I want to switch to LED bulbs

[Deleted member 995608]

I've got a bug to replace the interior/exterior bulbs with LED. The headlights/fog lights will stay stock or eventually HID.

What do I need to know about swapping the other bulbs over to LED? Do I need to add resistors?

I'll probably buy from Superbrightleds.com as I've had really good luck with their offload lights.

 

[Wiredawg]

I haven't changed light on mine yet, but did all my Jeep. Only need resistors on turn signal lights. I ordered off Amazon and Ebay. Your owner's manual will list the bulb numbers, then easy then google that number and LED. It's that easy.

I'm sure doing your truck will be that easy too.

Let us know how it turns out.
Ron

 

[DonFitzwater]

Do some research. I bought led bulbs from Napa and they didn’t work well in the reflector housings. I watched several videos on YouTube and found that there is a lot to led bulbs. Reflection pattern is greatly affected by led indexing and bulb type, there are lots.

Other drivers will hate you if you install cheap led lights.

 

[nukegm]

the lighting ( headlights ) on the new rams stinks. anyone recommend a headlight bulb/led that is EASY? ive read that led headlight conversions can cause " issues " with modules etc. 2018 2500 tradesman. cheers comrades!

 

[JMarhofke]

In some cases LED's are not always the best for all locations due to the way housings are designed for light reflectivity as someone else also mentioned. I have changed out to LED's in the map, dome, and glove box lights in the cab. Outside I changed the under hood light, cargo lights, 3rd brake light, back-up lights, and license plate bulbs. I went with the LED's that were "canbus" compatible and have had no issues, and happy with them. I think for the most part I purchased most of them from superbrightleds. Hope that helps you out.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

The canbus is the part I don't understand. I need to read some more.....

My head/fog lights will stay stock and if I did change, it would be HID. I don't think LED is quite up to par yet for headlights.

 

[Wiredawg]

The LED headlights and fogs work great and are really bright on my Jeep. On me 09 4500, I install LED fogs that I had wired to work as DRLs. I read a while back here on tdr there are fitment issues with LEDs... they have little cooling fans that make them longer and larger on the backs.

I've just been lazy on my 2017 5500 to do it, but eventually will. I have projector lights on my truck that work pretty good. but I like LED super white light.

Ron

 

[Wiredawg]

In some cases LED's are not always the best for all locations due to the way housings are designed for light reflectivity as someone else also mentioned.

There are LEDs that have more LEDs that helps with reflectivity. I added a second LED under my hood and replaced the one in the OEM housing. Reflectivity is good, but direct light socks. Needs more LEDs. I'll research another provider as part numbers generally reference incandescent part numbers.

Ron

 

[TCornish]

I have the Putco Nitro Lux leds. They are not cheap, but have the heat sync instead of a fan. They are very bright. Used the H11 and 9005. I did however, have to adjust my beams after installing. I had bought brand new oem lights due to the old ones filling with water and they were just not bright enough. Also, they are equipped with mini capacitors so no flickering or can bus problems at all

 

[AEdelheit]

The only other advice I have not already mentioned is be careful about the super bright high output LEDs in the front dome light , I put them in mine and ended going with dimmer ones as every time I opened the door at night I was damn near blinded for a few seconds. Nice bright lite is great but there is such a thing as too bright!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

The only other advice I have not already mentioned is be careful about the super bright high output LEDs in the front dome light , I put them in mine and ended going with dimmer ones as every time I opened the door at night I was damn near blinded for a few seconds. Nice bright lite is great but there is such a thing as too bright!

I can't argue with that. I remolded our kitchen and living room recently. I added LED can lights and bought the highest Kelvin ratings I could find. I exchanged them after flipping the switch for the first time. LOL

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Regarding LED lighting, I found this on the http://www.rambodybuilder.com/year.pdf

For my 2016 - how to turn off rear facing "bulb out detection". Lots of good info there!