #3
How about leaving well enough alone.

Bob
2007 31 IB

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #4
Many owners of older LDs changed out the “painted can” lights with LEDs because  they are *much* brighter than incandescents, and are far more easily noticed by following drivers.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #5
The right taillight in a Rear Bath is located behind the shower and
The right taillight on a rear bath is behind the shower, there is no easy access.
I'm confused, what screw do you need access to remove?

The taillight cans come out once the screws are removed and the wires are cut.
One warning, before cutting the taillight wires, clamp onto the wires with needle-nose visegrip pliers or locking forceps to prevent the wires from being pulling back into the wall, never to be seen again...BTDT. LDs leave little or no excess nwire, it can be difficult to connect the old, short wires to the LED's new wires.

Larry
 






Hi Larry,
There's the end of self-tapping sheet metal projecting into the can. I gather the screw is actually a grounding site and not retention? If that's the case I probably need to apply a little more oomph to can. Are they typically stuck down by sealants or paint?

I was aware of the short wire issue. I'll have a vise-grip needlenose at the ready.

Thanks,
Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #6
How about leaving well enough alone.

Bob

Hi Bob,
Unfortunately, on a 15+ year old vehicle that becomes less of an option. The taillights were dim from the factory with no real reflector (just a painted pan). Add a little corrosion to wires and light socket they become even dimmer. Time for a fresh look.

While I'm in there I'll also be looking for water leaks, not uncommon with older LDs.

Thanks,
Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #7
Many owners of older LDs changed out the “painted can” lights with LEDs because  they are *much* brighter than incandescents, and are far more easily noticed by following drivers.

Thanks, Joan,
Yes, even with the LD's formidable heavy sheet metal bumper I hate getting whacked in the rear  ;)

Regards,
Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #8
Something else to check when working on the rear of an early 2000s LD is the seal around the spare tire tub; in at least one late 2002/early 2003 RB that I know of, the tub had not been screwed down. This allowed water to leak behind the spare tire tub as the sealant gradually pulled away from the body, and caused rot in the wood framing.

I don’t know if this was an rare oversight and affected only a small number of rigs, or if it happened with other models and other years, but it’s a simple check.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #9
Something else to check when working on the rear of an early 2000s LD is the seal around the spare tire tub; in at least one late 2002/early 2003 RB that I know of, the tub had not been screwed down. This allowed water to leak behind the spare tire tub as the sealant gradually pulled away from the body, and caused rot in the wood framing.

I don’t know if this was an rare oversight and affected only a small number of rigs, or if it happened with other models and other years, but it’s a simple check.

I definitely intend to check that area for leaks. Actually, I'm repainting the roof and doing the Eternabond trip too. I had a wake-up call a year ago when the driver's side running board/step fell off!

Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #10
There's the end of self-tapping sheet metal projecting into the can. I gather the screw is actually a grounding site and not retention? If that's the case I probably need to apply a little more oomph to can. Are they typically stuck down by sealants or paint?

The light cans are not glued in, I remember some had a paper gasket. The sheet metal screw is probably as you guessed, a ground connection.
Instead of changing the whole assembly, some line the insides of the stock can with aluminum foil and use a bright LED bulb, instead of changing the whole assembly.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #11

As Larry said,  " some line the insides of the stock can with aluminum foil."  Using aluminum foil waterproof duct tape would be easy to install and stay in place. As with standard duct tape, I have found many different uses for the foil duct tape.

<Amazon.com: ATack Aluminum Foil Reflective Duct Tape, 3.6 mil, 2 Inches x 55...;

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2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #12
As Larry said,  " some line the insides of the stock can with aluminum foil."  Using aluminum foil waterproof duct tape would be easy to install and stay in place. As with standard duct tape, I have found many different uses for the foil duct tape.

<Amazon.com: ATack Aluminum Foil Reflective Duct Tape, 3.6 mil, 2 Inches x 55...;

Hi Larry & Mike,
I actually like that idea. I'll use it for the backup lights one of which already has a bright white LED bulb replacement in it. I've already ordered the replacement red taillights (SuperBright LEDs was having a 4th of July sale). At least with the full LED units, I won't need to worry about light socket corrosion.

Thanks,
Bill
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Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

 
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #13
Hi Larry & Mike,
I actually like that idea. I'll use it for the backup lights one of which already has a bright white LED bulb replacement in it. I've already ordered the replacement red taillights (SuperBright LEDs was having a 4th of July sale). At least with the full LED units, I won't need to worry about light socket corrosion.

Thanks,
Bill

Bill, would you post the specs for those SB LEDs. I'd like to buy them for my '02.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #14
Using aluminum foil waterproof duct tape would be easy to install and stay in place. As with standard duct tape, I have found many different uses for the foil duct tape. <Amazon.com: ATack Aluminum Foil Reflective Duct Tape, 3.6 mil, 2 Inches x 55...;

Had not thought of using aluminum mending tape, great idea. A roll of it is in our LD's repair box
Aluminum tape comes in many thicknesses, you may even notice it used on jet aircraft, for short term repairs.
A heavy-duty version of the tape is used to repair holes in airline cargo containers.

Take Mike's suggestion and use the thickest version you can find for repairs, lining a tail light can use the thinner tape.
It's handy stuff.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #15
And then there's this:

Nuclear Grade Duct Tape – GO Corp
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #16
Bill, would you post the specs for those SB LEDs. I'd like to buy them for my '02.

Chris

No problem, Chris, but let me test them first. The ones I ordered are slightly different from what another forum used in his LD. The ones I ordered have a higher LED count. They're arriving today so I should have news soon.

Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #17
No problem, Chris, but let me test them first. The ones I ordered are slightly different from what another forum used in his LD. The ones I ordered have a higher LED count. They're arriving today so I should have news soon.

Bill

Perfect. Thanks, Bill
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #18
No problem, Chris, but let me test them first. The ones I ordered are slightly different from what another forum used in his LD. The ones I ordered have a higher LED count. They're arriving today so I should have news soon.

Bill

Hi Chris,
Here's the URL to the taillights I bought: Round LED Truck Trailer Lights - 4" LED Brake/Turn/Tail Lights - 3-Pin...

They look nice (photo attached), but they do need a load resistor or a LED flasher unit in order to flash correctly. No big surprise on that point. Make sure you get the straight leads when you order them. The stainless rings are very nice but mounting indentations on the ring are very tight. You might need to file the lamp unit's flange to get them to pop into the ring.

Bill
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #19
Hi Chris,
Here's the URL to the taillights I bought: Round LED Truck Trailer Lights - 4" LED Brake/Turn/Tail Lights - 3-Pin...

They look nice (photo attached), but they do need a load resistor or a LED flasher unit in order to flash correctly. No big surprise on that point. Make sure you get the straight leads when you order them. The stainless rings are very nice but mounting indentations on the ring are very tight. You might need to file the lamp unit's flange to get them to pop into the ring.

Bill
Bill, thanks for posting this useful info.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #20
I fitst replaced the original taillights with LED Maxximas, then later with Petersens; the Maxximas had dimmed for some reason. When the Petersens were installed, the chrome trim rings were left off because they tended to collect dirt and moisture behind them. The black housing provides a finished appearance and no dirt or moisture accumulates.

YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #21

Hi Bill;  Those are close to the same LED lights I used.  The stainless rings give some reflectiveness to the back of the motorhome in the dark. I did fold up the rolled edge of the rings, and filed them to fit in the light holes. ST Series Stainless Steel Flange Mounts | Super Bright LEDs               The holes in the fiberglass tail cap were slightly tapered to release from the mold. With the three pin connector I found the depth of the light holes not adequate to clear the connector, so I ended up cutting relief holes. In a midbath I could get to the insides. In your rear bath, passenger side, could be a problem. I believe the driverside has an access hole from the inside.  Because the depth of the lights were thin, I cut pieces of shipping material that was expanded polyethylene foam. Temperature stable, rot proof, I used it to push the light fixture out against the mounting ring (cut out for wiring connector).
  The electronic timer/flasher direct replacement and load independent was a Grote 44892 from amazon  Amazon.com: Grote 44892 3 Pin Flasher (North American (JSO) Pinout): Automotive       I didn't reuse the metal mounting angle from Ford and just used tywraps to attach it.
    Many people find that the LED lights aren't as reflective to the rear, so add bar reflectors to the rear bumper. I used Amazon 80866 stck on, but also has mounting holes. The providec ss screws were useless, so I drilled through holes in the bumper and ss 2-56 (IIRC), maybe 4-40. I don't trust double sided tape as a long term solution in high heat situations. Amazon.com: Grand General 80866 Red 12" Stick-On Reflector Strip with 2...
    I used the 12 LED red lights because I wanted to replace the center reverse light with the same pattern white lighthttps://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/truck-lights-lamps/round-led-truck-and-trailer-lights-4-led-braketurntail-lights-w-12-high-flux-leds-3-pin-connector/2921/6274/
    And while you are ordering from SuperBright, those license plate lights from LD were subpar. 1-1/2” Round LED License Plate Light - Chrome Housing - Pigtail Connection |...    are much better, LED choices.   
    A picture of the 2001 MB I converted. I also went LED for the side marker lights and a center mounted brake light on the tire cover.    RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #22
"Many people find that the LED lights aren't as reflective to the rear, so add bar reflectors to the rear bumper."

I believe you will find that CA State Law requires such a reflective strip with the use of LED tail lights!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ...
Reply #23
If you want to be seen, particularly at night in someone's headlights here's something I recommend.

Immediately above the rear bumper and running the width of the coach there is a 2" strip that is essentially flat but for the bolt heads of the bumper.

Fifteen years ago I purchased a roll of Scotchlite brand reflective sheeting (580 Series) in 2" width. I unrolled a strip of sufficient length to span the entire width of the coach, side to side and trimmed it to length. Working slowly, peeling the backing off as I went I applied and pressed flat the entire length. After a decade and a half it's still there without any peeling. When someone shines their headlights on the back of my coach there is no doubt that something is there.   :o   8)

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/305603O/scotchlite-flexible-reflective-sheeting-580.PDF?fn=493.PDF

3M Scotchlite 580 Reflective Tape - Horse Box Trailer - Equestrian (black/whi...
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!