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LED upgrade

Yes....I have read past forums re: LED replacement, but I cannot say I have a definitive recommendation for what should be a simple task. I have even looked at other forums ( irv2 ) and Youtube videos. I want a reasonably priced G4 LED bulb to replace the upper pucks and the basement. We prefer natural light in the coach and would use a more cool, bright light in the basement. I think M4 is overpriced. I heard about a site dx.com, but cannot find the color/lumens that I think I want. Has anyone out there found a good supply of these bulbs? What specs should I look for? I also want to upgrade the flourescents, both inside and over the door and in the engine compartment. The cost may be prohibitive, but I am a BIG fan of LED lighting. Thanks
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #1 –
We got the Chinese ones that someone (Barry Beam?) had used.  They weren't expensive and I really like the light they emit and especially no heat.  I don't have time to look for the post right now but see if I posted a link at some point a couple of years ago. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: LED upgrade

Reply #2 –
Specs - variable voltage range (8-20 or so Vdc)
Higher lumens = brighter light
lower temperature = warmer light, higher temperature = cooler light
Higher CRI = better color rendering
Greater angle = better light spread

These are 3 Watt CREE LEDs we installed in our coach in 2015.  You MUST use the reflectors behind these bulbs when they are installed in the ceiling lights as they are HOT, but their light is very close to that of the OEM halogens if you go with the Warm White variety.  I don't think I would recommend them for the basement - go with something lower output/cooler for that.

We had an issue with the first shipment of bulbs not being packaged well; Calvin (their sales guy) was very responsive in getting us replacements and having the factory change to individual packaging.

3W CREE Flat Rounded LED G4 Lamp, Side Pin, AC/DC8-30V

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: LED upgrade

Reply #3 –

We purchased our LEDs from HERO-LED and GRV on Amazon.com.  They are reasonably priced and come in different wattages (brightness), and Kelvin ratings (color).

For the puck under cabinet lights I removed the reflectors.  We purchased HERO-LED G4 discs in three wattages ( 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4) at 2700 Kelvins (yellow/warm).  This allowed us to have some variation in light levels, and they aren't white.  We haven't had issues with heat.

Link to 2.4 watts:  HERO-LED SG4-12T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 2.4W,...

Link to 1.8 watts:  HERO-LED SG4-9T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 1.8W,...

Link to 1.2 watts:  HERO-LED SG4-6T-WW27 Side Pin G4 LED Disc Halogen Replacement Bulb, 1.2W,...


For sconces, swing out bed fixtures, closets, etc. we purchased from GRV through Amazon.  Blow is a link to a 10 pack of their Ba15d bulbs.

Ba15d 10 pack:  Amazon.com: GRV Ba15d 1142 1004 High Power Car LED Bulb 24-5050SMD DC12V...

Chris

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #4 –
Glenn, search for LED.  You will find many posts

LED Replacement for Fluorescent and Puck Lights

I have replaced every interior and almost all exterior lights with LEDs and added LED lights to almost every interior cabinets and closers,  most of the basement bays and evwn the engine bay.

Send me a PM if you need aome help.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #5 –
Just go to amazon. Search rv puck lights or 18" fluorescent. Then go with the most sold and best reviewed.
  It's been over a year and all 22 of em still ok.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #6 –
FWIW,

3W G4 5730 SMD 12 LED AC/DC 12V Spotlight Light Bulb Lamp Warm/Pure White | eBay

These are the ones I bought and so far these are great.  I haven't had them long but so far so good.  They don't get hot and use only 3 watts. The light output seems similar to the others.

For the fluorescent bulbs, I used the led strip lighting (comes in 5 meter strips).  I also put about 18 inches and wired it to the bulb in the closet and it really does help light up the closet.  The bulbs in the closet also were changed out to led.  I got all the strips, led bulbs, and led g4 discs on eBay.  .  The 3528 led strips are probably the best strips.  They are a little brighter than the 5050s.  I think you need at least 4 strips  for the fluorescent, but certainly could use 6.  The hardest part is soldering them together.  They sell clips/wires that you could use.  I had problems with getting a good contacts.  With the soldering, you will have a good contact. 

You will need to take off the lens, bulbs and then remove the stuff to get to the power source for the fluorescent bulbs, then connect the power source to the led strips.  Has to be correct with regard to pos and negative.  Easy to comfirm before soldering.  Takes a little time but after a couple of years, I am happy with them still.  The only fluorescent bulb I have is in the bedroom.  I just haven't changed it out yet as i really don't use it much.  I think changing to LED's is the ticket.  Best of travels. 
Best of Travels

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #7 –
Quote from: GleamB –
... I also want to upgrade the flourescents, both inside and over the door and in the engine compartment. The cost may be prohibitive, but I am a BIG fan of LED lighting. Thanks
Here's a link to how I resolved my Over door light.  Porch Entry Light Question
I'm so pleased I'll probably replace my engine bay light also with a white light version.
A couple replies later "travalin man gave a good source link, too.  19 A - LED Lighting by Thin-Lite
Here is how easy it is to replace the original light...
It literally was a 1-2 hour project. The reason that it took that long is the some what difficulty of removing the light without damaging the MH finish.  There are two screws securing the light above the door. No problem.  However, the light is additionally secured with quite a bit of silicone caulk to seal out moisture.  Until I called MOT to confirm, I could not get the light to budge.  I was told to use "goo-Gone" or some similar product to loosen the silicone.  With the use of a wide putty knife to pry behind the light and liberal use of Goo-Gone the silicone eased and with care I was able to remove the light. Then after cutting two wires and reconnecting  the two new wires, liberal reapplication of new silicone to the new light, I was able to reattach the new light and secure with two screws.  I'll try to add a picture to my original post.

Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Ron & Connie Sedgley –
Here's a link to how I resolved my Over door light.  Porch Entry Light Question
I'm so pleased I'll probably replace my engine bay light also with a white light version.
A couple replies later "travalin man gave a good source link, too.  19 A - LED Lighting by Thin-Lite
Here is how easy it is to replace the original light...
It literally was a 1-2 hour project. The reason that it took that long is the some what difficulty of removing the light without damaging the MH finish.  There are two screws securing the light above the door. No problem.  However, the light is additionally secured with quite a bit of silicone caulk to seal out moisture.  Until I called MOT to confirm, I could not get the light to budge.  I was told to use "goo-Gone" or some similar product to loosen the silicone.  With the use of a wide putty knife to pry behind the light and liberal use of Goo-Gone the silicone eased and with care I was able to remove the light. Then after cutting two wires and reconnecting  the two new wires, liberal reapplication of new silicone to the new light, I was able to reattach the new light and secure with two screws.  I'll try to add a picture to my original post.


I learned a little trick years ago for plowing thru the silicone...take a piece of fishing line (not to thin but just right)...start at one corner behind the light and "saw" the fishing line back and forth behind the light as you pull towards the other diagonal corner...worked like a champ!
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #9 –

We replaced our OEM porch light with this baby:

Thin-Lite OEM-LED162AP Weather Proof LED Ramp & Entry Light - Amber Lens

Amazon.com: Thin-Lite OEM-LED162AP Weather Proof LED Ramp & Entry Light -...

From Amazon for $95 or so. I really like the effect. (A bit too bright for making-out under but you should be able to find your keys when you drop 'em.) The lamps look like  original fluorescent tube but only draw .25 amp on low.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"