Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... June 30, 2020, 04:32:40 pm 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #1 – June 30, 2020, 07:12:56 pm 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. 2 Likes
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #2 – June 30, 2020, 08:00:00 pm Quote from: bclugston - June 30, 2020, 04:32:40 pmhow 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 1 Likes
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #3 – June 30, 2020, 10:13:04 pm How about leaving well enough alone.Bob 1 Likes
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #4 – June 30, 2020, 10:33:23 pm 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.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #5 – June 30, 2020, 11:33:13 pm Quote from: Larry W - June 30, 2020, 08:00:00 pmThe 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #6 – June 30, 2020, 11:40:04 pm Quote from: Bob Wilson - June 30, 2020, 10:13:04 pmHow about leaving well enough alone.BobHi 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #7 – June 30, 2020, 11:43:26 pm Quote from: Joan - June 30, 2020, 10:33:23 pmMany 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #8 – July 01, 2020, 12:10:19 am 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.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #9 – July 01, 2020, 12:47:31 am Quote from: Joan - July 01, 2020, 12:10:19 amSomething 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #10 – July 01, 2020, 01:22:16 am Quote from: bclugston - June 30, 2020, 11:33:13 pmThere'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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #11 – July 01, 2020, 08:06:01 am 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...; As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #12 – July 01, 2020, 12:45:27 pm Quote from: Mike Coachman - July 01, 2020, 08:06:01 amAs 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 As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #13 – July 01, 2020, 12:56:17 pm Quote from: bclugston - July 01, 2020, 12:45:27 pmHi 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,BillBill, would you post the specs for those SB LEDs. I'd like to buy them for my '02.Chris
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #14 – July 01, 2020, 01:25:06 pm Quote from: Mike Coachman - July 01, 2020, 08:06:01 am 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 boxAluminum 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.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #15 – July 01, 2020, 01:35:59 pm And then there's this:Nuclear Grade Duct Tape – GO Corp
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #16 – July 02, 2020, 12:16:16 pm Quote from: Chris Horst - July 01, 2020, 12:56:17 pmBill, would you post the specs for those SB LEDs. I'd like to buy them for my '02.ChrisNo 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #17 – July 02, 2020, 02:20:29 pm Quote from: bclugston - July 02, 2020, 12:16:16 pmNo 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.BillPerfect. Thanks, Bill
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #18 – July 04, 2020, 03:12:09 pm Quote from: bclugston - July 02, 2020, 12:16:16 pmNo 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.BillHi 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
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #19 – July 04, 2020, 06:24:18 pm Quote from: bclugston - July 04, 2020, 03:12:09 pmHi 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.BillBill, thanks for posting this useful info.Chris
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #20 – July 04, 2020, 06:34:24 pm 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.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #21 – July 04, 2020, 07:09:38 pm 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. 1-1/2â 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 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #22 – July 04, 2020, 09:30:39 pm "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!
Re: Getting to the tail lights in the 2003 RB ... Reply #23 – July 04, 2020, 10:07:12 pm 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. https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/305603O/scotchlite-flexible-reflective-sheeting-580.PDF?fn=493.PDF3M Scotchlite 580 Reflective Tape - Horse Box Trailer - Equestrian (black/whi... 1 Likes