How to change brake light bulb on 2005 MB Cruiser?

[photoadjuster]

OK, my refrigerator is a Norcold model DC0051 the mfg label reports it to be 12/24volt - 2.5/1.3amp. I forgot to mention it has a compressor.

[mbcruiser]

I see a couple of options for the right rear access question :

1) contact Forest River and maybe they'll make it right. It sounds like warranty is long over, but maybe as a goodwill gesture, they might arrange to get an access panel installed. Here is a possible contact: Susan Thornberg @ Forest River 574-642-3119 (ext 205 if this is still current) or email sthornberg@forestriverinc.com.

2) attempt to make your own access panel in the rear compartment. The rear wall is fiberglass and with a little handyman skill, cutting an opening and making a panel (maybe out of masonite or thin plywood) should be feasible. The opening starts about 5.5" above the compartment's floor, and about 2" left of the rubber gasket of the compartment door. (My original gasket failed a long time ago, and I've since replaced it with a bit heftier one).

The rear passenger light access panel is approx. 5"x16" and should be relatively water tight (since the rear compartment isn't really).

Here is a photo of what mine looks like (Forest River OEM version). The panel is immediately left of the passenger-side rear tail lights (hidden from view by the compartment door.).

Good luck .

[stacy & maurice]

@ mb cruiser: And I thought ours was hard to get to in the cabinet and behind the shower. That totally sucks for you. Keep us posted on what Forest River says.

[mbcruiser]

It was the original posting by socalmbcruiser who was wondering about access to passenger side rear taillights on his 2005, not me (mb cruiser).

Fortunately, I've never had to replace a rear bulb (mine is also a 2005 chassis/2006 model year conversion), so I don't know how functional Forest River's design with the access panels really is. But I have had the passenger side panel off once, and it appeared fairly hollow, so maybe it's workable.

For what it's worth....

(p.s. I'm not sure how the fridge questions got into this thread, but what the hay.)

[JamesDane]

I have a 2004 MB Cruiser and the driver side rear brake light is now out. There is a small panel in the shower I can remove but hate to break the seal. I may cut a hole similar to the post on the left side of the storage compartment behind the spare tire and install a cover over it with a gasket. Make more sense then messing with the shower.

Regarding the refigerator I now keep the freezer full of blue ice bags which freeze during the day and then turn the refrigerator down to the lowest setting at night. This way the compressor is not coming on for 45 minutes out of every hour during the night. In the morning the blue ice is just starting to go soft and everything is still nice and cold.

I am currently using the 12 volt deep cycle battery, but considering converting to two larger 6 volt deep cycle batteries, a 2000 watt inverter, and installing two 50 watt solar panels on the roof just back of the AC unit. We stay in state or national parks mostly so being able to recharge the batteries without running the generator will be nice. It will also let my smarter half make her coffee at 6:00am without starting the generator.

[mbcruiser]

If you create the access panel behind the spare tire on the driver's side, could you post your findings/conclusion because it might be something I might want to think about if I ever need to change rear driver's side bulbs too.
Before you start drilling, just be cautious about the shower stall (very thin fiberglass) on the back side.
All of the fiberglass in the rear compartment and shower are very thin; even thinner than the compartment cover doors.
good luck.

(from the frig conversations, I guess I'm lucky to have the propane option on my 3-way. I only run on 12VDC while underway for long travel days in warm temps).

[photoadjuster]

[QUOTE=JamesDane;111891]I have a 2004 MB Cruiser and the driver side rear brake light is now out. There is a small panel in the shower I can remove but hate to break the seal. I may cut a hole similar to the post on the left side of the storage compartment behind the spare tire and install a cover over it with a gasket. Make more sense then messing with the shower.QUOTE]

James, on my 2004 there is not a panel in the shower to access the taillights. Could you post a photo that shows this panel. I could also use the measurements so I can build an access panel.

[mbcruiser]

photoadjuster:
the access panel in the shower enclosure is approx. 5"x16" size - same as the outside compartment panel.

Mine has never been off, but it looks/feels like there is a bead of latex/acrylic bath-type caulking sealing the panel. Any other (e.g. silicone) kind of caulking would probably be tough to remove, so it seems a bath/kitchen latex caulk makes sense (i.e. easily peeled off of the fiberglass surface).

Here are a couple of shower access panel photos.

[photoadjuster]

Thanks James . . . . .

[JamesDane]

OK, I took a picture of what I am assuming is the access panel in the shower. It is very different but in the same location with no screws to remove. This is why I am thinking of cutting an access in the storage cabinet without messing with the shower. After I get the light fix done I will post pictures of what did.

Anyone interested in how to convert the lights to LED's for $2 a light? The light tone is a little too white, but the power draw is about 10% of the standard light and basically equal in lumens. We have used them now for two trips and don't even think about things being more white in color. Maybe a new thread would be good for this mod.