Community Forums

FLYAway1 · 02-17-2025, 06:23 PM

While dealing with our brake light issue, I noticed that several of the 50,000 hour LED’s were out on the third brake light bar. Amazing how time flies!. I called Tiffin to purchase a new LED assembly or light strip and they are no longer in stock for our 2017 Phaeton 36GH. On top of that, they have no alternate part and have no information on the original vendor.
Doing an internet search, it is amazing the selection of LED strips that are available. From anyone that has gone down this rabbit hole before, as the light bar lies flush along the top of the engine hatch, does it require side emitting diodes? Any other advice on diode selection. They were bedded in clear silicone so I am guessing that they were not “water proof” LED strips. There does not appear to be room to install a connector prior to passing thru the hinge bolt. Has anyone repositioned the wire so it does not have to pass thru the center of the hinge bolt?
Happy Trails!
Ron, Marsha and Piper

**Lt Dan** · 02-17-2025, 07:22 PM

I've done exactly what you are asking about since ours also had some LEDs out. I found some edge lit led strip and mounted it using some strip aluminum. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll try to take a photo for you. I also drilled a small hole at the end of the strip through the fiberglass to bypass that tiny hole in the bolt. Here's the LED strip I bought and it appears to be about as bright as the original.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5KBC6WS

**Lt Dan** · 02-20-2025, 11:02 AM

I finally got a chance to take a photo of the third brake light. Pardon the road grime but didn't get a chance to wash after our last trip. I drilled a hole just big enough to pass the connector through and the LED strip is held in place with a piece of aluminum flooring transition strip.

36PFT · 02-21-2025, 05:50 PM

Not sure where your 3rd brake light is, but on our 2021 Bus,it is a red strip at the top of the rear hatch. I added a light strip that is made for a pickup. The pickup strip is usually above the bumper and below the tailgate. It has brake lights and blinkers. Easy to sneak wires inside at top of rear hatch. Very visible. Stanley

jscribn1 · 03-23-2025, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 36PFT

Not sure where your 3rd brake light is, but on our 2021 Bus,it is a red strip at the top of the rear hatch. I added a light strip that is made for a pickup. The pickup strip is usually above the bumper and below the tailgate. It has brake lights and blinkers. Easy to sneak wires inside at top of rear hatch. Very visible. Stanley

Do you have any pictures of what you did? I have a 17 Phaeton and several of my LEDs are out and the plastic cover is very cloudy and faded. Thanks

jscribn1 · 03-23-2025, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I finally got a chance to take a photo of the third brake light. Pardon the road grime but didn't get a chance to wash after our last trip. I drilled a hole just big enough to pass the connector through and the LED strip is held in place with a piece of aluminum flooring transition strip.

I need to do this exact thing. Any other photos to show the entire thing? Thanks