Overhead Cab Lights

[John Goodson]

2002 Greyhawk Jayco 27U.Ford E450 Chassis
A few of the "running Lights" on the outside overhead of the motorhome are burned out or not working? I got on top to see how to remove and replace them. It was not obvious how to do this........any idea?

[Grumpy]

The lens should just pop off and then you can access the bulbs. Use a thin screwdriver or putty knife between the lens and the base.

[Camper_bob]

+1 to what Grumpy said.

While you're up there, check the seals. Mine had gaps right from the factory. This seems to be a common leak point, not just on motor homes.

[MEILI]

The existing bulbs are garbage, I had 3 out on my 2023. You can do what Grumpy said and pop them out but the problem I ran into was the wires were so short I couldn't pull them out far enough so I had a usable amount of wire.

If you end up having the same problem as me you will have to pull the inside bunk roof panel. It was easy to do and this gave me a chance to seal the bulbs and put a better length wire behind each so next time it will be easier. I went with smoked as my cab is black with partial paint.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1CHVK0...t_details&th=1

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by MEILI

The existing bulbs are garbage, I had 3 out on my 2023. You can do what Grumpy said and pop them out but the problem I ran into was the wires were so short I couldn't pull them out far enough so I had a usable amount of wire.

If you end up having the same problem as me you will have to pull the inside bunk roof panel. It was easy to do and this gave me a chance to seal the bulbs and put a better length wire behind each so next time it will be easier. I went with smoked as my cab is black with partial paint.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1CHVK0...t_details&th=1

Not really related to OP: What was the hardest part of dropping that panel? I'm thinking of doing it so I can add more insulation up there...

Related to OP: I would also look at installing LED if possible. I've tried to replace every incandescent bulb I can with LED. Most of the time you can find one that will be a direct-fit replacement. You just have to be careful with the water-resistance. If possible, in that location, I would try to find a "marine grade" replacement. And don't fall for the cheapest ones you can get. I find the cheap ones to be inconsistent. Some work on install and some don't, some have lasted years, some have lasted days. Pay a little extra for a good one in critical or hard-to-reach places.

[MEILI]

Honestly, it was easy; the hardest part was holding it up by myself and trying to start the screws when installing it after I was done. I also added more insulation as the existing was more than a foot away from the window all the way across without insulation.

The other thing I did while I was working on it was reroute the existing wiring. They had wiring both under and on top of the metal frame that was being crushed by the plastic ceiling.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by MEILI

Honestly, it was easy; the hardest part was holding it up by myself and trying to start the screws when installing it after I was done. I also added more insulation as the existing was more than a foot away from the window all the way across without insulation.

The other thing I did while I was working on it was reroute the existing wiring. They had wiring both under and on top of the metal frame that was being crushed by the plastic ceiling.

Thanks for that. I think I can get my kid to help me with that "holding it up" part. And thanks for mentioning the wiring as that could be part of the scheduled tasks up there.

Plus, of course, looking at the cab lights to see if I can make any improvements there...

[pauldeere]

I also have a couple overhead light out on my 2019 MV. I notice in the interior in the overhead bunk area 3 small plastic caps that obviously cover some screws, but what else is needed to be removed to access the lights from the inside.

[MEILI]

Remove the six screws from the top of the window that attaches to the upper part of the bunk roof. Then remove the 4 across the middle section and I think another 6 before the transition piece from the bunk to the inside roof of the RV if that makes sense. The bottom part of the cab roof slides above the window frame so it does hold it a bit when you are trying to reinstall.

[pauldeere]

Thanks, however I do not have a window.....

[Scoutmaster253]

Remove plastic caps;
Unscrew and remove screws;
Repeat until panel is loose.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by pauldeere

Thanks, however I do not have a window.....

Same. Hopefully that makes it easier for us.

OP, did you ever figure this out? Were you able to replace your bulbs?