Bargman sells a full LED replacement that matches LED tail light or an 'enhanced' incandescent lens. The new LED light & lens are thicker, the enhanced backup lens offers matching thickness of existing backup to new light without price of LED replacement. However neither seemed worthwhile. One was cost and changing to full LED would require adding reflectors. The 'enhanced' lens for some reason I really don't care for- the clear shell looks off. But more that these are only used as backup 'indicators'. We have sealed beam backup lights to actually see by when backing up.

I thought about changing out backup 1141/1156 (straight across pins, single contact Ba15s base) bulbs to LEDs but hadn't seen anything. Wanted, if replaced, a panel light that would fill the square clear lenses of the Bargmans...but again just not worthwhile to look long. That was 2+ years ago...

I recently came across a pair of LEDS, very inexpensive for the inside of camper. Panel LEDs to replace a couple of old original failed bulbs. Well after arriving and testing they are just WAY too bright. Not sure what is driving replacement LED bulbs, but for the interior of camper most are simply too bright. These put out way more than an 1141- actually greater than an 1156, so though warm white just blinding. Certainly more 'lumens' than their incandescent counter parts,which they use to be equivalent. So still looking for camper bulbs in the 250ish lumens or equivalent to a 1141 incandescent bulb. All the bulbs in our camper have been changed to SMD regulated LEDS.I just need to find source to match what I have.

The other issue with the new panel bulbs I picked up is they stated 12-to 14 volts, however they are not regulated bulbs. The 2 bulbs I need to replace are also non regulated which is why they failed, that and they are older LED 'bulbs' with resisters. When camper is on shore or generator the voltage can get pretty high. Though the new bulb are SMD verses the old style 'bulbs' not worth burning them up and dealing with the intense light-

At any rate during all this is when I remembered the back up lights...ya know these are about the right size, about 1 1/2" x2"...So went and grabbed lens.

Just FYI Amazon link 2015 (as long as it lasts) to new led.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EKKJOK8
48-3528 SMD LEDs-1.9"x1.6" panel, came with 1141/1156 Ba15s adapter. UPDATE 2019: listing product quanity and price now different from what I bought but may lead to simular led.

Here I've already started modifying to mount. That's what I envisioned-a panel to fill the clear square. I tested against the 1141 incandescent and they are close if not brighter. Again as they only serve to let folks know I'm backing up they will work!

New panels have self stick pads on the back that could be used to mount in fixture. But I want the panel closer to the lenses. To ensure orientation between base pins with panel facing lens had to do on camper. Also as receptacles are not 'square' want to make sure panels square to lenses. Inserted the base into light receptacle, folding about 1/2" of wire into base & holding panel toward outer edge and plumb pumped some hot glue into base. Holding until cool then removed and took back to shop.

Removed paper from area to be blobbed with hot glue, I was going to remove self stick pad- with the bead in front and larger blob in back panel shouldn't come loose. Decided that pad offers some protection against elements (and very high heat of glue gun) I left them. Left paper on just for handling until mounted.

Simple-now to do the other side. Seems pretty secure. Vibration may tweak them, we'll see, but I doubt it. I thought about inserting small vertical stick when gluing to support. I'm now seeing a small spring clip at top to stabilize. I may revisit.

But first a comparison... LEd on the left, incandescent 1141 on right. You can almost see the 1141 bulb where the LED "fills" the clear lens.

1141 incandescent

LED

Cant imagine these over the dinette... and the camera isn't really showing intensity.

Both LEDS installed. Stoked, freed up approximately 4 amps for the sealed beams.

WoW....couple of hours later, really wanted to see at night. Covered the sealed beams-I'm amazed

Standing at left rear jack looking back...

Fuzzy picture but sure don't think there will be a question of my intent. I should note bulbs (an lenses) do have a downward tilt, when mounted on camper these are almost 5' off the ground. One of the reasons other than more light where Im driving, I added the sealed beam tractor lights to bumper.

That was fun...now to search for interior replacments..

Original Bargman LED taillight swap page
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