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Topic: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225 (Read 1339 times) previous topic - next topic

Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Hello All:
I searched the forum and don't find anything recent on this topic. The fluorescent fixtures under the cabinets on our 1992 U-225 are failing one by one (or two by two in some cases) - it's not the bulbs so I'm guessing the ballasts are going bad. In any event, I would like to not spend more money on these old fixtures and instead upgrade them to LED fixtures to get brighter light.

Does anyone know of LED tube fixtures that are of a similar size to the originals?
Is this conversion as simple as just wiring new fixtures to where the old ones were?
Any other thoughts on a project like this?

Thanks,
Jack & Emily Eisenman
1992 GV U-225

Jack & Emily Eisenman
1992 GV U-225

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #1 –
Here is a good start, lots of folks have done the conversion. Most use LED strips.

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=search;sa=results

Not sure if the link is working. Just type 'LED' in the search bar up top and you'll get lots of threads on the subject.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #2 –
Not sure what your under cabinet lights look like, but here's what I did to our coach.  We've been extremely happy with the result.

Another (Interior) LED Project
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: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #3 –

Quote from: EPEisenman –
Does anyone know of LED tube fixtures that are of a similar size to the originals?
Is this conversion as simple as just wiring new fixtures to where the old ones were?
Howdy Jack and Emily, 
These are direct replacement tubes, that use the existing fluorescent tube holders.  The link includes some installation directions.  Pricey, but great light and easy installation.  I replaced all my tubes with these, I did a few at a time to spread out the costs. 
Revolution F15T8-18™ RV LED Replacement Tube for Fluorescent Lights
Good Luck, Dave A
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Dave and Nancy Abel –
These are direct replacement tubes, that use the existing fluorescent tube holders.  The link includes some installation directions.  Pricey, but great light and easy installation. 

Thanks, Dave. Our upper tubes are on 12 hrs. a day and I'd bet they get replaced every few months, so the price is not a bad deal. The tubes one buys these days, even though they say "GE" on them are all made overseas, and are junk. Will give a couple the try.
Any hints on installation?  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #5 –
Here's another ready made solution. Still pricey but not as. bulbs I've installed a number of these and they work fine.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #6 –
Do those just snap-in on to the old holders? Pretty nice, thanks, John.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #7 –
Quote from: mike leary –
Any hints on installation?  ^.^d
Howdy Mike,
    I cut and removed all the existing fluorescent fixture wiring, including wiring to the tube holders and the ballast. Its makes a much cleaner installation, and a 10 minute job.  The new LED tubes install in the existing tube holders and wire to the switched 12vdc wiring of the fixture.
  A couple of our lights had U shaped tubes, but I still removed all wiring/ballast and installed some very inexpensive  fluorescent tube holders from Ebay, to hold the new LED tubes.
Good Luck, Dave A

Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #8 –
Quote
Do those just snap-in on to the old holders?

Dave already answered. I did a similar clean install on my 95 but on this one I left the ballasts (unwired) in the fixture. I might take them out one of these days. The bulbs come with instructions. As far as time it takes to the job, if it's a ten minute job, I can count on half an hour minimum!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #9 –
Those of you that have switched to LED, how much did it reduce your energy draw. This would be very useful for boon docking if it allowed you to run off of batteries.
Jim

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #10 –
My rough unscientific measurements.  Fluorescent about 60% and incandescent bulbs more than 80.  But the engineers on here have more accurate rates I am sure.  I used a third generation populated circuit board approach.  Replaced the lamps and salon area with natural strips and bulbs and bright white for overhead, kitchen, bath and overhead bedroom.  Clipped the 12v lead and peeled and stuck them in place.  No need to remove ballast etc.  Took a quick pic.  The wire nuts are tucked under the ballast cover.

Boondocking is where it is super nice to be able to budget more light.  All of our lighting has been changed out as well as the led based tv.  Bay areas and engine components being replaced with strips.
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: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #11 –
These are a little less expensive. Also, here is a video that you may find helpful.

97 40' U320 #5017
2004 Saturn Vue
Bella & Jesse in charge of security

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #13 –
FYI,the big tent at Quartsite  has many led light venders.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Changing fluorescent tube fixtures to LED on U-225

Reply #14 –
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