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Topic: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips (Read 766 times) previous topic - next topic

Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Hope the MODS will pardon a rather weakly "RV Related" topic, but I have just installed some aux turn signal repeaters on our new Bolt, and I think the product I used is worth a recommendation to our members.  It is a very high quality weather proof LED strip light.  Comes in red, amber and white.  Available in several lengths.  The LEDs are only 1mm apart, and when lit appear to be a solid bar of very bright light.  I think these LED strips would work well on a coach as add-on tail lights, brake lights, turn signals or DRLs.

Copied below is the post I made on the Bolt forum (ChevyBolt.org - Member Name: TexBolt).  It contains links to the product and to some short demo videos.  Ignore the "Need Newer Browser..." message on the video link - it will work fine:

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We have been very pleased with our 2019 Bolt, with a few exceptions.  One sore point is the rear turn signals.  I believe they are poorly designed and located.  The low mounting position in the rear "bumper" makes them hard to see, especially if the following drivers are all driving big trucks and SUVs (as is the case in Texas).  To improve this situation, I have added LED repeater lights mounted on the rear hatch.

I used 250mm amber TruFLEX strips with 75 LEDs per strip.  Appear to be very high quality.      Amber LED TruFLEX®

I believe the near 100% increase in light output, plus the more visible mounting position, will make it much easier for following vehicles to see my signals.  Link below to some short videos showing the "before and after" light output.  Sorry for crappy video quality, but I was trying to keep the file size small.

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1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #1 –
Remarkable safety improvement.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #2 –
Oo those are slick... I'm a big believer in "more lights more better", and it's difficult to find good LEDs in the overwhelming flood of cheap LED strips that gluts every single online marketplace in existence. Thanks for the recommendation and let us know how they hold up over time! I'm particularly curious as to whether or not the housing/lens will fog or fade from UV... that's a recurring problem I encounter with almost every brand I've yet installed.
Technical Support Manager and official poker of electronics at Laurel Technologies / Bay Marine Supply. Distribution and expert support of Victron Energy, Sterling Power, Blue Sea, Bussman, and Battle Born products.

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Justin Cook –
I'm particularly curious as to whether or not the housing/lens will fog or fade from UV... that's a recurring problem I encounter with almost every brand...
Agree - also had that problem.  I have used some of the cheaper "weather proof" LED strips on several vehicles, both as clear DRL lights and as aux stop lights.  The clear flexible material covering the LEDs soon turns opaque from UV, rendering the lights practically useless.

Our cars sit in our garage unless they actually being driven, so if these amber LED strips are gonna suffer degradation from UV it might be a long time before it shows up.  I am, however, hopeful that they will be long lasting and justify their premium price.

They do claim "Lifetime warranty against LED failure, water damage and UV damage" so if they turn opaque there is at least some recourse!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
They do claim "Lifetime warranty against LED failure, water damage and UV damage" so if they turn opaque there is at least some recourse!

Well that's something at least, and they appear to be a legit company with a real presence... a number of the strip manufacturers I've purchased from in the past also claim a warranty, but good luck tracking them down in China a year later to try to actually make good on it... this company appears to at least be contact-able, so that's a great start  ;D
Technical Support Manager and official poker of electronics at Laurel Technologies / Bay Marine Supply. Distribution and expert support of Victron Energy, Sterling Power, Blue Sea, Bussman, and Battle Born products.

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Justin Cook –
...they appear to be a legit company with a real presence...
They sent a really nice professional looking catalog with the LED strips.  The company has been in business for 16 years.  They have a marketing agreement with Drag Specialties - a very old and respected custom motorcycle parts company.

And, they do have a real sticks and bricks office, which is always reassuring.  If you Google the company address you'll see they operate out of a nondescript metal building in NC.  They have a nice truck and trailer parked outside - probably used to set up a stall at car and motorcycle shows.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Product Recommendation: LED light Strips

Reply #6 –
Remember,the Quartzsite tent will have many led sellers with the products right there to look at and buy.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.