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Old 12-04-2017, 06:30 PM   #1
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2018 Chaparral 360IBL-Front Amber Clearance Lights sealed?

The Amber LED clearance lights mounted at the top of the front cap are not sealed in place. It has a seal around but is barely touching the surface of the front cap. The entire light assembly freely slides around in a circle on the front cap.

The seal is soft and appears to be designed to sit on the surface without sealant. it is very soft, thin and pliable. It is not a grommet, it is not bound by butyl tape or sealant.

I am very concerned that it will not stop water entry from the top, nor does it seem to be robust enough to stop water entry while driving if it is raining.

Anyone have any experience with this type of marker light?

Any of you Chaparral owners have the same thing on your rig?

Brian
2016 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 LB LoneStar Edition
2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/Andersen Ultimate 2
Prior Rig: 2011 Starcraft 392BHU w/Andersen No-Sway hitch
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Old 12-04-2017, 08:24 PM   #2
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Mine are the same way in my '17 390. And have wondered the same thing.
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Old 12-04-2017, 08:46 PM   #3
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Mine on the 370FL are just like them.Never a drop that I've seen on the inside. Around 15K on the 5er and no problems yet.
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Old 12-04-2017, 08:53 PM   #4
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Found a thread here that discusses the loose lights. It starts at Post #48 on this page and continues to the next page.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-108311-5.html

While this a motorhome forum the light issue seems to be the same. The poster posts a link of this light. I need to re-look at mine to see if the mfgr is on the bezel or light.

Search results for "Ultra-Bright 3/4" Flat Button Lights"
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2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/TST507 TPMS, Lippert GC3 Autolevel, Furrion Backup Cam, Progressive HW50C
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Old 12-04-2017, 10:19 PM   #5
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Hmmm..... On my Coachmen Apex, my clearance lights look like that. I may need to check those out......
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Old 12-05-2017, 11:51 AM   #6
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I have a 2018 360ibl and my lights are exactly as you described. I also wondered if they would leak because they move around very easy, almost like the hole is to big?
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Old 12-05-2017, 12:09 PM   #7
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Same here, 2016 29BHS. I’ve looked for evidence of leaks during and after rain but nothing so far. I’d be interested to hear if anyone has looked underneath, maybe it’s sealed with just a wire coming through?
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Old 12-05-2017, 01:19 PM   #8
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Here is a pic of the back of the fiberglass cap I took when I toured the factory. You can see the light cut outs. There's nothing to keep water from coming in if it gets past the seal. Sorry, I couldn't get the pic to rotate.
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Old 12-05-2017, 02:36 PM   #9
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Great photos, thanks! I can’t imagine it’s a large scale oversight on their part but would be interested to hear about this particular light. I’ve always thought it curious when I wash/wax, glad bj started this thread.
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Old 12-05-2017, 07:46 PM   #10
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There is a groove right behind the outer rim of the rubber grommet /housing. The rubber should be installed first and should be pushed in hard enough so the back side of the groove snaps over the edge of the hole (fiberglass cap), this makes the outter rim of the grommet flatten out considerably. Then plug in the light and force into the grommet. If the hole is the right size it takes considerable force (and a few foul words) to get the grommet in place and then the light in, but it seals up pretty tight. Once the grommet is in it helps to use soapy water in a spray bottle to assist getting the light in place.

The two top front lights on my cedarcreek were loose like you describe when I got it. Once you fight with them on a ladder 13' up you will understand why some don't get installed properly. Good luck.
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Old 12-05-2017, 08:56 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mgas View Post
... this makes the outter rim of the grommet flatten out considerably....
Interesting, thanks for posting. I did notice there is nearly 1/4" travel if I push the light into the hole. I didn't force it but thought it was odd there was that much travel.

I will try to get another look at mine to see if I can find out the mfgr and see if there are install/removal instructions.

I am reluctant to pull the light assembly off the cap (to separate the light from the rubber bezel and assemble it properly) for fear of breaking it without having an available replacement.
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2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/TST507 TPMS, Lippert GC3 Autolevel, Furrion Backup Cam, Progressive HW50C
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Old 12-06-2017, 08:24 AM   #12
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I was able to inspect the light more closely. It is a two piece assembly, Bulb/grommet. Similar to this https://www.amazon.com/Clearance-Gro...D52VMWS9MMG52Q

The PVC grommet has a collar that sits behind the cap. Once installed the grommet should hold the light in place. I was able to pull the light assembly out of the grommet (fits nice and tight). My only concern is the exterior interface point where the grommet meets the front cap.

I would have no problem putting this light on my boat trailer (ie, water flows through frame) but I am struggling how this fixture keeps water from getting behind the front cap. When I pull the light out of the grommet, there is the soft silver insulation material.

Guessing here, if the light mount leaked, I would expect the water to travel down to the bottom of the closet/bedroom floor where the shoe storage is. I will monitor that area with a moisture meter.
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2016 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 LB LoneStar, w/RDS 33Gal Aux tank, Timbrens, Andersen Ultimate2, SwiftHitch SH04
2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/TST507 TPMS, Lippert GC3 Autolevel, Furrion Backup Cam, Progressive HW50C
2006 RAM 3500 DRW LoneStar Edition
2011 Starcraft 392BHUw/Andersen No-Sway

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Old 12-06-2017, 08:30 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mgas View Post
...if the hole is the right size...
On mine, the collar snapped into position behind the cap but the grommet had considerable room to move around while being retained by the collar. Either way when I pushed the LED light back into the grommet, it didn't flatten out against the exterior surface.
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2016 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 LB LoneStar, w/RDS 33Gal Aux tank, Timbrens, Andersen Ultimate2, SwiftHitch SH04
2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/TST507 TPMS, Lippert GC3 Autolevel, Furrion Backup Cam, Progressive HW50C
2006 RAM 3500 DRW LoneStar Edition
2011 Starcraft 392BHUw/Andersen No-Sway

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Old 12-06-2017, 10:41 AM   #14
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I am guessing that the fiberglass cap is thicker on mine because i really had to fight with out to get the grommet pushed in far enough into place. The outer lip of the grommet was flat at that point, then after fighting to get the light in place nothing moves
at all.
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Old 12-06-2017, 10:43 AM   #15
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Glad you got a good seal!
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2016 RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 LB LoneStar, w/RDS 33Gal Aux tank, Timbrens, Andersen Ultimate2, SwiftHitch SH04
2018 Chaparral 360IBL w/TST507 TPMS, Lippert GC3 Autolevel, Furrion Backup Cam, Progressive HW50C
2006 RAM 3500 DRW LoneStar Edition
2011 Starcraft 392BHUw/Andersen No-Sway

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