Penthouse tail-light assy

[mkosina]

Hi guys -

I am tracking down a replacement for the penthouse tail-light on an 08 Ford, both SMB and FieldVan are out and it sounds like the OEM may be out of business.

https://shop.fieldvan.com/rear-brake...penthouse-top/

Looks like this was originally manufactured by Sierra Industries in Livermore, CA as SAE-U-88--DOT (Brian at SMB West was kind enough to dig out some pictures, attached) but not finding any source for that online.

Anybody replaced these before / found suitable substitutes ?

Thanks,
Martin

[Twoxentrix]

I believe there were a couple threads on this several years ago - I recall someone just purchased a flush mount LED that was a little larger than the existing hole.

[MerlinG]

Interested in this too. My third light doesn't work but I'm in the process of removing the penthouse ceiling to fix known electrical issues and I'm hoping it's a wiring problem as the PO cut all of the wires going up there, otherwise I'll be looking for a replacement option also.

[mkosina]

Found an old thread in some Choachmen RV forum where a shop in Oregon had these specific ones (SAE-U-88-DOT from Sierra) in stock at the time - he doesn't anymore, but has a substitute.that he says fits the same cutout.

I ordered one and should have it next week, will report back on fit.

[geoffff]

I replaced mine with an LED trailer brake light back in 2012. It was a bit of a fiddly process -- I used some putty to angle the light down a bit so it would shine level backwards, rather than angled upwards slightly with the slope of the penthouse side.

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...html#post74621

This is what original brake light looked like after only 8 years of use. Totally rusted out:





jage did the same thing:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ight-4356.html

[bobthecow]

I installed a "universal backup camera and third brake light" module from AliExpress. It was a couple of years ago so the exact one I purchased is no longer available, but it appears to be this same model:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255800415603872.html

The back is flat and the whole mess mounts over the top of the hole that SMB cut in the roof.

[mkosina]

Ok, finally installed this, good fit but if I had to do it again the camera combo may be a better upgrade.

[bigriver]

Looks good Martin. Can you share a link to the light you used?

[mkosina]

My source was gentleman in Oregon named Kevin who runs some kind of parts store, kvn.wt.7629@gmail.com - I found his contact on another RV forum while googling the original part. Very good to deal with.

I should add the original cutout for the Sierra light is a bit bigger, so the screws on the new light have *just* enough of an edge to go through, so it's important to center it - worked out on mine, together with some sealant for good measure.

Cheers - Martin

[mkosina]

Found his card - attached