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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Dick S on November 08, 2023, 06:55:16 pm

Title: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Dick S on November 08, 2023, 06:55:16 pm
Where can I find replacements for the 7" x 20.5" recessed tube lights? There are four of these fixtures. I would like to replace the whole fixture. They have a nice wood frame around them.
Thanks, Dick
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Rudy on November 08, 2023, 07:09:02 pm
With Thinlite gone, you can remove the tubes and ballast.  Then stick ribbons of LED lights to the fixture and connect to the 12 vdc power supply.  Looks the same from outside
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Taxmanpaul on November 09, 2023, 01:41:24 pm
you can replace tubes with LED tubes that fit into where original tubes, rewire, bypass balast.  Can pick from solt white to bright white.  Takes only a few minutes and no fussing with light stripes or connections. I got mine on Amazon.  Love the better light
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on November 09, 2023, 02:31:45 pm
This is a pretty easy DIY job. I used the LED tubes, re-wiring was easy.

LED Lighting For Everything | Super Bright LEDs (https://www.superbrightleds.com/)

19 A - LED Lighting by Thin-Lite (http://www.solarseller.com/thin_lite_led_lighting_low_voltage_dc_12_and_24_volt.htm)
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Old Toolmaker on November 10, 2023, 08:44:14 am
I tried to keep my ThinLite fixtures running but the "new" inverter-ballasts aren't made correctly and the switching transistor overheats.  So as mine fail I remove the fixture, drill out all of the fluorescent tube stuff and stick in a strip of LEDs.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Bob & Sue on November 10, 2023, 12:46:45 pm
you can replace tubes with LED tubes that fit into where original tubes, rewire, bypass balast.  Can pick from solt white to bright white.  Takes only a few minutes and no fussing with light stripes or connections. I got mine on Amazon.  Love the better light

 I also prefer the replacement tube led over the led glue on strip light. And I know many of you have gone with the strip light choice.  Reason being if the LED goes out , and some do even though they're supposed to last forever , the replaced tubes should be easier to replace.  Not cheap though. $18.00 ish for a pair if memory serves.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Dick S on November 10, 2023, 06:19:16 pm
This has more than two wires. 😇
Can you tell me which ones to tie together?
Do you remove the ballast?
What is the replacement tube? I bought a pair from Lowes, they have a switch to select any of three colors (Cool, Sunshine or Warm). They claim to be a direct replacement, but I think that assumes using the balast. They don't say if the are for AC or DC.
Thanks
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Woody & Sitka on November 11, 2023, 04:28:35 pm
Dick, need more info on the LED tubes you acquired from Lowes, but guessing they are for a residential fixture (120V)?  Also need a wider pic that shows the tube holder ends.  Woody.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Dick S on November 11, 2023, 08:46:35 pm
Thanks,
Yes I am sure the tubes from Lowes are residential, 120 Vac.
I have attached better photos.
I have not had any luck Googling for how to do this either.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Woody & Sitka on November 11, 2023, 10:24:28 pm
Only recommendation is to plug the Lowes tubes in with wiring and balasts as is, and see if they work.  LED's are DC.  If not then it's time to regroup.  The black and white wires coming out of the coach ceiling are your 12VDC wires.  How you go from here is covered in the forums in several threads on florescent led replacements.  It'll take some soldering.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Dick S on November 12, 2023, 02:35:35 pm
Ok. I'll search.
Title: Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement
Post by: Bob & Sue on November 12, 2023, 02:58:46 pm
These are the ones i used. Not cheap