Got a suspected bad bulb on my girlfriend's 2002 Sundowner Valuelite 2 horse slant load goose neck trailer. I believe she said the directional portion of the driver's side rear light is bad.
My question is.....how do I get to the bulb? Are those rear light big red grommetted lenses meant to pull out to get at the bulb or am I supposed to remove the long rectangular plate on the inside of the trailer that covers a bunch of wiring opposite that lense and switches on the back of the trailer? That long rectangular plate is held on one side with 4 self tapping screws but the side opposite seems to be lipped on the bottom and doesn't come out when I remove the 4 screws
Posted 2017-07-10 2:33 PM (#170235 - in reply to #170234) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 785 Location: Tenn/Ala.
Well, with the screws out, the plate will pull out- but it will probably be tight. But- you don't need to. From the outside, take the entire red lens assembly out. It just pulls out, a small prybar (screwdriver) and maybe some WD-40 can help. Unplug it, and pick up a new one. Most any auto parts house or trailer place will have one. Yes- the bulb inside it is a 1157 but the entire assembly was sealed together. Popping it open and replacing the bulb allows moisture in and the bulb pops again.
Posted 2017-07-10 6:19 PM (#170239 - in reply to #170234) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Just a bit of detail to RTSmith's post. You are trying to pry between the plastic lens and the rubber grommet. The grommet stays in place and the lens pops out. For the oblong lights, I pry at the top of the lens, a little bit at a time. Start to 12 o'clock, then move to 1 o'clock, then 11 o'clock...
This is how I got mine out. RTSmith ... any other pointers ?
Posted 2017-07-11 7:21 AM (#170240 - in reply to #170239) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Member
Posts: 6
Location: North Carolina
Thank you for the reply, RT. I tried to pull that lens out by hand but not much room to grab with my fingers there. Will try prying and just be super careful, I guess. Definitely don't want to scratch or crack that lense. I thought going at it from the back would have been easier but the way that cover plate is set up, the plate almost needs some mechanical intervention as well with fasteners only on the one side and a lip on that plate on the side opposite the fasteners. Almost need a miniature jack to force that plate off the lip on the side opposite the fasteners once those 4 screws are out. I'll get another crack at the trailer over the weekend and report back. Thanks again for the advice!
Posted 2017-07-11 8:05 AM (#170242 - in reply to #170241) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 785 Location: Tenn/Ala.
You are on the right track. On the light, don't worry about scratching it- you are taking it out to throw it away. I use a small flat head screwdriver, and like Hoss said, just start at the top and pry one end out. Spray some WD-40 between the bulb and grommet if you'd like. At least in our parts room, it is a Peterson part number 421KR (so you can get one this week and be ready). Comes with a lens, grommet, and new connector (in case you need it). Once it is out, you can open the hole up in the aluminum to make it easier- but don't go so far it falls out....
Posted 2017-07-11 8:53 AM (#170244 - in reply to #170234) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Member
Posts: 6
Location: North Carolina
Oh Ok. So I am not taking out the lens to get access to a bulb, that lens is going to be sealed? So I need to replace the whole lens assembly, is that correct?
Posted 2017-07-11 9:34 AM (#170245 - in reply to #170244) Subject: RE: Quick Sundowner trailer light question
Elite Veteran
Posts: 785 Location: Tenn/Ala.
netwayne - 2017-07-11 8:53 AM Oh Ok. So I am not taking out the lens to get access to a bulb, that lens is going to be sealed? So I need to replace the whole lens assembly, is that correct?
Quick Sundowner trailer light question
