I have ask a few people, but can't seem to find an answer...I want to change out the regular tail-lights on the tow dolly to LED lights...the question is, an I change out the lights without adding any additional items to the lights, etc diode, ..thanks
Daboo wrote: I have ask a few people, but can't seem to find an answer...I want to change out the regular tail-lights on the tow dolly to LED lights...the question is, an I change out the lights without adding any additional items to the lights, etc diode, ..thanks
led lites are lite,s no special wires or diodes required
I would like to add that some have changed out the LED lights for turn signals, and the normal click click that happens when the turn signal flasher is working with the correct amperage might stop, in the same way that a burnt out light bulb makes the turn signal indicator stop flashing. By replacing the flasher with a heavy duty unit, it no longer relies on the light bulb amperage to make it flash, it just flashes even if the amperage is lower or higher than normal. So what I am saying is when the taillights are changed to LED on the RV, you might need to use a heavy duty flasher to make it flash right.
You can find the taillights at many truck stops, or online in several locations. TA truckstops might have a good selection on their website.
If you are going to just change the bulbs, for LEDs, yes, no problem. If replacing the whole light assembly, yes, if the LEDs don;t work, check polarity. hooking them up wrong should not hurt them, they just will not work.
Daboo,
Yes Sir, like Wildman Baker says, you can change them. If you're going to change just the bulbs, it's easy. Many LED suppliers out on the net will sell you a direct replacement for the type of bulb and base you have. Let say you have the older style "push and twist" style bases, like the old #1157 (stop/turn/tail) light bulb. You simply go to your supplier, and tell them you want a direct replacement LED with an #1157 base. Those will have no polarity issues because they only fit in the base socket one way.
Now, if you're thinking about replacing the entire light fixture with an LED fixture, that's easy too. If, you are doing such a task, they make complete light units that are LED and are direct "bolt-in" replacements. There are usually three wires protruding from from the back of those. 1, white=ground, 2, Red=stop/turn, and 3, Black=tail/marker. You see, some of those housings in the new LED units are not grounded and they supply the ground in the form of a white wire.
Now, there's no reason to worry about diodes or resistors or any other electrical add-ons. Those are only needed in the vehicle that's doing the towing if, a direct LED bulb is being utilized due to the low resistance the LED causes in the circuit. A diode is needed in a toad if, you're wiring directly into the toads tail light circuits to protect from back feeding into areas the signal is not wanted.
So, you'll be safe in any approach you take as far as changing tail lights on a tow dolly. In fact, it's recommended because there will be less of a load on the tow vehicles electrical system by utilizing LEDs in the dolly.
Scott
Scott and Karla SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 White Honda CRV EX-L,4WD w/NAV Toad 2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing KI60ND
This interesting recent post shows how to convert inside lights to LED's for a reasonable cost - about $5 per light fixture, and they seem reliable now, with links to the products on ebay.
O'Reilly auto parts sells LED replacement bulbs for standard tail lights and brake/turn lights. Just take the old bulb out and plug in the LED. Not cheap but they work. They also have the flat bayonet clearance light replacements in LED.
The tow dolly we have , Forest River I think, has a standard 4" round trailer
tail light mounted in each fender. I changed each assembly with the 4" LED version like this one: http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lights/Optronics/STL43RB.html
They are also sold a Walmart. No mod's requires , no blinker change was needed.
Nice a bright as the red lens magnifies the brightness of each LED. Easy to change, just push light assm. out of rubber mount & remove plug , then reverse to install new ones.
Ellen & Greg
05 National Dolphin 5342
Workhorse W22
an I change out the lights without adding any additional items to the lights, etc diode, ..thanks
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