Water leaking into taill lights

[Mr Sunshine]

Originally Posted by Stevenb2560

I was bothered that my 31' ACE did not have side turn signal markers so I also added these chrome LED side turn signals. It now gives other drivers warning that I'm changing lanes, especially on the busy 3 lane interstate highways.

Great safety addition! Thanks for sharing that!

[gator]

Thanks for the kudos, happy to share. Glad I found this blog so I could pick a few brains. Yes, both sides are painted, all edges including inside circle cuts as well. I used Rustoleum satin black containing acetone, which attacks plastic, creating a permanent bond. I find Lexan to be a great material for many projects. Affordable and virtually indestructible. Have fun with your project.

[axis earl]

I am also perplexed why their are no turn signals anywhere on the sides of our Axis. I thought this was a DOT requirement. I found a combination marker/turn signal LED fixture from etrailer.com. Unlike another on the market, it is a surface mount and does not require a big cut out. When I get them installed, I'll post a picture. I want as many people on the road as possible to know what my lane changing intentions are....

[axis earl]

Very nice looking. LED are the way to go. I may copy your improvement in the future. People need to also know that if you install the LEDs in the rear, probably should leave the regular incandescent bulb turn signal lights in the front alone and not swap them with some kind of plug in LED. It will confuse the turn signal controller because not enough amps are drawn.

[axis earl]

The Axis also does not have side turn signal lights????? I just replaced mine with combination marker/turn signal lights that are LED. Picture to be posted soon. Quite an improvement and a bit larger than the stock. Only one extra screw hole to drill too.

[axis earl]

Still frustrated with moisture getting into the stock tail lights on our '16 Axis. The very slight gasket that comes with the center back-up light is especially a pain.
So, I found that the same company, Command Electronics out of Michigan now sells a sealed all LED model. Company was very good to deal with email so far. I will post pictures of them when they arrive. Oh yes, same dimensions as the originals so no cutting will be necessary.

[rvfigs]

Originally Posted by axis earl

Still frustrated with moisture getting into the stock tail lights on our '16 Axis. The very slight gasket that comes with the center back-up light is especially a pain.
So, I found that the same company, Command Electronics out of Michigan now sells a sealed all LED model. Company was very good to deal with email so far. I will post pictures of them when they arrive. Oh yes, same dimensions as the originals so no cutting will be necessary.

A-Earl...Can you provide more details on where to get them? Link? Website?

I prefer the brighter LEDs.

Thanks

[mcr1010]

Yes, I would be interested in changing mine out for led's also especially if they come with real gaskets and not the crappy ones on the originals.

Leaking taillights has been just one of the more serious problems with the Axis- Vegas if not taken care of before rot sets in. My fix and others have been to remove the gaskets, dry out the plywood sockets, poly coated the sockets and re-install lens with sealant.

[blw2]

I used butyl tape on mine in place of the foam gasket. Also sealed the removable white reverse light lens with the butyl tape. It comes out with no gasket at all...at least mine did....just a micro bead of it around the lip....didn't take much.

I too would like to make note of the LED option. I'll go that way if I have any future problems.
....but keep in mind sealed LED units like that often get condensation inside them.

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by rvfigs

A-Earl...Can you provide more details on where to get them? Link? Website?

I prefer the brighter LEDs.

Thanks

003-30 / 003-30L / 003-30LE: COMMAND ULTRA MODERN RECESSED TRIPLE 12 VOLT TAIL LIGHT — Command Electronics

[gator]

Originally Posted by axis earl

003-30 / 003-30L / 003-30LE: COMMAND ULTRA MODERN RECESSED TRIPLE 12 VOLT TAIL LIGHT — Command Electronics

I checked this link, am I missing something? They look like the same exact thing as stock. There is no info on that site that offers any further information.

We attended an RV show recently and I found it interesting that many manufacturers are still utilizing these cheap failing taillight configurations. All about the margin.

[blw2]

What I found was that in the options pull down, you can select a couple different LED options.

I didn't see any different pictures or details....& I actually wonder if they are truly sealed units and not just the same housings with LED bulbs or modules. I'm guessing the OP might have talked to someone to confirm.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing some photos of their new lights and the installation.

[M&M_MURPHYS]

Originally Posted by mcr1010

Wonder if Thor has changed the design and upgraded the tail lights in the later models? Maybe some late model owners could comment on this. I would think after having some serious issues with water damage Thor would take notice.

As of the 2017 models they have not changed anything on the Quantum. We have condensation / moisture in our tail lights and will have to look into this issue as well.

Just got it back from the the first round of warranty repairs. Now this too. I think I will seal it up myself to avoid dealer headaches.

Thank you all for your posts. I was not too worried about a little condensation in the lenses but now I will take it seriously.

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by blw2

What I found was that in the options pull down, you can select a couple different LED options.

I didn't see any different pictures or details....& I actually wonder if they are truly sealed units and not just the same housings with LED bulbs or modules. I'm guessing the OP might have talked to someone to confirm.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing some photos of their new lights and the installation.

I have received the new LED models and getting ready to swap them. They are total LED including the model I got that has LED back-ups. They are using a large gasket made out of the same spongey material so I am thinking that I will start out with butyl sealing tape around the edges instead.

[Elkers]

Hi, I just ordered the replacement LED lights as well, and wondering how the install gasket worked out for you. Thanks

[acsnook]

I did not use any of the gaskets and used silicone caulking as both a gasket and as a sealant around the tail light after installation. I have found the gasket simply does not work over time and water will eventually get in there.

[gator]

Originally Posted by Elkers

Hi, I just ordered the replacement LED lights as well, and wondering how the install gasket worked out for you. Thanks

I used this gasket

https://www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Buil...1033/100175299

Works great. It is intended for marine use which includes submerged. Being that the LEDs I used are completely sealed, the gaskets don't necessarily have to protect them but keep water out of the cavity. I also polyurethaned inside the cavity to protect the wood from any moisture.

[axis earl]

Originally Posted by Elkers

Hi, I just ordered the replacement LED lights as well, and wondering how the install gasket worked out for you. Thanks

Did not use the sponge gasket. Used butyl rubber tape around the entire edge to seal the unit. Used RV Flex sealant around the outside edge as well. Stainless screws with o-rings. So far, no moisture drops showing inside. Still like the LED look because they are so much brighter. Replaced the rear roof marker lights with Grote brand LED models.

[Live Oak1]

The tail lights in my 2018 ACE 30.4 were the exact same as the ones in my 2005 Class-C. Thor must have bought a million of them. The cheapest light on the market. I replaced mine with Bargman horizontal LED's and added the same lights (minus the backup light) up high so they could be seen when I'm towing. Bought from trailerparts.com

[JamieGeek]

How did you fish the wires down to the existing lights for the high mounted ones? (A really good idea!)