Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Ceiling rope lights  (Read 1124 times) previous topic - next topic

Ceiling rope lights

The recessed mirrored panel on our ceiling has an orange ? Rope light that's half burnt out , same in bedroom.
Has anyone found a simple led replacement,
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #1 –
Same problem here. I keep hoping someone has an affordable solution.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #2 –

Maybe these?  These are the smaller LED elements, one every 1.5" or so. 16.4 ft long. 82 lumens per ft.  With a dimmer, any light level you want

Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 12V Flexible LED Strip Lights, 3000K Warm White, 82...


Or these, water proof. 33 ft, 100 LEDs, one every 4", dimmable. I got these for our awning.  .

Amazon.com: TaoTronics Outdoor String Lights, 100 Leds String Lights 33ft...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #3 –
We upgraded to LED strip. We use a MiLight controller to set brightness and color.  Works great.  Once set, you can use the switch just as normal.  We redid the whole coach for around $200 CAD.

Matthew
Matthew 2001 U320 40'

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #4 –
Matthew
Do you have link to kit you used or better still a write up ?
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #5 –
I will grab some info.
Matthew 2001 U320 40'

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #6 –
Here is how we fixed our rope light problem.  We wanted 2 things on a conversion.  We need to find a close match in color and I wanted a "smart control" option from my phone should I choose to.  We opted for MiLight controllers and RGB led tape lights.  The controller allows you to break up the coach into 4 zones should you want to use your smart phone as a controller or you can opt for a remote control.  The modules on each window and ceiling loop can join what ever group you want.  It is as easy as turning on the light and hold ing down the zone button until it flashes 3 times.

We mounted the controller for each window light up under the valance.  I did remove the the valances one by one and do a proper mount.  I use double sided carpet tape cut into strips to attache the LED  tape light.  I found the LED tape light did not bond as well.

For the ceiling accent light I tucked put the controller for the front one in the A/C access and the kitchen ceiling accent is in the light right next to it. 

Very easy conversion but takes time as you have to do each one at a time.  But well worth the conversion.  The modules can all be synced up together so they all have the same brightness and color or you can do them all differently.

The modules also remember there settings so if you want to use the original switches you can as well.

I picked up the controllers and all the led tape for under $200 CAD.  I used Alibaba market place and purchased straight from China.  Took about 2 months to arrive but well worth the savings.

Matthew
Matthew 2001 U320 40'

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #8 –
Very nice job Matthew!  Thank you for sharing.

Kurt & Shanna
2007 42' Phenix
Peoria Arizona

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #9 –
Does anyone know where to get exact replacement rope lights, 12VDC incandescent with mounting tab?

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Does anyone know where to get exact replacement rope lights, 12VDC incandescent with mounting tab?
Curious why you want the exact replacement instead of the more efficient, and probably cheaper led equivalent?
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #11 –
I like the kiss thinking, I would like led straight replacement.
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Does anyone know where to get exact replacement rope lights, 12VDC incandescent with mounting tab?

Try Brad S's source How do I replace the "toe kick" light in the bathroom?

[eta - I vaguely recall reading that the OEM ones came from somewhere here in north Texas, but haven't found the discussion..... yet  Found it - Vista Manufacturing which used to have a facility here in Ponder  Accent Lighting]

The tough thing with LED lights is that LEDs are generally happiest with a constant current, but the cheap ones are built with simple control done by a resistor and will suffer shortened life (or overheating) if subjected to the varying voltages in an RV.  Now, if you can find LED rope/strip with a constant current buck driver you're all set  ^.^d

Constant-Current?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Try Brad S's source How do I replace the "toe kick" light in the bathroom?

[eta - I vaguely recall reading that the OEM ones came from somewhere here in north Texas, but haven't found the discussion..... yet  Found it - Vista Manufacturing which used to have a facility here in Ponder  Accent Lighting]

The tough thing with LED lights is that LEDs are generally happiest with a constant current, but the cheap ones are built with simple control done by a resistor and will suffer shortened life (or overheating) if subjected to the varying voltages in an RV.  Now, if you can find LED rope/strip with a constant current buck driver you're all set  ^.^d

Constant-Current?
Good point about constant current, but have used chinese led replacement lights on my coaches for many years. Have not kept track on how many have had to be replaced, but certainly not many. I do keep track of the load on my batteries when
dry camping, and the difference between led and incandescent is pretty impressive.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #14 –
Quote from: jcus –
Curious why you want the exact replacement instead of the more efficient, and probably cheaper led equivalent?

Because yesterday I replaced the original rope in the kitchen area with leds and a dimmer which we don't like.  Remember,  I'm an incandescent guy.


Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #15 –

T-Man, if you used the higher Kelvin temp (6,000°) LEDs then I am not surprised you didn't like the look.  They are "cooler" which means more blue than yellow.  The 3,000° K LEDs will be much closer to incandescent color.  In the ceiling recesses you can use strips with smaller LED elements that are spaced further apart more like the original ropes.

Michelle is right about the strips. I have tried several different brands, waterproof and non-waterproof, and some have developed dark spots, even melted plastic parts some were attached to. The ones I am using now seem to be holding up better than any others I have tried and they actually have a sticky tape on the back that works.

218 lumens per ft
Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs Flexible Strip Lights, 3000K...

91 lumens per ft
Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 12V Flexible LED Strip Lights, 3000K Warm White, 300...

There are small 120v to 12v power supplies for the LED strips if you want a steady voltage.


As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #16 –
Roger,
The bottom link you gave,  91 lumens per foot,  is what I put up.


Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #18 –
Quote from: jcus –
Good point about constant current, but have used chinese led replacement lights on my coaches for many years. Have not kept track on how many have had to be replaced, but certainly not many.

The overheating is more my concern that lifespan

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
some have developed dark spots, even melted plastic parts some were attached to.

These LEDs could be dangerous

With the proximity of the rope lighting to the "pleather" of the ceiling, (no naugas were harmed in the making of this material) I would just be cautious with what I chose for that application, that's all.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Michelle –
The overheating is more my concern that lifespan

These LEDs could be dangerous

With the proximity of the rope lighting to the "pleather" of the ceiling, (no naugas were harmed in the making of this material) I would just be cautious with what I chose for that application, that's all.
Yes you are right, I have a 12 volt power supply and generally hook up a new light bulb or strip, and leave it on for a day or two on the metal workbench before installing in the coach. There have been a couple that got too hot for me to use.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #20 –
We looked for the LED spacing per meter.  The lower the number, the bigger the space between.  We went with the lowest possible so you could still see each individual light just like the factory rope lighting.  We were also able to copy the amber color that use to come off the factory to keep the same look.

Matthew
Matthew 2001 U320 40'

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #22 –
No, we went for 9 LED's per foot.  Here is a link to the spec.  Used this spec and found them on Amazon for far less.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?cat=3,70322&p=70323

We also went with the RGB with the MiLight controllers so over the years we can mix it up a bit.  It also allowed us to try and match up to factory amber if you would like.  But I have to admit, the multi color disco option was fun some nights when we had friends over. 

Matthew
Matthew 2001 U320 40'
 

Re: Ceiling rope lights

Reply #23 –
As of a couple years ago, FOT parts had the incandescent strips , cut to the exact lengths and with tinned leads.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester