Recon LED Cab lights question
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2003
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Recon LED Cab lights question
Has anyone installed the actual LED sealed unit cab lights on a truck that IS already equipped with factory cab lights (part # 26143CL). I am wondering if they can use the factory installed base and just click in the new LED light or if you have to install the complete unit? I know the recommend the separate lens/bulb for my set up, but have had problems with slight leaking and condensation in the past so though a sealed unit might be better. However I don't want to have to unscrew and mess with the factory base from the sheet metal. Seems like thats asking for too many problems.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
I just have the Recon smoked lenses and LED bulbs in my factory lights. This is the second Superduty I have owned with this setup and have experienced no problems with it thus far. I have noticed what appears to be condensation inside the lenses, but in 4 years have not had any leaks or rust form on the light fixture as a result of the condensation.
I think most of the time what people think looks like condensation is actually a visual effect due to the texture of the lenses. I don't know 100% because I have never pulled a lense to check, but like I said before nothing inside the lights has ever rusted so if there is condensation it's not anything to worry about. I wouldn't go to the trouble or expense to totally replace a light fixture that is factory sealed to the roof and works fine as it is.
I think most of the time what people think looks like condensation is actually a visual effect due to the texture of the lenses. I don't know 100% because I have never pulled a lense to check, but like I said before nothing inside the lights has ever rusted so if there is condensation it's not anything to worry about. I wouldn't go to the trouble or expense to totally replace a light fixture that is factory sealed to the roof and works fine as it is.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
One reason for that is that LEDs generate a lot less heat than incandescent bulbs. It seems to generally be enough heat to cause a condensation problem but not enough to burn it off. IDK, I still had a small amount of condensation in my cab lights before I had the LED bulbs, but for whatever reason they never grow algae, cause rust or attract crud so I deal with it. It's not like the average person can see condensation in your cab light lenses. Even if they could see it most people wouldn't even notice.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Mt. Salem, NJ
One reason for that is that LEDs generate a lot less heat than incandescent bulbs. It seems to generally be enough heat to cause a condensation problem but not enough to burn it off. IDK, I still had a small amount of condensation in my cab lights before I had the LED bulbs, but for whatever reason they never grow algae, cause rust or attract crud so I deal with it. It's not like the average person can see condensation in your cab light lenses. Even if they could see it most people wouldn't even notice.
Andy
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Mt. Salem, NJ
We have the same problem in freezers and coolers with energy efficient lighting. The new stuff just doesn't generate enough heat to quell condensation. Some designs keep a lamp or two lit to keep some heat in the fixture. There must be a way to keep this condensation out of our LED upgrades.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
Well they were on my 06 for over 3 years and there was absolutely no corrosion when I removed the lenses and bulbs before I traded it in. Take that for what it is worth, but here in MD condensation is a given due to the high humidity.
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Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like then I should just go for the one's recon recommends - the lenses with the LED bulbs. I just had the standard bulbs in my last truck and that didn't look that bad either really. As mentioned there could be moisture even in the factory lenses and you would even notice since there orange. Thats why I spend the few extra bucks to have the accessory shop next to my work install them. That way the slightest problem and I just pull in and tell them to fix it!
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For those of you went with the LED bulbs do you feel it was worth the extra $50? Do you see the difference and have all the LEDs stayed working? I've never had problems with my Recon stuff but know sometimes individual LEDs burn out. Don't want to pay more for something that takes more mainteneace. 6 years and I never had to replace 1 factory cab light bulb!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Maryland
I think I am on my 3rd year with the LED bulbs and probably close to 60,000 miles on them with no burnt out LEDs yet. A friend of mine has them for about the same time as well with only a minor problem initially with them making a good connection in the socket.
No I would not pay the Recon price for the bulbs. The same T shaped LED bulb can be found for half the price. Mine were given to me as a gift and I refuse to pay that kind of money for bulbs.
No I would not pay the Recon price for the bulbs. The same T shaped LED bulb can be found for half the price. Mine were given to me as a gift and I refuse to pay that kind of money for bulbs.
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