Yes....I have read past forums re: LED replacement, but I cannot say I have a definitive recommendation for what should be a simple task. I have even looked at other forums ( irv2 ) and Youtube videos. I want a reasonably priced G4 LED bulb to replace the upper pucks and the basement. We prefer natural light in the coach and would use a more cool, bright light in the basement. I think M4 is overpriced. I heard about a site dx.com, but cannot find the color/lumens that I think I want. Has anyone out there found a good supply of these bulbs? What specs should I look for? I also want to upgrade the flourescents, both inside and over the door and in the engine compartment. The cost may be prohibitive, but I am a BIG fan of LED lighting. Thanks
We got the Chinese ones that someone (Barry Beam?) had used. They weren't expensive and I really like the light they emit and especially no heat. I don't have time to look for the post right now but see if I posted a link at some point a couple of years ago.
Specs - variable voltage range (8-20 or so Vdc)
Higher lumens = brighter light
lower temperature = warmer light, higher temperature = cooler light
Higher CRI = better color rendering
Greater angle = better light spread
These are 3 Watt CREE LEDs we installed in our coach in 2015. You MUST use the reflectors behind these bulbs when they are installed in the ceiling lights as they are HOT, but their light is very close to that of the OEM halogens if you go with the Warm White variety. I don't think I would recommend them for the basement - go with something lower output/cooler for that.
We had an issue with the first shipment of bulbs not being packaged well; Calvin (their sales guy) was very responsive in getting us replacements and having the factory change to individual packaging.
3W CREE Flat Rounded LED G4 Lamp, Side Pin, AC/DC8-30V (http://www.lightingnext.com/3w-cree-led-g4-lamp.html)
We purchased our LEDs from HERO-LED and GRV on Amazon.com. They are reasonably priced and come in different wattages (brightness), and Kelvin ratings (color).
For the puck under cabinet lights I removed the reflectors. We purchased HERO-LED G4 discs in three wattages ( 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4) at 2700 Kelvins (yellow/warm). This allowed us to have some variation in light levels, and they aren't white. We haven't had issues with heat.
Link to 2.4 watts: HERO-LED SG4-12T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 2.4W,... (https://www.amazon.com/HERO-LED-SG4-12T-WW-Halogen-Replacement-Dimmable/dp/B017BBRK94/ref=pd_sbs_60_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00QE30IFE&pd_rd_r=7ZJHZYHHBZ3VTKV50G4Z&pd_rd_w=QSe37&pd_rd_wg=FIDs3&refRID=7ZJHZYHHBZ3VTKV50G4Z&th=1)
Link to 1.8 watts: HERO-LED SG4-9T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 1.8W,... (https://www.amazon.com/HERO-LED-SG4-9T-WW27-Halogen-Replacement-Dimmable/dp/B017BBM152/ref=pd_sim_60_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B017BBM152&pd_rd_r=M843V9NWHGY64XRYAA4X&pd_rd_w=76NBx&pd_rd_wg=hxysD&psc=1&refRID=M843V9NWHGY64XRYAA4X)
Link to 1.2 watts: HERO-LED SG4-6T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 1.2W,... (https://www.amazon.com/HERO-LED-SG4-6T-WW27-Halogen-Replacement-Dimmable/dp/B017BBJ9PW/ref=pd_sim_60_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B017BBJ9PW&pd_rd_r=KHC8ZNMED7NMWPY6GXTR&pd_rd_w=RvhL1&pd_rd_wg=QX4SC&psc=1&refRID=KHC8ZNMED7NMWPY6GXTR)
For sconces, swing out bed fixtures, closets, etc. we purchased from GRV through Amazon. Blow is a link to a 10 pack of their Ba15d bulbs.
Ba15d 10 pack: Amazon.com: GRV Ba15d 1142 1004 High Power Car LED Bulb 24-5050SMD DC12V... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DDOTJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Chris
Glenn, search for LED. You will find many posts
LED Replacement for Fluorescent and Puck Lights (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27338.msg228073#msg228073)
I have replaced every interior and almost all exterior lights with LEDs and added LED lights to almost every interior cabinets and closers, most of the basement bays and evwn the engine bay.
Send me a PM if you need aome help.
Just go to amazon. Search rv puck lights or 18" fluorescent. Then go with the most sold and best reviewed.
It's been over a year and all 22 of em still ok.
FWIW,
3W G4 5730 SMD 12 LED AC/DC 12V Spotlight Light Bulb Lamp Warm/Pure White | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/282041732638?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
These are the ones I bought and so far these are great. I haven't had them long but so far so good. They don't get hot and use only 3 watts. The light output seems similar to the others.
For the fluorescent bulbs, I used the led strip lighting (comes in 5 meter strips). I also put about 18 inches and wired it to the bulb in the closet and it really does help light up the closet. The bulbs in the closet also were changed out to led. I got all the strips, led bulbs, and led g4 discs on eBay. . The 3528 led strips are probably the best strips. They are a little brighter than the 5050s. I think you need at least 4 strips for the fluorescent, but certainly could use 6. The hardest part is soldering them together. They sell clips/wires that you could use. I had problems with getting a good contacts. With the soldering, you will have a good contact.
You will need to take off the lens, bulbs and then remove the stuff to get to the power source for the fluorescent bulbs, then connect the power source to the led strips. Has to be correct with regard to pos and negative. Easy to comfirm before soldering. Takes a little time but after a couple of years, I am happy with them still. The only fluorescent bulb I have is in the bedroom. I just haven't changed it out yet as i really don't use it much. I think changing to LED's is the ticket. Best of travels.
Here's a link to how I resolved my Over door light. Porch Entry Light Question (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=30382.msg262978#msg262978)
I'm so pleased I'll probably replace my engine bay light also with a white light version.
A couple replies later "travalin man gave a good source link, too. 19 A - LED Lighting by Thin-Lite (http://www.solarseller.com/thin_lite_led_lighting_low_voltage_dc_12_and_24_volt.htm)
Here is how easy it is to replace the original light...
It literally was a 1-2 hour project. The reason that it took that long is the some what difficulty of removing the light without damaging the MH finish. There are two screws securing the light above the door. No problem. However, the light is additionally secured with quite a bit of silicone caulk to seal out moisture. Until I called MOT to confirm, I could not get the light to budge. I was told to use "goo-Gone" or some similar product to loosen the silicone. With the use of a wide putty knife to pry behind the light and liberal use of Goo-Gone the silicone eased and with care I was able to remove the light. Then after cutting two wires and reconnecting the two new wires, liberal reapplication of new silicone to the new light, I was able to reattach the new light and secure with two screws. I'll try to add a picture to my original post.
I learned a little trick years ago for plowing thru the silicone...take a piece of fishing line (not to thin but just right)...start at one corner behind the light and "saw" the fishing line back and forth behind the light as you pull towards the other diagonal corner...worked like a champ!
We replaced our OEM porch light with this baby:
Thin-Lite OEM-LED162AP Weather Proof LED Ramp & Entry Light - Amber Lens
Amazon.com: Thin-Lite OEM-LED162AP Weather Proof LED Ramp & Entry Light -... (https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Lite-OEM-LED162AP-Weather-Proof-Entry/dp/B00EHM2988/ref=pd_ybh_a_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6A7XGDQRD9A67BAA7Z0S)
From Amazon for $95 or so. I really like the effect. (A bit too bright for making-out under but you should be able to find your keys when you drop 'em.) The lamps look like original fluorescent tube but only draw .25 amp on low.
I replaced my porch light with this LED Bluetooth speaker light. It has a phone app that lets you dim it and change the color.
Introducing the All-New RV Bluetooth Outdoor Light & Speaker (https://kingconnect.com/rv-bluetooth-outdoor-light/)