I’m going to try to lay out my dilemma with my trailer
lights more clearly with the options. First, I’ll list them and then add commentary below. Please note, that except for replacing one clearance
light fixture (options 1 or 2) I’ll need to order everything else, so I’d like to get it right the first time. I am very frustrated with this need because I know almost nothing about automotive
lights. My first choice is 2, if possible.
1. Keep the original incandescent fixtures.
2. Keep the original fixtures and just put LED bulbs in the sockets
3. Change all the fixtures to LED fixtures. (There are two sub-options to this)
Comments on Option 1
Pros- definitely easy. I need to replace one clearance fixture, but that’s super simple.
This is the time to make any changes before I finish the interior.
Cons-The
lights are not bright. I have thought ever since I bought the trailer that someone was going to run into me, not realizing I was braking because they are not visible enough in daylight. I want LEDs
Comments on Option 2
Pros- definitely easy if it works.
Not too expensive, and quick, if I can get the right bulbs. (I do have to replace the one clearance
light fixture which I can get locally)
Cons- Trying to figure out which bulbs are correct. The clearance
light bulbs are CE 193. I can apparently replace them with CE 194s, and I have found this set as opposed to my local store that wants $7.99 for ONE bulb.
https://www.amazon.com/LED-Extremely...ense-Clearance
The taillight bulbs are CEC 1157 (assuming someone put the correct bulb in last time it was changed), and I think I can replace it with these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073S46PX4
Then I discovered this video, so now I’m thinking I shouldn’t do option 2
Comments on Option 3
3a- For this sub option, I would keep the taillight fixture boxes and just put in new sockets. They would need a little bit of jury-rigging, but I don’t have to remove the old boxes,
fiberglass the holes and
paint.
3b- For this sub option, I would remove the old taillight boxes,
fiberglass the holes,
paint, etc. and then mount surface units.
Pros- all new equipment would be nice, and would forestall future issues
3b makes adding a
license plate light easy, which the trailer does not currently have.
Cons- Time and cost. Con specific to 3a- trying to figure out which sockets are correct.
Extra comment: 3a doesn’t save me any money. By the time I buy all the parts separately, the cost is nearly as much as 3b. The only thing 3a does for me is save the days it will take to do fiberglass and coats of
paint.
Any advice welcome.