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Topic: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement (Read 1614 times) previous topic - next topic

Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Where can I find replacements for the 7" x 20.5" recessed tube lights? There are four of these fixtures. I would like to replace the whole fixture. They have a nice wood frame around them.
Thanks, Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #1 –
With Thinlite gone, you can remove the tubes and ballast.  Then stick ribbons of LED lights to the fixture and connect to the 12 vdc power supply.  Looks the same from outside
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #2 –
you can replace tubes with LED tubes that fit into where original tubes, rewire, bypass balast.  Can pick from solt white to bright white.  Takes only a few minutes and no fussing with light stripes or connections. I got mine on Amazon.  Love the better light
2002 U320 wtfe
Build 5931
Tow 2004 honda element

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #4 –
I tried to keep my ThinLite fixtures running but the "new" inverter-ballasts aren't made correctly and the switching transistor overheats.  So as mine fail I remove the fixture, drill out all of the fluorescent tube stuff and stick in a strip of LEDs.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Taxmanpaul –
you can replace tubes with LED tubes that fit into where original tubes, rewire, bypass balast.  Can pick from solt white to bright white.  Takes only a few minutes and no fussing with light stripes or connections. I got mine on Amazon.  Love the better light

 I also prefer the replacement tube led over the led glue on strip light. And I know many of you have gone with the strip light choice.  Reason being if the LED goes out , and some do even though they're supposed to last forever , the replaced tubes should be easier to replace.  Not cheap though. $18.00 ish for a pair if memory serves.
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: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #6 –
This has more than two wires. 😇
Can you tell me which ones to tie together?
Do you remove the ballast?
What is the replacement tube? I bought a pair from Lowes, they have a switch to select any of three colors (Cool, Sunshine or Warm). They claim to be a direct replacement, but I think that assumes using the balast. They don't say if the are for AC or DC.
Thanks
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #7 –
Dick, need more info on the LED tubes you acquired from Lowes, but guessing they are for a residential fixture (120V)?  Also need a wider pic that shows the tube holder ends.  Woody.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #8 –
Thanks,
Yes I am sure the tubes from Lowes are residential, 120 Vac.
I have attached better photos.
I have not had any luck Googling for how to do this either.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #9 –
Only recommendation is to plug the Lowes tubes in with wiring and balasts as is, and see if they work.  LED's are DC.  If not then it's time to regroup.  The black and white wires coming out of the coach ceiling are your 12VDC wires.  How you go from here is covered in the forums in several threads on florescent led replacements.  It'll take some soldering.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #10 –
Ok. I'll search.
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V
 

Re: Thin-Lite Fixture Replacement

Reply #11 –
These are the ones i used. Not cheap
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