Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: CAN bus led bulbs (Read 1031 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #1 –
That's one of the reasons to look for LEDs rated for a range of DC voltage, rather than just "12V".  You want something with good power control circuitry.

These LEDs could be dangerous

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: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #2 –
Thanks for this post Steve.  I had purchased some of them at FMCA.  Checked the swing arm reading lamps and sure enough they were very hot to the touch.
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #3 –
Interesting!  Hadn't even considered this aspect of using LEDs in our coach.  How does this discussion relate to using the LED light strips to construct "custom" light units?  I have completely changed out our coach lighting using this technique.  All of my light units connect directly to the 12V coach circuit, so they "see" any and all voltage fluctuations experienced by the coach.  I know I have felt some of our strip light units after they've been on for a extended period, and they are warm to the touch, but certainly not "hot".

Are the strip lights different from the "LED replacement bulbs" in the way they deal with varying supply voltage?
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: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #4 –
The canbus lights are made specifically to replace incandescent bulbs on later model cars and trucks.They have a built in resistor to fool your cars computer, into thinking the bulb is working properly. This resistor causes the heat.  1156, 1157 3156 and 3157 are the common bulbs in cars that are replaced with leds. None of the Foretravels I have had, used any of these bulbs in the interior. Of course, led strip and string and rope lights  are not usually made for bulb replacement in canbus cars so are not a problem. But if you do see a bulb that says "canbus compatible" I would avoid it for indoor use.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #5 –
 Are the interior florescents powered by 12V ?

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
Are the interior florescents powered by 12V ?

Yes, the florescent is 12 volt wiring, but using  a ballast. If you convert to 12 volt (12 to 15 volt varying) LED strips you cut the ballast out and direct wire to the 12 volt wiring.  You can abandon the ballast in place, or remove.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #8 –
Thank you, exactly what  I was looking for.

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #9 –
Lot7 New LED Tube Light Rigid Strip Bar Cool White 12V 36LED SMD5050 580LM Lamps
 Bought 7 of these. looks like they can be cut to size. First test looks bright. Might need a dimmer.  I removed the entire insides of the light so that there is room for the LED strip to be tape glued  to the case.  Wizz wheel with shop vac . 

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #10 –
I used this companies LED  products on my previous coach. Worked well, long lasting.  welcome to jirahled.com! 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #11 –
I purchased something very similar as the tube replacement on that site, probably the same mfg, from RV Friend at FMCA.  My understanding is they are fourth gen and able to handle the fluctuations.  Very easy to replace as simple clip, nut, stick.  Leave the ballast right where it was in the beginning.  You only need one strip per light or you will make it way over bright. That was 6 months ago and none have come lose and no other issues. 
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #12 –
The link shows about 25$ per light. The Ebay ones are 7 lights per 20$. What am I missing?

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The link shows about 25$ per light. The Ebay ones are 7 lights per 20$. What am I missing?
You are missing the fact that some people do not compare prices and that some companies think a 1000% profit margin is good business. They are probably using the same ads they used 10 years ago when leds were much more expensive.
When I bought my first solar panel, it was $3.75 per watt, now you can find good ones for $0.50 a watt.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
The link shows about 25$ per light. The Ebay ones are 7 lights per 20$. What am I missing?

In my previous coach I first installed cheap EBay LEDs.  Then I full timed in that coach from 2009 to 2016.  The cheap LEDs failed in the first one and two years. Bought the "expensive" ones. Every one of them still working perfectly when I sold the coach in Nov 2016.

I'm sure there are plenty of quality LEDs out there, some less money. There are also many inferior and even dangerous LEDs available.

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide
 

Re: CAN bus led bulbs

Reply #15 –
The beauty of ebay and amazon is that you can buy a small amount of the bulbs you need and check them out, My present coach has over 40 puck lights. Tried 5 at at time, till I found ones that gave good light and lasted a long time.  the ones I have now are $1.60 each and are better and last longer than some I have bought at $2.50 each. Price is not always an indicator of quality.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.