Source For Electronics Components???

[HBarlow]

My Ram cab and chassis has a CM aftermarket truck bed installed. I selected the bed on the basis of function, quality, and price rather than the fanciest, most expensive model offered so mine has plain old-fashioned incandescent bulbs in the stop/tail/turn lamps, backup lamps, and clearance lights.



I like the instant on factor and brightness offered by LEDs so today I bought a sack full of replacement LED lamps to replace all the original lights. For anyone interested, Southwest Wheel is a great source at excellent prices.



According to the Dodge Ram Upfitter's Guide, downloaded from the Dodge website, I'll have to install 6 ohm 50 watt resistors in parallel with every LED lamp I install as a replacement in order to satisfy the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).



I searched on Radio Shack's website tonight and couldn't find what I need.



Can anyone suggest a good source for a dozen or so 6 -10 ohm 50 watt resistors? An internet source if possible?

 

[bighammer]

You won't like the price... here's one

Just had a thought: What if you leave a bulb in the circuit, but wrap it, cover it, protect it, and attach it to the backside of you tail lamp assembly? You have all the parts and proper resistance already there...

 

[p-Bar]

try Digikey

Digi-Key Corporation - USA Home Page

you shouldn't need one for every bulb, just one for each circuit: running lights, brake lights, b/u lights

 

[JKloppe]

Arcol arcol hs power resistors



6 ohm at 14v = 2. 3 amps = 32. 67 watts.



I would use a 75 watt resister unless you have an aluminum heatsink. With the 75 watt I would use a heat transfer compund and mount to the bed.

 

[HBarlow]

You won't like the price... here's one



Just had a thought: What if you leave a bulb in the circuit, but wrap it, cover it, protect it, and attach it to the backside of you tail lamp assembly? You have all the parts and proper resistance already there...

BigHammer:



Thanks for the link. I'll look into it. Edit: Wow! That's not going to happen. The resistors cost more than the LED lights!



You are absolutely correct. It is possible to simply hang the original incandescent lamp bulbs behind the new LEDs and call it good. It would cost nothing and avoid the search for resistors. I've thought of it but want to learn how painful the correct resistor approach will be before I consider that method.



I think it would be challenging to retain the bulbs though. I don't think I could wrap them without melting or burning away the wrap and if the bulbs aren't protected they'll be subject to bursting by a drop of water and if one of the bulbs comes in contact with adjacent wiring it could burn away the insulation. I guess I could simply remove the original lamps and hang them behind or near each replacement lamp under the bed. I might be able to attach them securely to the frame rails of the bed.

 

[HBarlow]

try Digikey



Digi-Key Corporation - USA Home Page



you shouldn't need one for every bulb, just one for each circuit: running lights, brake lights, b/u lights

P-Bar



Thanks for the link. I'll review their catalog.

 

[HBarlow]

Arcol arcol hs power resistors



6 ohm at 14v = 2. 3 amps = 32. 67 watts.



I would use a 75 watt resister unless you have an aluminum heatsink. With the 75 watt I would use a heat transfer compund and mount to the bed.

JKloppe,



Thanks for the link and the suggestion. I'll review their catalog. At a glance their prices appear more reasonable.