Oracle flush mount taillight fix!

[0duksgvn]

Alot of people have inquired about what I have done to my Oracle Lighting JT flush mount taillights. Some people have expressed concerns about these taillights and others reading about issues with them, ultimately leaving them hesitant and purchasing them, even though they really like them. We have been using this method for over 3yrs now and have not had any issues. So this is my soft tutorial on what I did.
These taillights have a small gap around the mating surface between the taillight and the body of the bed, this will help seal up that gap, preventing moisture and debris from getting behing the light to the electonics behind the light.
I bought this rubber trim from Amazon.
Edge Trim, 1/16" Rubber Edge... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D12DW5KR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Clean the edges of the lights with some rubbing alcohol to give it clean surface for the adhesive on the trim to stick to.
I start and end on the bottom of the taillight (to help with water run off and because it obviously looks better).
Apply the rubber trim along the edge of the light, removing the red tape covering as you move along, pushing down and pinching the trim as you go.
As you get to the side of the light, push the rubber trim to let it shape into the contours of the light (you can also make a small snip into the trim to let it fit to your liking.) Continue wrapping the trim around the edge of the light until you reach your start point, and make your cut of the trim. Go back over your trim from start to finish, pushing down on the top so that the trim is fully pushed down on the edge of the light, and pinch the sides so that all the adhesive is fully seated onto the light.
Now you can install your lights like normal (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the 2 screws on the side).
Hopefully this will help those that already have these lights or for those that have been on the fence about getting them. Also, dont forget to use my code "0duksgvn" for 10% off your puchase.
https://www.oraclelights.com/?ref=0DUKSGVN

Sponsored

 

[woodthecrab]

I have these taillights and have worried about the gap. That's a really good idea!
Recently I've noticed that one of them flickers when I do remote start but it goes away once I go into regular ignition.

 

[0duksgvn]

As a disclaimer, I cant say this will positively, absolutely fix every issue for every person, but I can say it has worked for us and others that have done it. You'll still get your naysayers (of course ), but imo, it helps it work better, last longer and looks better. I, myself cant change how they work or make them less expensive. Just doing and sharing what has worked for us, easy and cheap!

 

[HorsesRear]

That is a great idea and looks good. But for as much as you pay for those lights you would think that you wouldn't have to do that.

 

[0duksgvn]

That is a great idea and looks good. But for as much as you pay for those lights you would think that you wouldn't have to do that.

Yeah, i know . But hopefully one day they'll realize this and come out with a new revision, (and hopefully lower the price too). But for now, just workin with what I have.

 

[Rockabillyroy]

Definitely cleans up that gap and finishes the look.
Now to find a fix for the LED strips that have fell off.

 

[Flyboy2109]

I found the gap so insignificant that the filler strip would not fit into it, I had bought some for the project. I left my Oracle lights alone, no filler. One has to assume that Oracle sealed up the electronics to prevent water intrusion failure in the first place, gap or not. The promoted strip is not water tight and water, though less of it, will still get behind your taillights, then stay there in vapor form. It may be better to have the gaps so the area can drain and breath. If it bothers you for the look the first cut on the RTV black sealant nozzle will fill that gap just fine, and likely seal better. But leave the botton open for drainage.

BTW, the full width section comes with some very cool sticky wire holders for attaching the wiring to the tailgate. They seem to lose the adhesive after awhile and come loose. Using a dab hot glue will keep them in place and more can be found on Amazon.

 

[0duksgvn]

I found the gap so insignificant that the filler strip would not fit into it, I had bought some for the project. I left my Oracle lights alone, no filler. One has to assume that Oracle sealed up the electronics to prevent water intrusion failure in the first place, gap or not. The promoted strip is not water tight and water, though less of it, will still get behind your taillights, then stay there in vapor form. It may be better to have the gaps so the area can drain and breath. If it bothers you for the look the first cut on the RTV black sealant nozzle will fill that gap just fine, and likely seal better. But leave the botton open for drainage.

BTW, the full width section comes with some very cool sticky wire holders for attaching the wiring to the tailgate. They seem to lose the adhesive after awhile and come loose. Using a dab hot glue will keep them in place and more can be found on Amazon.

So what filler strip are you referring to that isnt water tight, the one that I use? Its definitely water tight. And for the vapor issue, dont forget that the area is still open from the bottom bed corners. And to each their own, but i dont think im using RTV on the body of my vehicle.

 

[drexotic]

I purchased a pair of Oracle taillights shortly after purchasing my Gladiator in 2022. I added the same U channel trim about a year later. I love the taillights but I think the install looks cleaner with the trim. I don't think they have much effect on keeping them dry. I've pulled them a number of times, before and after adding the trim, after driving wet roads to find lights and the inner fenders wet.

 

[0duksgvn]

I purchased a pair of Oracle taillights shortly after purchasing my Gladiator in 2022. I added the same U channel trim about a year later. I love the taillights but I think the install looks cleaner with the trim. I don't think they have much effect on keeping them dry. I've pulled them a number of times, before and after adding the trim, after driving wet roads to find lights and the inner fenders wet.

Looks good bud!! While I agree that it doesnt 100% seal every bit of moisture from getting back there, I definitely think it helps a good amount. And pointing out the obvious, remember that the bottom corner is also open, so moisture/debris has the ability to make it up there too.

Sponsored