Replacing old Tail Lights

[jasmith58]

I finely have gotten around to replacing the Incandescent tail light/Brake Light with some LEDs I picked up awhile ago. When I removed the old lights I found what looked like, to me, some type off fiber optics cable connected to the center of the metal can that holds the light bulb. Does anyone know what these cables are and what they’re used for? I’ve made all the connection but haven’t finished the install yet and am wafting for some more info. Thanks

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jasmith58

I finely have gotten around to replacing the Incandescent tail light/Brake Light with some LEDs I picked up awhile ago. When I removed the old lights I found what looked like, to me, some type off fiber optics cable connected to the center of the metal can that holds the light bulb. Does anyone know what these cables are and what they’re used for? I’ve made all the connection but haven’t finished the install yet and am wafting for some more info. Thanks

Those fiber optic cables are the tail light monitor thats on the left side of your Airstream.

They can sometimes still be used with LED light replacements.

DO NOT cut those cables.

Andy

[Ganglin]

If anyone has successfully linked the fiber optic cable to an LED replacement - would you please share how you did that......

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Ganglin

If anyone has successfully linked the fiber optic cable to an LED replacement - would you please share how you did that......

A #21 drill bit, works perfect.

Drill the hole ONLY thru the "BLACK PLASTIC".

Andy

[Ganglin]

thanks Andy appreciate the tip - but, mine don't have any black plastic. guess I'll live without it.... I do miss the indicator - it's a nice feature

[jasmith58]

Hi Andy,
After I posted the question I found the answer looking through the threads.
I didn’t cut the fiber optic cables, I just stuffed them inside. I got the replacement LED taillights from you a couple of years ago. They have a white plastic back. Can I Still connect the tail light monitor system?
I had to finish the install today because I’m taking the trailer for a state inspection first thing tomorrow, but would consider pulling it all apart to get the tail light monitor system back.
Thanks,
Jim

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jasmith58

Hi Andy,
After I posted the question I found the answer looking through the threads.
I didn’t cut the fiber optic cables, I just stuffed them inside. I got the replacement LED taillights from you a couple of years ago. They have a white plastic back. Can I Still connect the tail light monitor system?
I had to finish the install today because I’m taking the trailer for a state inspection first thing tomorrow, but would consider pulling it all apart to get the tail light monitor system back.
Thanks,
Jim

Drill a hole dead center on the backside with a # 21 drill bit.

Drill thru the first layer of plastic, ONLY.

Andy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by jasmith58

Hi Andy,
After I posted the question I found the answer looking through the threads.
I didn’t cut the fiber optic cables, I just stuffed them inside. I got the replacement LED taillights from you a couple of years ago. They have a white plastic back. Can I Still connect the tail light monitor system?
I had to finish the install today because I’m taking the trailer for a state inspection first thing tomorrow, but would consider pulling it all apart to get the tail light monitor system back.
Thanks,
Jim

Drill a hole dead center on the backside, but do not go beyond the first layer of plastic.

Try that and see what happens.

Andy