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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Happyedd on March 14, 2020, 08:30:34 pm

Title: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Happyedd on March 14, 2020, 08:30:34 pm
I just acquired a 1998 320 from a couple in Atlanta Ga. We drove to MOT and had it gone over. Then on to Northern Ca. with no problems. Just one, awning blew out in wind storm in Texas and now we can't open it. I'm doing a lot of upgrades one by one. The problem I'm stuck on is how to open the wood framed lights overhead. I know this is a kick myself solution but don't want to wreck the light.I bought this Foretravel after stalking this forum for awhile. I'm amazed at the information this contains.


Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Tommy D on March 14, 2020, 09:19:04 pm
Some of mine are screwed in with visible screws and the rest are held in place with a catch similar to this, usually 3 on each light

Amazon.com: RV Designer H217, Barrel Catch with Nylon Clip, 6 Per Pack,... (https://smile.amazon.com/RV-Designer-H217-Cabinet-Hardware/dp/B002UC2R4S/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=Cabinet+Nylon+latch&qid=1584235046&sr=8-21)
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: oldguy on March 14, 2020, 10:12:27 pm
Most of mine I just put my fingers under the lip of the wood and pull down.
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: bigdog on March 15, 2020, 12:45:47 am
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame. Those have the double barrel clips. Before you pull them down. Order a few of the double barrel clips. About half of mine were broken, But luckily they still hold fine.

The lights near the drivers area and in the bedroom have the squeeze to release light covers. The wood frame on those are screwed into the ceiling. And while you are in there. You should change over to LED strips.
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on March 15, 2020, 05:17:54 am
Quote from: bigdog –
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame. Those have the double barrel clips. Before you pull them down. Order a few of the double barrel clips. About half of mine were broken, But luckily they still hold fine.

The lights near the drivers area and in the bedroom have the squeeze to release light covers. The wood frame on those are screwed into the ceiling. And while you are in there. You should change over to LED strips.

What he said.
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Eric & Alena + 3 on March 15, 2020, 10:50:30 am
Tommy.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I broke one of my clips removing a fixture and I have been trying to find the stupid replacement clip. They are made of plastic and get brittle over time.
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: jor on March 15, 2020, 11:18:15 am
Quote
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame.

Happy,
  Here's a photo of the clip. As said, they get brittle over time. I replaced all of mine. Easy and cheap.
jor
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Happyedd on March 15, 2020, 11:26:15 am
Thanks for all the info.Lights are sure tight, feels like something will break, will order clips and leds.
I saw some suggestions on the new led lights.
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Jan & Richard on March 15, 2020, 11:39:35 am
JOR,

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Thanks
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Tommy D on March 15, 2020, 12:05:17 pm
Quote from: Eric & Alena + 3 –
Tommy.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I broke one of my clips removing a fixture and I have been trying to find the stupid replacement clip. They are made of plastic and get brittle over time.

Was in a hurry when I posted that, I would go with on that had a metal clip like Original.

Amazon.com: Camco 44203 Cabinet Catches Side Mount - 6 pack: Automotive (https://www.amazon.com/Camco-44203-Cabinet-Catches-Mount/dp/B0006I0NSK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Cabinet+barrel+clip&qid=1584288176&sr=8-3#)
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: craneman on March 15, 2020, 12:28:46 pm
If you are near a HD store. You will not need to buy anymore

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Double-Roller-Catch-Zinc-Plated-15-Pack-9266791/309409822
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: Chris m lang on March 15, 2020, 01:03:10 pm
Well, in the heat of the moment I drilled the barrel portion (See Joe Pic) and put a screw through the center of it
still working!!!
Chris
Title: Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.
Post by: bigdog on March 15, 2020, 05:51:10 pm
Quote from: Happyedd –
Thanks for all the info.Lights are sure tight, feels like something will break, will order clips and leds.
I saw some suggestions on the new led lights.
It's scary as heck cranking real hard on stuff in a motor home. Esp as motor home parts are so darn cheap$$$$.
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