T@b Outdoor light

j_ntabowners
j_ntabowners Posts: 131
in Battery/Electrical & Solar

While camping this summer we left our night light on so we could find out way back a friend's campsite after a night of playing cards.  The next day I noticed that the housing had discolored (looks like from the bulb being to hot).   Has anyone else experienced having the housing of their outdoor light discolor after use

Jim & Nadine 2015 T@b Max S pulled by 2016 KIA Sorento - East Wenatchee, Wa

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Comments

  • JandJ92010
    JandJ92010 Posts: 304
    Not yet, but we don't use it much. Even after tinting it yellow, it still attracts too many bugs, so we use lights on the canopy.
    The HobbiT@B, 2015-L, towed by a2014 RAM C/V
  • j_ntabowners
    j_ntabowners Posts: 131
    I hear you..  We usually only use it for a land mark in an RV park when making quick trips to the shower house and back in the dark. I have a set of lights we use with our t@b side tent, but on this particular trip we didn't set the tent up

    Jim & Nadine 2015 T@b Max S pulled by 2016 KIA Sorento - East Wenatchee, Wa

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  • Nomad
    Nomad Posts: 7,209
    Saw a new Outback today and it had a very slim led outside light fixture. I rarely use mine as it is a power hog.
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Posts: 3,770
    I consider that light brighter than most functioning lighthouse lights. I don't use it. That discoloration *does* look like it got too hot, which is odd since most LEDs don't put out as much heat as incandescents. 
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • wizard1880
    wizard1880 Posts: 442
    Mine looks like that.  But from the sun shining on it.

    I found the original bulb took over 2A of power (that's almost more than the Alde!) so I replaced it with an LED bulb when it burned out (just from leaving it on overnight once!)
    T@@bulous
    2014 T@B CS Maxx
    TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
    Martha Lake, WA
  • Nomad
    Nomad Posts: 7,209
    Mine is quite that barren but over half the silver is now weathered off - same with the T@B logo.
  • j_ntabowners
    j_ntabowners Posts: 131
    Thank you for satisfying my curiosity.  Wizard, you are probably right about it possibly being tied to a product of too much Sun, I just may not have noticed prior to leaving the light on for an extended period of time.

    Jim & Nadine 2015 T@b Max S pulled by 2016 KIA Sorento - East Wenatchee, Wa

    States Visited Map

  • larrygon
    larrygon Posts: 255
    Unfortunately this is a issue with these fixtures. It is caused by the plastic not being UV resistant not heat. If you search the site, there is a good tutorial on removing the fixture and replacing/painting it.
    "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein
    2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
  • LauraRey
    LauraRey Posts: 338
    Ratkity said:
    I consider that light brighter than most functioning lighthouse lights.
    I was amused how bright it was.  I doubt I'll be leaving mine on much at a campground.  It is indeed on par with functioning lighthouse lights.
    Red and White, 2017 Max S being towed by a 2014 Honda Ridgeline.  Hello Mountains!
  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Posts: 588
    edited December 2016

    Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
    Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    TabberJohn said:

    Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
    Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

    I found a double dimmer switch on EBay, but I haven't installed it yet. I need to fire up the Alde so I can work in the T@B. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Posts: 588
    Double would be great so you can also adjust the overhead light.
    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    That's why I ordered it, @TabberJohn. It overhead light is rather bright for morning eyes ;)
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • JandJ92010
    JandJ92010 Posts: 304
    I'm not sure that 12 volt LED lights are dimmable, unless they are made to be.
    The HobbiT@B, 2015-L, towed by a2014 RAM C/V
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    @JandJ92010, then EBay is making a killing with all of the dimmable 12V LED switches they have ;)
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • trainwrecked
    trainwrecked Posts: 31
    edited December 2016
    TabberJohn said:

    Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
    Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

    I installed this dimmer on the outside light (I have the slimmer version of the light which is reported to be dimmable).  Light was way to bright for my taste most of the time, but I can crank it up when I need it.  Works great, just don't hook it up wrong the first time - bricks the switch, found out the hard way...
    2016 T@b M@x S Sofitel >- 2017 Subaru Outback 3.6
  • wizard1880
    wizard1880 Posts: 442
    edited December 2016
    The LED bulb I replaced it with is only 70% as bright as original.  No dimmer needed. :)

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DSIZAKK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YHYuyb92SDCH2

    Seems it's only sold in a 6 pack now...
    T@@bulous
    2014 T@B CS Maxx
    TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
    Martha Lake, WA
  • SweetlyHome
    SweetlyHome Posts: 336
    I've read several threads on replacing this bulb.  Getting that cover off makes me real nervous.  Any hints?  Which side do you start on?
    Jupiter, Florida~T@B 400, with 2018 Toyota 4Runner

       
  • wizard1880
    wizard1880 Posts: 442
    Use a tiny flathead screwdriver, and work your way around the top trim piece.  Before you know it, it will pop right off.  Then, use Philips head to remove the 4 screws holding on the lens piece.  That's about it.  Install is reverse of removal.
    T@@bulous
    2014 T@B CS Maxx
    TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
    Martha Lake, WA
  • Estancio
    Estancio Posts: 243
    I just replaced the entire unit with an LED version of the same fixture. Works great. From E-Trailer. 
    Stancil Campbell
    2011 T@B
    Rockingham, NC

  • wizard1880
    wizard1880 Posts: 442
    Sweet, that works too!
    T@@bulous
    2014 T@B CS Maxx
    TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
    Martha Lake, WA
  • larrygon
    larrygon Posts: 255
    SweetlyHome said:
    I've read several threads on replacing this bulb.  Getting that cover off makes me real nervous.  Any hints?  Which side do you start on?
    Here is a link with instructions
    http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/838/install-amber-led-sidelight-on-trailer/p1
    "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein
    2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
  • SweetlyHome
    SweetlyHome Posts: 336
    Thanks, starting at the top seems to be the key.
    Jupiter, Florida~T@B 400, with 2018 Toyota 4Runner

       
  • TabberJohn
    TabberJohn Posts: 588
    edited May 2017

    Verna said:
    I found a double dimmer switch on EBay, but I haven't installed it yet. 




    Did this turn out to be a bust because the stock bulbs for the inside/outside lights aren't dimmable?
    2015 T@B Max S (White/Silver) -> 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L (turbo, AWD, factory tow)
  • Verna
    Verna Posts: 6,876
    @TabberJohn, I just didn't get "round tuit"!  I found it again Sunday as I was packing to come back home. I'm still going to try it, but I intend to leave slack in the wiring, just in case it doesn't work. 
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • RollingBnB
    RollingBnB Posts: 322
    I put two layers of taillight repair tape over the LED light, changed it to amber and toned it down quite a bit.
    2020 Tiffin Open Road
    2020 Nissan Versa Toad 
    Alan & Patty
    Southern Az

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