Trailer Lamps

Lamps not only burn out, but the lamp sockets are cheaply made and with the road moisture getting in the lamp holder housing and being corroded makes for intermittent operation. Pulling the lense covers off sometimes cracks the housing so be ready with some quick-set epoxy glue. The reason for quick set is you may have to hold the housing together while the glue sets. The 5-minute type work well. Anything more in time is unrealistic. For the non stressed points that don't need holding longer setting glue is satisfactory.

The lamps use in this vintage trailer are mostly the automotive type you can get locally or even from an electronics parts supplier, such as Mouser Electronics. A general list includes:

  • Type 1157, dual filament; the dual contacts on the base gives that away for easy identification. Another feature to watch out for is the little ground "bumps" (tabs) on the side of the base are offset; one's closer to the top then the other. Remember this when screwing into the (offset) socket. This type is used for turn signal and brake lights using the high power section. They are also used for running lights, using the low power section.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Type 1141, single filament type; unlike the above type this has a single contact on the base. They are used for running lights in the rear. Sometimes used for license plate illumination. These area also use for interior 12v lighting.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Type GE 57 (similiar in size to Chicago 53), single filament type, in a short miniature base, used for running lights on the front, sides and upper rear of the trailer for "marker lights".

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Type 756, used in interior lighting for closest, etc. Generally on a door switch so it lights when you open the door.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Type 1003, used in exterior lighting for curtesy, etc.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Type Wedge Base, used in some interior lighting, such as the stove top overhead fan assembly. These were widely used in automotive, such as the overhead dome lights as well as dash board instrumentation back lighting.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The current checks and measurments are based on feeding the lamps with 12v DC. Other types not coverage on this page may be used; check with your auto parts store (NAPA?) for further help if needed.

    Lamp chart:

    Lamp type Voltage  Draw mA  Base type Base size Bulb size Hours-life Normal usage Notes..........
    GE 53 14.4 120 Bayonet Small & short Small Unknown Low lighting .
    CM 57 14.4 240 Bayonet Small & Short Medium, round 500 Marker lights .
    CM 756 14.4 80 Bayonet Small & Tall Tall 15,000 Interier low level lighting Excellant ratings
    CM 1003 12.8 940 Bayonet Medium Medium 100 Curtesy .
    CM 1157 14.4 2100,590 Bayonet, dual level tabs Large Large 600 Signal and Brake Dual filament
    CM 1141 14.4 1500 Bayonet Large Large 500 Tail & backup .
    CM 1445 14.4 135 Bayonet Short Small 2000 Unknown .
    CM 1813 14.4 100 Bayonet Unknown Unknown 1000 Unknown .
    CM 1815 14.4 200 Bayonet Small & Tall Tall 3000 Unknown .
    CM 1891 14.4 240 Bayonet Small & Tall Tall 500 Low lighting .
    CM 1892 14.4 120 Bayonet Small & Tall Tall 1000 Unknown .
    Wedge base 14.4 Unknown Wedge base Medium Medium Unknown Vehicle Instrumentation .

     

     

     

     

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