Project Bargman 47-54-001

 “Bargman 47-54-001” taillights have been used on the Escape Trailer for a long time, but they were recently discontinued by the manufacturer. None are available anywhere. To address this problem, I have created an adapter that can be used to mount an equivalent taillight using the existing mounting holes and same wiring as the Bargman. This eliminates the need to drill new holes in the trailer. The adapter also provides a pocket behind the new taillight for the new wiring connections, allowing the new wiring connections to be made from the outside.

• The replacement light includes the same necessary regulatory features as the Bargman. Specifically, it includes the reflector feature needed for NHTSA compliance in addition to the usual tail, running, brake, marker functions.
• Th replacement light is fully sealed and submersible
• The adapter is made from glass-reinforced ASA, able to withstand harsh outdoor conditions for many years.
• Hardware is stainless

How it works:

In brief, the adapter is a spacer that fits between the trailer and the new light. It is made in three pieces that fit together like a slide trombone. The middle section of the adapter has a large rectangular pocket for making the new wire connections. One end of the adapter connects to the trailer and includes a captive bolt that allows the replacement taillight to be bolted to the adapter at an offset location to account for the different width than the Bargman.

Replacement Taillight selection:

The adapter uses the following model as the best replacement for the discontinued Bargman; Optronics model STL69RRXB. It is $30 retail, includes a reflector, and is slightly shorter than the Bargman. It is one of the few candidates that appears to meet the same regulatory requirements as the Bargman (stop, tail, marker, and reflector), and it is the same model that is being installed on new Escapes. It appears to be well made, completely sealed, and submersible. You can get them from ETrailer or Amazon. For now, you can buy the adapter and source your own replacement tail light, but I plan on selling the replacement taillight with the adapter as a complete kit as well. NOTE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Optronics model STL69RRXB

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lights/Optronics/STL69RRXB.html

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Summary of IP6x waterproof ratings. Makes for interesting reading. Various tail lights are rated from 65 to 67.

https://www.murcal.com/blog/understanding-ip67#:~:text=An%20IP67%20rating%20means%20that%20an%20electrical%20enclosure,and%20industrial%20applications%20where%20robust%20protection%20is%20necessary.