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Topic: Lighting upgrade: (Read 789 times) previous topic - next topic

Lighting upgrade:

I have searched the Forum, but have not found a direct reference to replacement of the GE F36BX/840 Fluorescent tubes (four-pin, "U" shape) with LED? I have one out (bulb, ballast, or both) and figured it's a great-time to start upgrading to LED, but short of purchasing an complete replacement fixture that will fit inside the existing recessed ceiling-box, have found nothing like the 4-pin GE FL bulb.  Any advise sincerely appreciated!
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #1 –
A number of different ways of getting there. If you are looking for easy, MarineBeam.com sells a quick and easy replacement. They are, however, pretty pricey. You can take out the ballast and do a little wiring and you're good to go.
jor


93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #3 –

you can get ten of the CFL replacements for less than the price of one LED replacement (with in-line four-pin cap)

Halco 109702 - PLL18/841 Single Tube 4 Pin Base Compact Fluorescent Light...

2G11 13W 180 Lumen 5500-6000K White Light LED Bulb (110-265V) - Led Household...

ps... maybe I should have looked a little farther before the above post.  But, the following is for euro or industrial 220V
CrazyDeal High Power 17W 2G11 96 LED Tube Light SMD 5050 SMD Led U Lamp Pure...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #4 –
I used strips of LEDs to replace most of the fluorescent bulbs in our coach. I bought the LEDs and hookup wires from SuperBrightLeds. I used two strips of warm white and one strip of cool white in each fixture. We've been pleased with the results. With the LED strips, you can adjust brightness and color to your preference. The LEDs are generate less heat and use less electricity that the fluorescent bulbs.

I have a stack of the old aluminum fixtures with bulbs and ballasts. They need to go to recycle, but I'll ship them if someone wants them.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #5 –
Thank you J.D.  I hadn't really planned on starting our FL to LED upgrade until later this year, or early next, but the failed FL tube (or ballast) pushed the schedule.  Just replacing the existing FL or ballast (not certain what failed) with kind could be the most logical, and easy. But... as long as I'm working on it I thought I'd try to get smarter on LED options.  I actually prefer the idea of strip LED's but as things-electrical isn't really a strong-suit of mine, I've been looking at "screw-in" options, like the MarineBeam 15" T5 LED Low-Profile Strip Light. Maybe I'd be advised to take a little more time, and "study-up"....... Thanks, again, to all.
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #6 –
Thanks to all who passed along advice! What Barry shows in his post of 7-months back (missed it somehow when I was searching) is exactly what we have, failed.  A "like" LED replacement for the 4-pin GE F36BX/840 appears (after lots of looking) to simply not be available. It appears, Barry's upgrade is at least one very reasonable way to go. To keep is "simple" and easy for my "one" failed FL I  am still considering  MarineBeam's "Economy 15" T5 LED Fluorescent-Style Low-Profile Strip Light", which (it appears) would fit where the existing F36BX fixture is in the recessed ceiling box.

Thanks again, folks!
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #8 –
Thanks, Morgan!  I saw those four-pin LED's on Amazon, but they're AC (85~265V), and the lighting (except for one over-the-table light) in our coach is all 12v DC. It would, indeed, be a joy to find those same 4-pin lights in a 12v version!
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #9 –
"For-what-it's-worth" I purchased 2ea 12" warm-white 12v LED "strips" from MarineBeam. We'll see how they work, and go from there! Thanks to J.D., Barry and Morgan, again, for the advice and assistance!
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ
 

Re: Lighting upgrade:

Reply #10 –
Linkable Low Profile Aluminum LED Rigid Strip for Display Case and Under...


I have used the under counter LED light strips from LED Wholesalers--- had them in stalled about a year now.  They work great, are very bright and have built in constant current power supplies.  That means that they will work from 10-30VDC with no problems.  They link together for lengths up to 8 feet.  I'm trying to attach a link, but not sure if it will work or not.
I absolutely love these lights.  Long life and trouble free, and not very expensive.

Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280