If you’re an RV owner, you know how important it is to keep the exterior lights in good condition. Unfortunately, sometimes the covers can become difficult to remove.
Don’t worry if your light covers are dirty or damaged; they can be easily removed and replaced.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to remove RV exterior light covers without causing any damage. We will also explore some of the benefits of using these covers.
Note that different RVs makes and models of RVs may have different procedures for removing the light covers, so consult your owner’s manual if needed. Then, read on for tips and instructions!
Summary: Removing RV exterior light covers is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished with minimal tools and effort. This process may be necessary for replacing bulbs, cleaning the light covers, or troubleshooting any issues with the lights. Before attempting to remove the light covers, gather any necessary tools, such as a screwdriver, and ensure that the power to the lights is turned off at the source to avoid the risk of electrical shock or damage to the lights.
To remove RV exterior light covers, first identify the type of light cover your RV has, as different models may have various attachment mechanisms. For light covers that are secured with screws, use an appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws, taking care not to lose them.
Once the screws are removed, gently pull the light cover away from the light fixture. For snap-on light covers, locate the clips or tabs that hold the cover in place and gently press or pry them to release the cover. Use caution when removing the cover to avoid breaking the tabs or clips. In both cases, once the light cover is removed, you can access the bulb, clean the cover, or perform any necessary maintenance. To reattach the light cover, simply reverse the steps used to remove it, and then restore power to the lights to test their functionality.
Why Should You Remove Rv Exterior Light Covers?
There are a few reasons why you might want to remove the light covers on your RV. For one, it’s an excellent way to clean the lights and ensure they’re in good working condition. If the surfaces are damaged, you’ll also want to replace them so your lights can function correctly.
Additionally, removing the light covers can give you access to the bulbs so that you can replace them if necessary. Removing Rv light covers is relatively easy, but it’s important to be careful, so you don’t damage the lights.
What Tools & Materials Needed?
- Towel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Screwdriver (or other appropriate tools for your light covers)
- New light bulbs (if needed)
- Pliers
Step by Step Guide: How to Remove Rv Exterior Light Covers
Step 1: Park Your Rv in a Well-lit Area.
The first step is to park your RV in a well-lit area so you can see what you’re doing. This will make it easier to remove the light covers and avoid damaging them. Make sure you’re parked on level ground, so the RV doesn’t shift while you’re working.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power to the Lights.
Before removing any light covers, you’ll need to turn off the power to the lights. This will prevent you from damaging the lights or getting electrocuted.
Next, you can flip the switch on the RV’s electrical panel. If you’re unsure where the electrical panel is, consult your owner’s manual.
Step 3: Locate the Light Covers.
Once parked, look around your RV’s exterior to locate the light covers. They’re usually located near the top of the RV, but they can be in different places depending on the model.
Consult your RV’s owner’s manual if you can’t find the light covers. Once you’ve located the light covers, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Remove the Light Covers.
The light covers are usually held in place with screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, and then carefully pull off the light covers.
If the light covers are stuck, you can use a putty knife to pry them off. You can also try using a heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the light covers in place.
Step 5: Inspect the Lights.
Once you’ve removed the light covers, look at the lights to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. If the bulbs are burned out, you’ll need to replace them.
Clean the lights with a cloth if they’re dirty. Make sure that the connections are secure and that there is no damage to the wires.
Step 6: Install the New Light Covers.
If you’re replacing the light covers, line up the new ones with the holes where the old ones were and screw them in place. Make sure that the new covers are screwed in tightly, so they don’t come loose and fall off while you’re driving.
If you think the new covers aren’t tight enough, you can always use a bit of clear silicone sealant around the edges to make sure they’re secure.
Safety Precautions and Advice When Removing Rv Light Covers
1. Park on level ground before starting to remove any light covers.
2. Make sure the power is turned off to the lights before removing the covers.
3. Be careful not to damage the lights when removing or installing the covers.
4. Inspect the lights for damage after removing the covers. If there is damage, don’t use the lights until they are repaired or replaced.
5. Always make sure that the covers are properly secured after installation.
6. Before pulling the light covers off, it might be helpful to clean them with soapy water and a soft cloth. This will make it easier to see what you are doing and help prevent any damage to the lights.
7. If you think that any of the lights are not working, don’t try to remove the covers. Instead, call a qualified RV technician for assistance.
Different Types of Rv Light Cover Mechanisms & Fasteners
Groove
One type of light cover mechanism is the groove. This cover has a lip that fits into a groove on the light fixture. The cover is usually held in place with screws.
To remove this type of cover, remove the screws and pull the cover off. You can also use a putty knife to help pry the cover off if it is stuck.
Latches
Another type of cover mechanism is latches. This type of cover has two or more latches that must be released to remove the cover.
To remove this cover, release the latches and pull the cover off. You can squeeze the latches from both sides to release them.
Pry Mechanism
There is also a type of light cover that has a pry mechanism. This type of cover has a small tab or lever that you must push or pull to release the cover.
Again, it would be best if you pried them off with a small screwdriver or your fingernails. But be careful when doing this because you might scratch or break the cover.
Push-In Mechanism
The last type of cover has a push-in mechanism. This type of cover is held in place with small clips or tabs. To remove this type of cover, push in on the tabs or clips, and the cover will come off.
You need to ensure that the cover is properly aligned before you push it back on, or the tabs or clips may not line up correctly, and the cover will not stay in place.
What Type of Light Bulb Can You Use For Your Rv Exterior Light?
There are several different types of light bulbs that you can use for your RV exterior lights. Here we have listed some of the most common types:
1. Incandescent Lights
Incandescent lights are the most common type of light bulb. They give off a warm, yellow light. These lights are not very energy efficient and generate a lot of heat.
But these bulbs are resistant to cold weather, and they are very affordable. You can use this light bulb for your marker, taillights, and license plate lights.
2. LED Lights
LED lights are becoming more popular because they are very energy efficient. They give off a bright, white light. The bulbs are mostly popular for their energy efficiency.
They consume very little power, and they last a very long time. They are also becoming more popular because they do not produce as much heat as traditional incandescent bulbs.
3. Halogen Lights
Halogen lights are another type of incandescent light bulb. They give off a bright, white light. Halogen bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.
They also last longer. This type of light gives high brightness with low energy consumption. You can find these bulbs in a variety of shapes and sizes.
4. Xenon Lights
Xenon lights are similar to halogen lights. However, they give off a brighter white light than halogen light.
Xenon lights are not as common as LED and halogen lights, but they are becoming more popular. They are very well known for their energy efficiency and long life span.
5. HID Lights
HID lights are the brightest kind of headlights available. They use a high-intensity discharge to produce light. HID lights are very energy efficient and have a long life span. However, they are also more expensive than other kinds of headlights.
How Do You Remove the Lens Cover on an Rv Light?
Removing the exterior light covers of your RV is something that you’ll need to do from time to time. Therefore, knowing how to remove them is essential, whether it’s for cleaning, repairs, or replacement.
In most cases, the covers are easy to remove. However, there are a few things that you need to know before you get started. The first thing that you need to know is what type of exterior light covers you have.
There are two main types, and each one is removed differently. The first type is the screw-on type. These covers are attached to the light fixture with screws.
The second type is the snap-on type. These covers are attached with snaps or clips and can be removed without using tools.
If you have screw-on type covers, the process is simple. Just unscrew the screws that hold the cover in place and remove it. The process is a little more complicated if you have snap-on type covers.
You’ll need a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to pry the cover off. Start prying at one of the corners and work your way around until the entire cover comes off.
Final Words
Rv exterior light covers can be a pain to remove, but some tricks can make the process a bit easier. In this blog post, we’ve walked you through the steps necessary how to remove RV exterior light covers to get those covers off without damaging them or yourself in the process.
Be careful not to damage the light when removing the cover. Once the light cover is removed, you can unscrew and replace the bulb, then reattach the cover.
So, whether your cover is old and needs replacing or you want to change up the look of your RV with some new ones, we have all the tips you need to get those covers off without a hitch.
If you have any questions or want to know more, feel free to comment below! Thanks for reading!