How to replace Escape tail lights?

[padlin]

I put the RV rain gutter above the lights but on the 5.0TA the water runs off the roof strong enough to overrun the rain gutter, right over the 2 outer lights. I also caulked the hole in the trailer and put a couple coats on the top side of the lights, the 2nd after they warp. Still had one go bonkers.

[cpaharley2008]

The 1st G models had those long tail lights Escape uses on the bottom also on the top, very bright at night and made the trailer quite visible. These large straight units were applied to round fiberglass and in the heat and cold were subject to having gaps between the lights and the shell.In the 2nd G models Escape switched o the smaller lights now in use today along the top. They seem easier to remain flush mounted.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by LeonW

Alan, were the lights that failed on the top or bottom? All my failed lights were on the top.

Both failed lights were at the top. I probably should take a close look at the remaining top light to see if there is water inside.

I also noted that light with the most water had pulled out the screw and in the process had stripped out enough fiberglass that the threads would not engage. I fixed this with some epoxy inside the screw hole. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find some warping involved.

I haven't decided about drilling weep holes. Will ponder this... But I will be using a generous amount of Proflex around the top and sides of the lamp and hopefully that will help.

--
Alan

[cpaharley2008]

Check your clearance lights also, they snap off fairly easy for cleaning and inspection....these are the ones I'm always drilling holes in the bottom to keep out condensation. Have never had to replace one of the larger brake lights nor the new style smaller brake lights.

[Stargeezer]

Originally Posted by padlin

I put the RV rain gutter above the lights but on the 5.0TA the water runs off the roof strong enough to overrun the rain gutter, right over the 2 outer lights. I also caulked the hole in the trailer and put a couple coats on the top side of the lights, the 2nd after they warp. Still had one go bonkers.

Yes Padlin, I've lived your experience BIG time... Had a leak during a large rainstorm in Calgary in June. Outer light passenger side. The problem is due to the curvature of the trailer versus the straight light fixture. Sealant broke down and the water poured down the roof, seeped in behind the light and through the wire hole into the trailer. Not nice Simply a design flaw.

Larry

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by Stargeezer

Yes Padlin, I've lived your experience BIG time... Had a leak during a large rainstorm in Calgary in June. Outer light passenger side. The problem is due to the curvature of the trailer versus the straight light fixture. Sealant broke down and the water poured down the roof, seeped in behind the light and through the wire hole into the trailer. Not nice Simply a design flaw.

Larry

I strongly suspect that is exactly what happened to mine.
Will be using a lot of sealant under and around the new ones.
--
Alan

[padlin]

I check mine yearly, more or less. If you use Proflex you do not need to remove the old caulk, it adheres to itself.

[Henk]

Where do you locate the hole and what diameter? Given that you have done it...and it sounds like an excellent idea...no need to reinvent the wheel. Thank you for your help.