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LED upgrade

Was wondering if their is an LED upgrade for the 24 some odd halogen under mount lights in our Coach? If so , any suggestions on best place to find them?
                                                        Thanks .
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #1 –
Heathers a bunch on Amazon watch them from Chinding lots of 10 were really cheap seem to work I bought the warm white disorder like a disk with LEDs on the plug into the Halogen bases
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #2 –
LED for Puck Lights
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #3 –
You folks are terrific! Thanks. Now if I can remove the covers without them disintegrating!
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #4 –
I just ordered 4 ceiling lights from Foretravel Parts.  2 are smaller and fit in a 2" hole and 2 are bigger (4 1/2" diameter) that fit in a 3" hole.  These are the lights they are using in current coaches.  The smaller ones are $15 something and the bigger ones $18 something. They have glass lenses not plastic. 

I priced out getting new brushed chrome trim rings to replace the brass ones (trying to change the decor) and then the LED bulbs to replace the halogen bulbs (after permanent modification) and the FT OEM parts don't seem too bad. 

I'll check them out, see how much light they put out and how many amps they draw.

They might be a good choice especially with a Motorcade Discount.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
I just ordered 4 ceiling lights from Foretravel Parts.  2 are smaller and fit in a 2" hole and 2 are bigger (4 1/2" diameter) that fit in a 3" hole.  These are the lights they are using in current coaches.  The smaller ones are $15 something and the bigger ones $18 something. They have glass lenses not plastic. 

I priced out getting new brushed chrome trim rings to replace the brass ones (trying to change the decor) and then the LED bulbs to replace the halogen bulbs (after permanent modification) and the FT OEM parts don't seem too bad. 

I'll check them out, see how much light they put out and how many amps they draw.

They might be a good choice especially with a Motorcade Discount.

Roger
Sounds like it could add up quick... Wonder what advantage there is in replacing entire fixture vs bulb only? I can see new covers if these crack which seems to be likely already . Am I incorrect in thinking I gently pry covers loose?
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #6 –
 I have done all my Halogens and flourescents too and love them. Use about 1/50th the power so if you want your battery to last a lot longer(if you do not have solar and boondock) then this is the way to go. Simple change over and NO more burned out or hot fixtures.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #7 –
The light rings need to be turned counter clockwise to be removed.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #9 –
Quote from: red tractor –
The light rings need to be turned counter clockwise to be removed.

Just like a pickle jar.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #10 –
Went to Super Bright website after hours, the G4-WWHP 12 DAC isn't in production. Wondering if any bulb with the G4 designation would work?
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #11 –
Quote from: TAS69 –
G4-WWHP 12 DAC isn't in production. Wondering if any bulb with the G4 designation would work?

A couple of things to look for

G4 is the bi-wire base.  If that's the type of halogen bulb you have (usually is), that would "technically" work if 12V (and you likely need side-pin rather than back-pin).

Next, voltage range.  LEDs are sensitive devices.  Look for a range of operating voltages (say 8-30 Vdc).  That will mean there is constant current driver capability and the LEDs will last MUCH longer in an RV environment.

Next, color temperature as expressed in degrees Kelvin.  2700 will be closest to the warm white of the halogens.  5000 will resemble a cool white fluorescent.  It's a matter of personal preference (we strongly prefer warm white).

Then, lumens.  Higher is brighter.

Lastly, CRI or color-rendering-index.  Higher is better (more true to color).

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 #12 –
I have tried the G4 base LED bulbs that are about the sme size as the existing halogen bulbs.  No where near enought light.  There are other G4 based LED lights but most are bigger and don't fit.  Some have suggested taking out the heat sink of the existing ceiling lamps nd fitting in an LED bulb that will fit.

New trim rings if you want to change to look are about $11. $3 or $4 for a bulb.  Time for each lamp?  Pretty quickly the new lamps look pretty reasonable especially if the existing lamps can be used by someone else.  If you have seen the glass lensed lamps they are using now they seem to be a good choice.  Lots of light.

I found something similar with a plastic lens and unknown output from a China supplier for about $9 each, in lots of 10.  Part of the issue is getting replacements after a year or two.

I will see what they look like and report. 

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
I have tried the G4 base LED bulbs that are about the sme size as the existing halogen bulbs.  No where near enought light.  There are other G4 based LED lights but most are bigger and don't fit.  Some have suggested taking out the heat sink of the existing ceiling lamps nd fitting in an LED bulb that will fit.

New trim rings if you want to change to look are about $11. $3 or $4 for a bulb.  Time for each lamp?  Pretty quickly the new lamps look pretty reasonable especially if the existing lamps can be used by someone else.  If you have seen the glass lensed lamps they are using now they seem to be a good choice.  Lots of light.

I found something similar with a plastic lens and unknown output from a China supplier for about $9 each, in lots of 10.  Part of the issue is getting replacements after a year or two.

I will see what they look like and report. 

Roger
Hope all goes smoothly on your project. May very well follow suit when your finished. Man alive these things are HOT!Previous owner almost burned our Coach to the ground when his grandkid knocked a pillow off the bed onto the nightstand where it contacted light! Think the trouble removing rings is due in large part to heat welding /deteriorating the plastic where it touches the fixture.
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #14 –
try amazon they have good prices on leds replaced all the lights in our 98 u 295

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #15 –
Jim,

Examples?  I am a big Amazon fan but haven't found much that I like for fixtures.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #16 –
I have found these to be the same (at least very close) to color and intensity of the OEM halogen lights I had in my motorhome. 
Price was pretty good too. 
My greatest difficulty was inserting any bulb when the receptacle two prong holes were facing towards a wall.  Very hard to align.  A mirror and headlamp helps a lot though.
Ron Sedgley
Former 2002 U320 - Custom 38' Owner
            (2007 to 2021)    Build No. 6001

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #17 –
Were you reusing the original lenses/rings? The foretravel deals may end up being the best route for us as these seem pretty well deteriorated!
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #18 –
I reused my rings after replacing the halogens bulbs with LED's.  I either broke a couple or discovered the broken trim rings.  I don't particularly like it but I really don't wish to change out all of them for the missing 2.  I will say that I am happy with the LED's.  Those trim rings are a booger to get off.  Maybe the heat from the halogens has caused them to deteriorate? 
Best of Travels

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #19 –
Most everything is on ebay. 
The bulbs over the dinette were too much for my budget, everything else was reasonable. 
The round wafer G4 2W 5050 9SMD LED NON POLAR READING DC 12V soft white are sometime hard to locate but they plugin without modification and waay cooler than halogen... 
LED tube lights?? 
Replacing the courtesy bulb (entry handle) was a good move.. pc

S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #20 –
I tried these in the puck lights in the coach.  Fits well and is bright.  Color not quite as warm as halogen, has a bit more yellow in it.

LED Lights, Bulbs & LED Lighting Accessories - SUPER BRIGHT LEDS

Part #:  G4-WWHP9-DAC

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #21 –
Tried this type.  They really don't fit in the halogen ceiling lamps in the 2001 coach.  There is just enough room for the halogen bulb.  Some have modified these by removing the heat sink to make more room.  They are still $9+ each.  My samples from Foretravel will be here tomorrow.  I will report.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #22 –
There are (too) many types of these led g4 puck "bulbs". Next time I plan to buy the right type.

Many of them only contain LEDs and resistors. These are usually called 12 volt lamps. Not the best to use in a system where the alternator might send a higher voltage to the 12 volt system.

Look for LEDs that claim a voltage range, like 10 - 30 volts. These should have voltage regulator integrated circuits, and probably an inductor if  they have switching regulators.

I found some where the LEDs have lenses. These are too thick to fit without removing the reflector.

The ones with 9 LEDs are often 25mm diameter, a better fit than 30mm 12 led models.

Color wise, white tends towards blue and warm white tends towards yellow-green. I slightly prefer warm white.

I find the leads difficult to insert into the socket, and much more fragile than the steel leads on halogen bulbs. They are soldered to the PC board and easy to break off.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #23 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
Tried this type.  They really don't fit in the halogen ceiling lamps in the 2001 coach.  There is just enough room for the halogen bulb.  Some have modified these by removing the heat sink to make more room.  They are still $9+ each.  My samples from Foretravel will be here tomorrow.  I will report.

Roger
Thanks Roger , cant wait to hear how they work! sounds like a deal where for 50 percent or less more money we get a much better and easier install with better lenses!
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: LED upgrade

Reply #24 –
I realize that these may not fit the 2001 (fit my 1996). I personally like the disc type with the smd leds a little better, but do have some of these and they work fine in my puck lights.  These are a little different shape and they may be helpful.  I bought some similar to these and so far so good (have had about a year).  This a listing off ebay.com.      They are also inexpensive.   

G4 1.5W High Power SMD LED Cabinet Marine Boat Light Bulb Lamp Warm White 12V
Best of Travels