Anybody used LED trailer lights with VWs or Audis?

Phil M · 13 June 2018, 12:08

Does anybody have any experience with LED trailer lights on either an Audi A6 (2014) or a VW Amarok (2017). I know there is a chance the CANBUS and bulb failure systems will cause issues but can't find anything specific. I'd like to replace my bulb units but if it's going to be a pain I'll just keep wiggling the bulbs every few trips.

Phil M

charliee · 13 June 2018, 13:23

I'm trying to find a solution for my BMW X3 on a maypole LED board. SBS commissioned a new 6ft folding board with LED's. The whole set up is a vast improvement on normal cheap boards however the lights do some crazy things.
In an attempt to get a fix I've ordered a PLUG-IN SMART LOAD RELAY FOR LED LAMPS from ATE
http://www.ate-uk.com/plug-in-smart-...0mm-cable.html
Both suppliers (SBS & Ate) have been good and offered to take back there parts if I can't make them.

CUSAC · 13 June 2018, 13:27

Cant comments on the exact VW/Audi situation but when I built some LED trailer units (that were used on a club boat with a few different vehicles) I used 12V load resistors spliced into the circuits. These provide sufficient resistance to mimic a bulb.

Pikey Dave · 13 June 2018, 13:47

I'm using LEDs on a T6 but they have load resistors in the indicators as a throwback to the Disco. The T6 handbook states that if you use LEDs then the alarm integration doesn't work.

Andy_Rs600 · 13 June 2018, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I'm using LEDs on a T6 but they have load resistors in the indicators as a throwback to the Disco. The T6 handbook states that if you use LEDs then the alarm integration doesn't work.

What resistance did you put in to make it all work?

Pikey Dave · 13 June 2018, 15:03

They are 21w 5ohm iirc. You can get them from RS for around a quid each. There's a thread somewhere on Ribnet with the details.

Last Tango · 13 June 2018, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

They are 21w 5ohm iirc. You can get them from RS for around a quid each. There's a thread somewhere on Ribnet with the details.

Yeh

Just checked mine, they're 21W 8.2ohm Only fitted to the indicators and that resolved the "flicker" issue on all the lights and is enough to make the dash "trailer" indicator work. (Volvo XC90)

Bear in mind 5ohms accross what's nearly 15v is almost 3amps....ie 45W. the incandescent indicator bulbs would only have been 25W.

The resistors do get hot as hell and can melt plastic. I've been experimenting with 50watt 12ohm to try and resolve my LED headlamp warning but even those are able to melt plastic after they've been on for about 30mins.

Pikey Dave · 13 June 2018, 16:09

8.2 sounds about right, I did qualify it with "iirc". I mounted mine on ally heat sinks. Bear in mind that the indicators are on-off-on-off....... so the current is intermittent & you wouldn't normally have them on for long periods unless you had the hazards on.

Xk59D · 13 June 2018, 17:25

I'm just about to go through this, lights should be here tomorrow. Already have the resistors with heatsink at home.

Not sure how they will fit in the trailer board yet but will make a low pressure area somewhere I'm thinking to draw the heat out, won't be a big deal and will post up some pics when done incase others tackle it.

mick · 13 June 2018, 17:49

I would be knocking some permanent waterproof lights up never mind a trailer board there just hassle.
It’s not a big job if you can weld either.

Last Tango · 13 June 2018, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

I would be knocking some permanent waterproof lights up never mind a trailer board there just hassle.
It’s not a big job if you can weld either.

Just getting the bits together to do that very thing (but it's getting pricey) and as for the "Waterproof" number plate lights that just turned up....name and shame, ebay 112884545618...nae chance they're waterproof.

They were washers though so I'll make them waterproof.
As for welding...no; but I know a man who can

Pikey Dave · 13 June 2018, 18:51

The lights might actually be waterproof. Mine flood behind the lenses & then drain. The actual leds & wiring are waterproof

mick · 13 June 2018, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last Tango

Just getting the bits together to do that very thing (but it's getting pricey) and as for the "Waterproof" number plate lights that just turned up....name and shame, ebay 112884545618...nae chance they're waterproof.

They were washers though so I'll make them waterproof.
As for welding...no; but I know a man who can

I think I had a Hella number plate light,deffo wouldn’t go back to a light board now though

69cmw · 13 June 2018, 19:53

Where is a good source for waterproof led lights to make up something permanently attached to the trailer?

Last Tango · 13 June 2018, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cmw

Where is a good source for waterproof led lights to make up something permanently attached to the trailer?

I've just trawled Ebay but the ones I've ordered don't look like they incorporate a number plate light and remember if the trailer is over 1.6meters wide you'll need a fog light. Basically I searched for IPX68 lights but time (and it's first dunk) will tell.

mick · 13 June 2018, 21:14

I got these from here Pair of EU195LR2 LED Rear Lights/Lamps Stop, Tail, Fog, Indicator and Reverse

Limecc · 29 September 2018, 23:05

My trailer has a cheap led lightboard and it works with my 2012 Audi Q7 factory fitted electric deploying towbar (how ridiculous) with no issues at all. I was expecting some to be honest. There's no way I'm ever risking dipping it, would cost too much to put the car right.

Only issue was the crappy 7 pin plug but 13 pin replacement has been ordered.

Xk59D · 29 September 2018, 23:16

I'm amazed you dont have rapid indicator lights with a modern car, unless it already has LED indicator lights in the q7.

About halfway through putting permanent LED lights on my trailer now, tired of storing the 7ft trailer board.

Limecc · 30 September 2018, 06:33

What are 'rapid indicator' lights?

Q7 from 2010 have all-led rear clusters and front sidelights. Bizarrely had filament number plate lights so I swopped them out with genuine Audi parts. From 2015 I believe everything is led including main headlights.

Xk59D · 30 September 2018, 10:13

Turn on your indicator lights on you trailer board and go look at it....it will be immediately obvious what I mean if you have the problem.

Since the car already has LED lights it probably will be okay I suspect as the canbus is already okay with led indicators in the car.