outside lights not working

[CharlesPou]

have 2018 Escape 21, has outside lights on all 4 sides, some work, some work sometime, some work not at all. what to do?, is it most likely switch or led panel? any and all comments welcomed, cheers

[KirkB]

To start troubleshooting, swap LED fixtures between 2 lights, one that is working, one not so good, too see if the problem is the LED fixture or the switch and wiring. Hopefully you have the removable LED fixtures. Cleaning LED fixture contacts might fix it for you. That usually works if I get a flickering or dim LED light.

[John in Santa Cruz]

the older style I have on my 2014, they use a incandescent car tail light style bulb, the rocker switches get flakey with corrosion from age. I press firmly up on the 'on' side with one finger, then flip the 'off' side repeatedly til it comes on. The more you do this, the better it works. Me, once its on, I leave the outside switch alone, and use the inside switch, at least for the one by the door.

[Great Eggstrications]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

the older style I have on my 2014, they use a incandescent car tail light style bulb, the rocker switches get flakey with corrosion from age. I press firmly up on the 'on' side with one finger, then flip the 'off' side repeatedly til it comes on. The more you do this, the better it works. Me, once its on, I leave the outside switch alone, and use the inside switch, at least for the one by the door.

Same here - after hibernating for 5 months in the soggy northwest, last week I found that the P/S light wouldn't turn on. After maybe 30 brisk ON-OFF cycles of the switch, it woke back up and started behaving again. I too typically leave the switch in the light fixture on all the time and switch it using the inside switch, but found that it wouldn't go ON - as has happened before. The switches are in series so both need to be ON in order for the light to get power. When I think of it, I exercise the switch on my monthly "drive it around, run all the appliances, equalize/desulfite the batteries" visit, but often forget to do it. Happily, my 2015 trailer came with a grid of LED's inserted into the light socket.

[John in Santa Cruz]

I even bought a waterproof switch thats the same size, but never got around to soldering it in.

[BobG]

The front light on my 2021 trailer never worked well. I tried to get it working and did get it working better but now it doesn't work at all. Escape sent me a new light. I have not removed the existing one so don't know where the problem lies.



I would like to know what caulk/sealant to use when installing the new one. I changed out the outside GFI receptacle last January and the sealant I used collects dirt so it looks brown unless right after washing. I expect it has an peculiar texture that holds dirt or it is electrically charged.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by BobG

The front light on my 2021 trailer never worked well. I tried to get it working and did get it working better but now it doesn't work at all. Escape sent me a new light. I have not removed the existing one so don't know where the problem lies.



I would like to know what caulk/sealant to use when installing the new one. I changed out the outside GFI receptacle last January and the sealant I used collects dirt so it looks brown unless right after washing. I expect it has an peculiar texture that holds dirt or it is electrically charged.

Why not just switch the insides and leave the exterior shell alone?

[BobG]

Switching the insides sounds easier. I will try that. If the problem is in the switch, maybe I can just switch the switch.

[CharlesPou]

thanks for replies, using google I found these are cheap lights that are not very reliable, so I just ordered 2 more, and plan to replace. will report back how it goes, cheers

this is what I ordered from amazon: Leisure LED 2 Pack RV Exterior Porch Utility Light with Switch 12v 280 Lumen Lighting Fixture. Replacement Lighting for RVs, Trailers, Campers, 5th Wheels Black Base Clear & Amber Len (Black, 2-Pack)
Visit the Leisure LED Store
4.4 out of 5 stars 76 ratings
$15.99

https://www.amazon.com/Leisure-LED-E...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by CharlesPou

thanks for replies, using google I found these are cheap lights that are not very reliable, so I just ordered 2 more, and plan to replace. will report back how it goes, cheers

this is what I ordered from amazon: Leisure LED 2 Pack RV Exterior Porch Utility Light with Switch 12v 280 Lumen Lighting Fixture. Replacement Lighting for RVs, Trailers, Campers, 5th Wheels Black Base Clear & Amber Len (Black, 2-Pack)
Visit the Leisure LED Store
4.4 out of 5 stars 76 ratings
$15.99

https://www.amazon.com/Leisure-LED-E...dp/B07DWH5S2W/

I note that one does not have a switch.

[CharlesPou]

supposed to have switch?, we will see?, your link is not the one I ordered?, cheers