Hello All:
I searched the forum and don't find anything recent on this topic. The fluorescent fixtures under the cabinets on our 1992 U-225 are failing one by one (or two by two in some cases) - it's not the bulbs so I'm guessing the ballasts are going bad. In any event, I would like to not spend more money on these old fixtures and instead upgrade them to LED fixtures to get brighter light.
Does anyone know of LED tube fixtures that are of a similar size to the originals?
Is this conversion as simple as just wiring new fixtures to where the old ones were?
Any other thoughts on a project like this?
Thanks,
Jack & Emily Eisenman
1992 GV U-225
Here is a good start, lots of folks have done the conversion. Most use LED strips.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results
Not sure if the link is working. Just type 'LED' in the search bar up top and you'll get lots of threads on the subject.
Not sure what your under cabinet lights look like, but here's what I did to our coach. We've been extremely happy with the result.
Another (Interior) LED Project (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29593)
Howdy Jack and Emily,
These are direct replacement tubes, that use the existing fluorescent tube holders. The link includes some installation directions. Pricey, but great light and easy installation. I replaced all my tubes with these, I did a few at a time to spread out the costs.
Revolution F15T8-18™ RV LED Replacement Tube for Fluorescent Lights (http://www.rvledbulbs.com/product-p/18-0125.htm)
Good Luck, Dave A
Thanks, Dave. Our upper tubes are on 12 hrs. a day and I'd bet they get replaced every few months, so the price is not a bad deal. The tubes one buys these days, even though they say "GE" on them are all made overseas, and are junk. Will give a couple the try.
Any hints on installation? ^.^d
Here's another ready made solution. Still pricey but not as. bulbs (http://store.marinebeam.com/18-f15t8-12-24vdc-led-tube-for-fluorescent-fixtures-fl-t8-102/) I've installed a number of these and they work fine.
jor
Do those just snap-in on to the old holders? Pretty nice, thanks, John. ^.^d
Howdy Mike,
I cut and removed all the existing fluorescent fixture wiring, including wiring to the tube holders and the ballast. Its makes a much cleaner installation, and a 10 minute job. The new LED tubes install in the existing tube holders and wire to the switched 12vdc wiring of the fixture.
A couple of our lights had U shaped tubes, but I still removed all wiring/ballast and installed some very inexpensive fluorescent tube holders from Ebay, to hold the new LED tubes.
Good Luck, Dave A
Dave already answered. I did a similar clean install on my 95 but on this one I left the ballasts (unwired) in the fixture. I might take them out one of these days. The bulbs come with instructions. As far as time it takes to the job, if it's a ten minute job, I can count on half an hour minimum!
jor
Those of you that have switched to LED, how much did it reduce your energy draw. This would be very useful for boon docking if it allowed you to run off of batteries.
My rough unscientific measurements. Fluorescent about 60% and incandescent bulbs more than 80. But the engineers on here have more accurate rates I am sure. I used a third generation populated circuit board approach. Replaced the lamps and salon area with natural strips and bulbs and bright white for overhead, kitchen, bath and overhead bedroom. Clipped the 12v lead and peeled and stuck them in place. No need to remove ballast etc. Took a quick pic. The wire nuts are tucked under the ballast cover.
Boondocking is where it is super nice to be able to budget more light. All of our lighting has been changed out as well as the led based tv. Bay areas and engine components being replaced with strips.
These (http://www.m4products.com/tube-lights/) are a little less expensive. Also, here is a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_655323647&feature=iv&src_vid=SAMPQrAu0aI&v=B3JFLErfMxw) that you may find helpful.
I used these, we like the results.
FYI,the big tent at Quartsite has many led light venders.
Amazon.com: Green LongLife 3528101 LED 18" Replacement Light Tube with T8... (https://www.amazon.com/LongLife-3528101-Replacement-Lumens-Natural/dp/B006E4DBRA)
Fulight® Rotatable ¤ LED F15T8 Tube Light-18" (17-3/4" Actual Length) 1.5FT... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WLLHWBQ/ref=psdc_2314207011_t1_B006E4DBRA)