Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts... (Read 1176 times) previous topic - next topic

Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

I recently purchased a bunch of LED discs (<2watts) to change out all my under cabinet puck lights.  Given three choices, I chose the "warm light" version.  After installing them, we were not happy with the extra brightness - the old halogen bulbs looked much better at night.  It occurred to me, after the fact, that there wasn't any reason to change them  all out, when we don't do a lot of dry camping.  If we aren't hooked up, all we need is a few strategically placed LEDs - over the kitchen counter, forward map lights, under cabinets next to bed etc.  Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED strips is also a good idea.  I ended up taking out most of the puck LEDs and putting the halogen bulbs back in.
I have to remind myself to think strategically.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
I recently purchased a bunch of LED discs (<2watts) to change out all my under cabinet puck lights.  Given three choices, I chose the "warm light" version.  After installing them, we were not happy with the extra brightness - the old halogen bulbs looked much better at night.  It occurred to me, after the fact, that there wasn't any reason to change them  all out, when we don't do a lot of dry camping.  If we aren't hooked up, all we need is a few strategically placed LEDs - over the kitchen counter, forward map lights, under cabinets next to bed etc.  Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED strips is also a good idea.  I ended up taking out most of the puck LEDs and putting the halogen bulbs back in.
I have to remind myself to think strategically.

I thought the warm white was too low. So we went with the bright white. Still don't think they are bright enough. We dry camp a bunch. Those halogens take a bunch of amps. They get so hot too.
Did you have to remove the internal metal reflector with yours? I did with the ones I used.

20x Pure White High Bright G4 3528 24 SMD Reading Marine Boat RV LED Light...

Thanks for posting
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #2 –
Chris, we did not have to remove the metal reflector to go LED.  In fact, that seems a bit dependent on the length of the plug wire and the supplier as I recall made a bit of a difference in that.  We are glad we changed and at first wanted warm lights but after trying we like the cooler. but we did keep some warm accent lights on the wall.....jsut a few.
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Michael & Jackie –
Chris, we did not have to remove the metal reflector to go LED.  In fact, that seems a bit dependent on the length of the plug wire and the supplier

It also depends on the power of the LED puck you install.  The ones we put in our coach were a higher output and needed the reflector left in due to heat.
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: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Michelle –
It also depends on the power of the LED puck you install.  The ones we put in our coach were a higher output and needed the reflector left in due to heat.

Thanks. Do you have a place I can look or buy those?
Thanks
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #5 –
KINGSO G4 LED Bulb 10 Pack 3W Bi-Pin LED Light Bulb 48×3014 SMD 20W Halogen...

These fit perfectly, don't get too  hot and are a little bit brighter than the 10 watt oem bulb.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #6 –
Quote from: jcus –
KINGSO G4 LED Bulb 10 Pack 3W Bi-Pin LED Light Bulb 48×3014 SMD 20W Halogen...

These fit perfectly, don't get too  hot and are a little bit brighter than the 10 watt oem bulb.
Awesome. Thanks
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #7 –

Just finished replacing all interior lights inside the coach

These lower brightness warm in bedroom ceiling:

Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 12V Flexible LED Strip Lights, 3000K Warm White, 300...

These for bedroom reading lights:

Amazon.com: Dayker 5W Ba15d DC Bayonet Socket LED Light Bulbs DC 12-24V Warm...

These greater brightness warm in bathroom and under cabinet in living room:

Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs Flexible Light Strip, 3000K...

These brighter daylight in kitchen and down the middle of the ceiling:

Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 300 SMD 5050 LEDs Flexible Strip Lights, Daylight...

Two - 17" strips in each fixture. Totally removed all fluorescents.

So far like the ability to use bright white lights for kitchen task and moving things in and out of rig. Warm lights for relaxing and reading.

If too bright can eliminate 1 strip or switch to smaller led size.

Bays will be next.








As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #8 –

The amount of light you get from an LED is measured in Lumens.  The color of the light is measured in degrees Kelvin.

The bulbs Chris mentioned on eBay are 6000 °K and at most 100 lumens.

Your 10 watt halogen bulbs are 10 watts, 2700°K, 110 lumens.

The 3" ITC glass replacements we used for all of the ceiling puck lights are 160 lumens.
Amazon.com: ITC (69231B-3K-DB) 3" Radiance LED Overhead Light/Spring Mount:...

The 4.5" ITC glass ceiling lights we used over the sink (2), under the kitchen cabinet and over the table are 260 lumens each.
Amazon.com: ITC (69240-15-3K-DB) 4.5" Radiance LED Overhead Light/Spring...

Don't mix up color and quantity. 

Excess lumens can be dimmed as we do in the LR. Color cannot be changed with single color lights.

These are inexpensive dimmers and work well.  They can get confused if you use more than one.
Amazon.com: SLBSTORES 3528 5050 12V DC Mini Remote Controller for Single...





As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #9 –
FWIW,
I changed out mine to LED and I like them.  I used the disc type for the puck lights and they seem about the same light output as the halogen and with the warm white about the same color.  I like that they don't get hot, use less battery, and last longer than the halogens.  Best of Travels.

This is what I got off eBay.  I don't remember the cost but it was very reasonable. 
3W G4 5730 SMD 12 LED AC/DC 12V
Best of Travels

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #10 –

I did remove the internal reflectors - discs would not fit without them. 
This is what I bought:  CBConcept 5-Pack, Side-Pin LED G4, 320 Lumens, 2 Watt (20W Equal), Warm...
At 320 lumens, it looks like I went too high.  One of the rare occasions that I did not research the (heck) out of something before buying.
Great responses and a lot of good information.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #11 –

Now you need a good dimmer.  This is about as good as it gets.  When the lights are off, there is an indicator light so you can see where it is.  Dims 5% - 100%.

Amazon.com: ITC (21030-BKBNBK-DB) Black LED Digital Dimmer: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
I did remove the internal reflectors - discs would not fit without them. 
This is what I bought:  CBConcept 5-Pack, Side-Pin LED G4, 320 Lumens, 2 Watt (20W Equal), Warm...

Something to be aware of - those are listed as operating at 12V.  There is likely no circuitry to ensure constant current, which LEDs operate best at.  The coach will generally overdrive the LEDs since house voltage routinely sits above 12V (and can go into the 14's on charging).  These will not have anywhere near as long a life as pucks spec'd with a voltage range (typically 8-20 Vdc or 8-30 Vdc), which is what you need in an RV or marine environment.  Others have also had issue with LEDs overheating in a coach situation.  This is especially a concern with the reflectors having been removed.

Constant-Current?

These LEDs could be dangerous

Yes, constant current LEDs are more expensive, but they are a much better choice for a coach.


For a little casual reading (a poorly titled page on Marine Beam's site)

Read our Idiots Guide
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Before you switch over to LED, some thoughts...

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
I did remove the internal reflectors - discs would not fit without them. 
This is what I bought:  CBConcept 5-Pack, Side-Pin LED G4, 320 Lumens, 2 Watt (20W Equal), Warm...
At 320 lumens, it looks like I went too high.  One of the rare occasions that I did not research the (heck) out of something before buying.
Great responses and a lot of good information.
I keep everything. I threw the inner disc out. So stuck with just the LED's now.
My friend Matt (who is our Austrian FT owner) is bringing me some back from Europe this winter. I tried to get them here, but too spending to ship.Even talked to the manufacture direct. I have one of these in our map light, with no reflector, it works awesome.

SEBSON 10 x G4 LT 2.5W LED Warm White 20W Replacement for Light Bulb 200lm...

CW
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348