docj Posted December 19, 2015 Report Share Posted December 19, 2015 Lots of us probably have taillights/turn signals that use a standard 1157 two-filament bulb. I had installed LEDs a couple of years ago in mine but the technology has evolved dramatically since then. I just replaced the old LEDs I had with these: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb-dual-function-28-smd-led-tower-bay15d-retrofit-car/1644/4167/#/tab/Overview As suggested I purchased them in red and in that configuration they are rated at 154 lumens for the brighter filament (the brake light). Even though an 1157 is rated at >400 lumens that is a total over all wavelengths. Since a red taillight lens only transmits the red portion of the 1157's output, the useful light output is much, much less than the total. These LEDs appear exceptionally bright even in bright sunlight and the light is well distributed throughout the light housing; essentially they provide the 360 degree output of an 1157 bulb. They are rather expensive, but I couldn't find equal lumen output in less expensive versions. I'm sure if you search enough you can find these on eBay at one of the "direct from China" vendors, but I've bought a lot from SuperbrightLEDs.com and I know they stand behind what they sell. For two bulbs I wasn't all that concerned about cost. If you do choose to go the direct from China route, be sure that the bulbs you order are "red"; most of the ones I've seen have been white. Red LEDs are far better for taillight use. About the only caution is that they are long so make sure your fixture has the necessary depth and that you have the room behind the fixture to maneuver them into place. One of the two of mine was a pretty close call with respect to maneuvering it into the fixture. Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdickinson Posted December 19, 2015 Report Share Posted December 19, 2015 I recall seeing a whole trailer led tail light assembly with sequential turn signals. 12" X 4" roughly. Turn light, tail light, brake and backup lites as well. Can't find it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted December 20, 2015 Report Share Posted December 20, 2015 Most LED replacement "bulbs" are not as bright as filament bulbs. I chose to buy upgrade kits: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UC17GW?keywords=LED%20stop%20lights&qid=1450573477&ref_=sr_1_49&sr=8-49 But, you're limited to your particular taillight design. They are so bright, that at night I have problems backing into the RV garage. The red reflection off the white metal inside the garage makes seeing behind me difficult. 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docj Posted December 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2015 Most LED replacement "bulbs" are not as bright as filament bulbs. As I noted in my post, LED technology has now evolved to where this is no longer true. The bulb I used is significantly brighter than the original 1157 bulb. Sandie & Joel 2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12 2014 Honda CR-V AWD EX-L with ReadyBrute tow bar/brake systemWiFiRanger Ambassador Follow our adventures on Facebook at Weiss Travels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted December 20, 2015 Report Share Posted December 20, 2015 As I noted, that upgrade kit is much brighter than a bulb. I realize things change, that's why I bought that kit. 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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