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ltorgy · 09-01-2015, 12:02 AM

I have researched a few back-up cameras for my AS and have decided on one, but it needs power. The best bet is to tap into one of my rear running lights on top (see picture). How do I access their innards? Do they just pop off with a plastic scraper or something? I don't want to break anything trying the wrong way. Thanks for any help.
Lyle

amaier7771 · 09-01-2015, 04:08 AM

i was wondering the same thing. I tried to pop it off, but gave up as I also did not want to break andthingl

Bigventure · 09-01-2015, 04:54 AM

You have to remove the lens. There are tabs that hold it on. The base is riveted to the trailer. So you have to drill the rivets with a 1/8 drill.

On my 2013 25 FB, I put a grove in the base and used the wire hole for an entrance point. I wired the camera to the 12 volt radio supply. It's hot all the time. I put a toggle switch on it above the DVD player to turn it off and on.

ghaynes755 · 09-01-2015, 08:25 AM

On your 2015 there is a tab at the front and rear end of the light. Small screwdriver under the lip of the chrome mount and under the light and it will lift up. Does take a bit of force.

Depending on how you want to do the wiring you may not need to remove the base. If you are using something like the Voyager you can drill a hole for the power wire with grommet and then use a snake to pull that wire up to the hole where the power wires are for the center light. Usually there is plenty of slack on the center light wires for you to use crimp connectors and tuck it all back together.

Minipad · 09-01-2015, 11:08 AM

[QUOTE=ghaynes755;1677845]On your 2015 there is a tab at the front and rear end of the light. Small screwdriver under the lip of the chrome mount and under the light and it will lift up. Does take a bit of force.

I have actually been wondering how to get this light off myself. (One of mine has lost a segment.) If I am understanding your post correctly, the chrome will come off as a unit with the colored lens. Correct?

Thanks

SeeMore · 09-01-2015, 11:29 AM

Incorrect, the colored lens has a sealed black backing plate with the aforementioned tabs which is entirely separate from the chrome base. You need to lift the edge of the lens by inserting your "tool" between the lens and the chrome. On mine, lifting the smallest radius end of the lens was the best spot.

Anders79 · 09-01-2015, 11:38 AM

I would love to have somebody take some pictures of this install. Having a problem of getting started - pics would help me get over that initial hurdle.

DoublTrouble · 09-01-2015, 12:43 PM

Our 2015 marker lights have a piece of adhesive double stick foam "tape" under the lens as well.

SeeMore · 09-01-2015, 12:48 PM

No fear, you are not the first, nor last, to be intimidated by the LED light issue. Here is what it looks like separated from the base. You should be able to see the two tabs that 'click' into the base.

greghoro · 09-01-2015, 01:24 PM

How about the license plate light base? Is it attached to the body permanently like the marker light?

Similar age trailer, 2013.

Greg

david1622 · 09-01-2015, 01:39 PM

I have done both. You can remove the lens by wriggling it up and down with your fingers until the clips release. The base is held in with 2 screws. Their is not a lot of wire to work with. I mounted my rear cam just above the license plate an connected to that wire, lots of wire to work with. When heading down the road just turn on your pArking lights for the switch. I copied that from the way Airstream does it

reddogboyce · 09-01-2015, 05:03 PM

would you that installed a backup camera in this location send some installed camera pics showing 12v wiring.

MelGoddard · 09-01-2015, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltorgy

I have researched a few back-up cameras for my AS and have decided on one, but it needs power. The best bet is to tap into one of my rear running lights on top (see picture). How do I access their innards? Do they just pop off with a plastic scraper or something? I don't want to break anything trying the wrong way. Thanks for any help.
Lyle

Just 'pop' the lens off, and drill of the mounting rivets. [1/8" drill might work.] Stow the wires carefully, if not using the wire.
FYI: Did you happen to observe that the running lights are installed backwards?
And this is 'supposed' to be a streamlined trailer!
'Streamlining' faces fat end forward. Look at any aircraft.

airdreamers · 09-02-2015, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltorgy

I have researched a few back-up cameras for my AS and have decided on one, but it needs power. The best bet is to tap into one of my rear running lights on top (see picture). How do I access their innards? Do they just pop off with a plastic scraper or something? I don't want to break anything trying the wrong way. Thanks for any help.
Lyle

Typically if the camera is to be used as a backup camera as stated, it should be wired to the backup light circuit. If another use, then I guess it could be wired anywhere with a switch designated to the camera. If the camera is connected to the running light circuit, you would have to turn on your lights to operate the camera.

RAH · 09-02-2015, 11:58 AM

Airstream Customer Service has a PDF of "How-To Guide for replacing side marker light". Jackson Center emailed it to me a few months ago. I don't have in on this computer now. I found the guide to be helpful.

ghaynes755 · 09-02-2015, 02:44 PM

There are two types of marker lights. Older style had latches that were black plastic tab like latches. New ones, my 2015 had the newer style which are metal pieces that are about 3/8 inch apart that hold the lens on with the spring action when inserted into the base.

Spring model easy to remove, not so much with the older style.

Here's a photo of the newer style.

Click image for larger version

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ghaynes755 · 09-02-2015, 02:46 PM

Bill, my Voyager is on the rear center light and I use it anytime I am driving. I drive with lights on and the camera helps with passing and alerting to fast approaching traffic.

Minipad · 09-02-2015, 06:20 PM

Thanks for the pictures and then advice.

ltorgy · 09-02-2015, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

Just 'pop' the lens off, and drill of the mounting rivets. [1/8" drill might work.] Stow the wires carefully, if not using the wire.
FYI: Did you happen to observe that the running lights are installed backwards?
And this is 'supposed' to be a streamlined trailer!
'Streamlining' faces fat end forward. Look at any aircraft.

Gee, thanks everyone for all of the ideas, especially the picture of the dis-assembled light. As for the direction of the running light - no, it's in the right direction. I took a picture of the side running light since I didn't have a ladder to take a picture of the tail running light.

ghaynes755 · 09-02-2015, 09:09 PM

Here's a photo of the older style light. I was going to use this one for hooking up and bring the power wire from the Voyager in the side. You can see the hole.

The challenge with the older style is that you need to CAREFULLY use a small blade to slide under the front and rear edges so that you can punch back on the locking tabs. And you do have to do both ends as releasing one won't help at the other end. New style lights are much easier.