Posted 2010-04-27 8:27 AM (#119413) Subject: Removing trailer tail light?
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
I have a 2000 Merhow Verylite and the passenger side tail light has gone out (not bad, as we have had the trailer 3 years) and I can't seem to get it out to replace the bulb. It looks like it is just a compression fit with the rubber gasket that surrounds the light, but I have tugged and tugged and it will not budge. I do not want to break it...Any tricks to removing these?Thanks!~Kevin
Posted 2010-04-27 9:06 AM (#119417 - in reply to #119413) Subject: RE: Removing trailer tail light?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Usually slipping a flat bladed screwdriver (common) between the gasket and the light's flange, and sliding it around its circumference will pop it out. To reinstall the light is often easier if you use a lubricant on the edge of the rubber. Soapy water, or a light spraying of WD-40 etc, will help.
Posted 2010-04-27 10:12 AM (#119423 - in reply to #119413) Subject: RE: Removing trailer tail light?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 792 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Kevin, Don't get too worried about breaking it. If it is an oblong assembly about 6" long, you'll be replacing the entire thing anyway. The 1157 bulb is sealed inside, and you'll not be able to replace just it. Get a whole new assemply at any truck stop, Napa, Carquest, etc.
Posted 2010-04-27 10:29 AM (#119424 - in reply to #119413) Subject: RE: Removing trailer tail light?
Veteran
Posts: 144 Location: Hickory Hills, IL
Thanks for the replies everyone! I will look at it again tonight- I played with it for a good 15 minutes before then figured I do not need the trailer until Sunday- why not wait and ask on here for help! :-)If I do have to replace the whole unit, I think I will do both because the lenses are a bit sun faded, and the trailer is over 10 years old now! I have had one marker light go out but that was easy to replace.
Posted 2010-04-27 6:30 PM (#119444 - in reply to #119413) Subject: RE: Removing trailer tail light?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
You sound like me just about this time last year :)
Gard has it right. They tend to mold in after year + of sitting in that rubber mount. Your replacement may feel sloppy but it will tighten up.
I went with LEDs Brake and back ups. I had to re-wire the plug on the LEDs they were wired differently than my OEM lights. It was worth it I like the LEDs.
Posted 2010-04-27 6:47 PM (#119445 - in reply to #119413) Subject: RE: Removing trailer tail light?
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by statzk on 2010-04-27 9:27 AM
I have a 2000 Merhow Verylite and the passenger side tail light has gone out (not bad, as we have had the trailer 3 years) and I can't seem to get it out to replace the bulb. It looks like it is just a compression fit with the rubber gasket that surrounds the light, but I have tugged and tugged and it will not budge. I do not want to break it...Any tricks to removing these?Thanks!~Kevin
A few drops of dish washing detergent will slickn' things up when you reinstall the new fixtures...!!
Removing trailer tail light?
