LED Turn Signal Lights

[DenisM]

I would like to install LED lights on my trailer; but am concerned about the turn signals working properly. My concern is the truck flasher unit. I have a '97 Dodge with factory installed tow package. Anybody know if LED lights will work with my truck?

 

[Scooby074]

You shouldnt have any issues. I have LED on my trailer i tow with my 2003 ford. No problems. Remember you'll still have the load of the truck lights to act as load for the flasher. If you changed your truck to all led's too, then you might have issues.

 

[DieselPower]

I have installed thousands of LED's on truck/tractor and trailers over the years and the only time I ran into a problem was when I changed out the last incandescent bulb. As long as there was one regular bulb left on each side it drew enough current to operate the flasher. On some trucks (usually Freightliners for some reason) when I changed out the last regular bulb there wasn't enough current draw to operate the flasher. It wasn't hard to fix though, they make LED flasher units. As long as you have at least one regular bulb left on the truck you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[DenisM]

Thanks for the insight.

 

[aczlan]

IIRC the only time LEDs make a difference is if you change ALL the bulbs on your truck to LED, them you need to install a electronic (as opposed to a mechanical) flasher relay, it uses a timer to kick the lights on and off instead of a bimetal strip.

Aaron Z

 

[KeithInSpace]

I converted my old 10' trailer to all LED. Admittedly, it didn't have as many side markers as my bigger trailer, but I don't see that would make a difference with the turn signal.

The issue with the signal operation itself is that the LEDs draw so little power. Oddly, this is why I converted in the first place...I blew my truck fuse twice. After conversion to LEDs, no problems at all.

And I believe them to be "safer". They don't burn out and the brightness of them is amazing. The turn signal and brake light operations are particularly bright...really grab your attention. Well, not YOUR attention...the dude/dude-ette behind you.

Do it to it. It'll look like a new trailer when you're done.

 

[Soundguy]

Remember.. they do make an electronic flasher module that will handle those led flashers with no incandescent load..... it's the old metalic strip ones that like the incandescent load.. etc..

soundguy

 

[mrutkaus]

Some people even say the slightly faster response time of LEDs gives more time warning to other drivers, enough to make a difference.

Mike

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Just getting ready to put the LED's on the back of my 69 Mustang. They even blink separate in each of the 3 lenses so they point when using turn signal. The old way was just one bulb for all 3 lenses. How did we ever survive?

Tom

 

[kenmac]

LED lights is the best thing I've done to my trailers

 

[wkpoor]

I've got the new reflective LED's and man are those things bright. The lens protrudes from the rubber bung about 3/8" and the old ones were flush. Even in bright sunlight they stand out.

 

[Scooby074]

I've got the new reflective LED's

Do you have a link to the reflective ones? I couldn't find them online. They sound interesting.

 

[mohrds]

I've converted all my trailers, trucks, and cars to 100% LED. I bought "Zero Load" electronic flashers for the vehicles.

Don't worry about potential problems converting your trailer. Most newer trucks with factory tow packages have a double circuit for the trailer lights. Basically, the truck's flasher runs the truck's lights and a relay that runs a separate circuit with separate fuses to the towing connector. That way, if your trailer has a short or is mis-wired, you only lose the trailer lights when you blow a fuse, not the truck's lights as well.

I highly recommend converting to LEDs. They are cheap enough now that it doesn't make the choice too tough.

Based on the time required to go from 0% to 80% brightness, if you are traveling at 60MPH, an LED will reach 80% brightness 7 feet sooner than an incandescent bulb will. That turns a lot of light rear-enders into near misses

Doug

 

[wkpoor]

Do you have a link to the reflective ones? I couldn't find them online. They sound interesting.

When I ordered my new trailer LED's were specs. When it came in they weren't on it so I made them order them in. After they came in the dealer told me the ones they sent were brand new on the market and were the reflective type. Thats where my info came from.

 

[weldingisfun]

Try looking at these, Scooby074. Trailer Parts Superstore - Recreational & Commercial Trailer Parts Dealer Since 1981
Hope they have what you are looking for.

 

[Scooby074]

Try looking at these, Scooby074. Trailer Parts Superstore - Recreational & Commercial Trailer Parts Dealer Since 1981
Hope they have what you are looking for.

Thanks for the link. Heres the link to the reflective ones I found: Trailer Parts Superstore - Red Reflective LED Marker Light MCL-59RB . I need to replace a 4" LED stop/tail/turn light on my trailer that I cracked (long story,operator error ) and i was hoping to try these new ones, but it looks like their only available as marker lights Oh well I'll just buy a replacement Grote when it finally dies instead of 2 new ones and save a little money.

 

[wkpoor]

All mine are the same whether they are side markers or tail lights. However the lens on mine look a little different unless its just the picture there.

 

[Scooby074]

All mine are the same whether they are side markers or tail lights. .

Do you have an idea of the brand? All the reflective ones I've seen online are markers only.Maybe these lights haven't reached retail yet? I think it might add a little of safety having rear reflectors, given how sketchy trailer lights tend to get.