The sockets are bad on the table lamp by the recliner in our U320. I can't find a post about repairing these. Unlike some who have posted we use that lamp (or would if it worked.). Has anyone replaced the sockets on theirs? Didn't see anything at NAPA that looked like it would fit. Can't be very big diameter.
Thanks.
when you say bad, what do you really mean? burnt out, bad connection to bulb or?? they should be easy to fix or replace
John h
The sockets are loose and won't hold the bulb in place for the contacts to connect. Nothing is burned.
If the bulb makes intermittent contact in the bulb socket...shut off the lamp and carefully bend the contacts in the socket to be taller.
Beat me to it Jim.
John h
You can put an o-ring in to take up some space if needed
Might try the o-ring. It won't stay indexed correctly to make contact.
Those are dual contact bulbs and mine were all intermittent. My experience is that the dual contact bulbs do not maintain electrical contact as well as single contact bulbs. I converted all those sockets (bedroom and living room) to single contact bulbs.
I drilled out the rivet and took the socket apart. used a dremel grinder to reshape the socket, then bent the contacts so one was in the center at the bottom and the other pressed on the side of the brass bulb base.
Single contact bulbs are easier to find and I replaced mine with LED which have not been intermittent for three years.
Good idea. I thought about that but hoped for a quick fix. I thought someone may have found a replacement socket. I will post whatever works.
Thanks Dave. The o-ring worked. I didn't get one around the bulb to do the trick but I cut a thicker one and just stuck it down the side of the sockets to tighten the fit and keep the bulbs indexed correctly in the loose socket. Working great now.
I have that same lamp. I had to re-design it because it was mounted too close to the window in my coach. I added a swing arm from a floor lamp.
LED bulbs dual contact, non-offset pins
Amazon.com: LED 2W 12V White Omni Bulb BA15D 1142 1076 Brake Tail 18 5050: Home (http://www.amazon.com/White-Omni-Bulb-BA15D-Brake/dp/B00B6RIMYM/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A2HQM2G8I8CMKS)
Replacement sockets, dual contact, non-offset pins
BA15 Base Wired Sockets | Empty Bases & Sockets | Installation Supplies | (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/empty-bases-sockets/ba15-base-wired-sockets/171/)
Wedge base sockets, sometime bulbs for these areeasier to find.
T1-3/4 Base Wired Socket | Empty Bases & Sockets | Installation Supplies | (http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/empty-bases-sockets/t1-34-base-wired-socket/1151/2738/)
Roger
I don't have a table lamp in my 1987, in fact I don't even have a table, no room, but I do want to thank Rodger for the bulb information. I have 6 of the wedge type bulbs. Now I can replace them.
Does this bulb work for the table lamp inside the FT like the table lamp?
Or the lights under the overhead storage?
Or just as a tail light?
best, paul
There are two bulb types as I recall. A double contact bulb (type 1142 or 1076) with pins on each side that are not offset (opposite sides of the bulb base, equal distance up from the bottom) and a single contact bulb with the same kind of pins (type 1156 or 1073).
The first one (1142 or 1076) fits in the table and wall lamps in my coach (2001 U320). They are brake lamps so they are pretty bright. The two contacts are the + and - 12v connections. We have replaced all of the incandescent bulbs in these lamps with the LEd bulbs. Some lamps got both bulbs removed and replaced with two LED bulbs. Some we only used a single LED bulb and left the other socket empty. Plenty of light, no heat.
The second one bulbs (1156 or 1073) fit in the lights on either side of the mirror in the bathroom and the BR vanity (driver's side).
Amazon.com: LED 12V White Omni Bulb BA15S Clear Cover: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007M48PH2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
We removed all of the vertical fixture bulbs in the bathroom and BR (3 each side) and used 4 of the bulbs above. Plenty of light, no heat. These bulbs have a cover on them, probably safer in the bathroom where there is water about.
I tried to find warm white color temperature. A much easier light color to live with. The cool white color seemed to be a harsher light.
You can find the same bulbs being sold on RV sites for more than $20. You can buy them as single bulbs at Amazon for under $5 and they have them in bulk packages of 10 or more.
The ceiling puck lights use a small G4 base halogen bulb. I have found LEDs for these too but not as bright. There is not much room in there. I keep looking for good fits and brighter G4 based LED lights.
Figure out what the number on the bulbs you are replacing and shop for that number or an equal. Automotive bulbs are always cheaper than RV bulbs even though they are the same thing. Shop around, find the best deal on price, tax and shipping. I like Amazon because their return policy is good. If you order the wrong bulbs you can send them back and if you answer the question about why you are returning them they will pay the shipping back (wrong bulb for the intended purpose or something like that).
Roger
Keep in mind that the inexpensive 12V automotive bulbs are usually not appropriate for RV or marine use. Our varying battery voltages can cause issues with LED bulbs. One criteria to look for is a range of voltage (like 8-20 Vdc), which indicates there is circuitry (constant current/buck driver) to protect the LEDs.
George Hatfield posted some excellent advice as to why you don't want "plain" 12V LED bulbs here:
These LEDs could be dangerous (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=18415.0)
Thanks Michelle, I checked many of the bulbs on Eversale's web site. Many but not all give an operation range of 10-18 volts. I have sent an email to them about the specific dual contact bulbs. I am coming up on a year on mine (of both types) now with out any issues. The led elements are not covered in the brake light bulbs. They may be damaged if not handled carefully. If I hear back, I will report. In the mean time I guess no matter what bulbs one chooses some caution is a good thing.
Roger
I heard back from Rob Walker at Eversale regarding the range of voltage that the LED bulbs they have will tolerate. He said that they will work between 10v and 14v DC.
LED Auto / Landscape : EverSale.com (http://www.eversale.com/catalog2_1/index.php/auto-landscape-c-20)
Also available at Amazon
Amazon.com: eversale (http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=eversale&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=28053006325&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2666189251650334111&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_5ijojmeju5_e)
Hope this helps folks find good LED replacements at reasonable prices.
Roger
Howdy Roger, Thank you for your links and research on these bulbs.. I have a couple ordered to try in our Vanity lites: Amazon.com: LED 12V White Omni Bulb BA15S Clear Cover: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007M48PH2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
Dave A