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LED Light conversion question

I've been researching gutting out my existing fluorescent lights and replacing them with LED strips. I've picked up a huge amount of information thanks to Roger, Pierce, Ken and many others on this forum. I was getting ready to order the LE 16.4ft 5050 lights which had been recomended when I noticed that it states on the Amazon site that they require a 5v power adapter. I was under the belief that I would be able to directly tie in  to the old fixtures wire, minus ballast, and just solder the wires to the tabs on the strip. Am I missing something?

Thanks,
Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #1 –

I'm in the process of doing mine right now.  I got these from Amazon:    Amazon.com: LE 2 Pack 16.4ft Flexible LED Light Strip, 300 Units SMD 2835...

They are 12 vdc and I cut the wires going to the ballast, tied to them with wires that I soldered to the strips.  Just remember to observe correct polarity.

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Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #3 –
Larry, there are LEDs lights and strips of all voltages.  Select ones that specify 12v as a nominal voltage.  Most of these will work over the voltage range common to your coach.  The strips folivier referenced are daylight white.  These have a Kelvin temperature about 6,000 degrees.  These are bright white, tending toward blue.  The warm white (sometimes called cool white) strips run closer to 3,000 degrees and are closer in color to the exisiting halogen lights, a warmer color more towards incandescent yellow.

I have used the warm white inside the coach, it is just more comfortable for us.  In the basement bays I use the daylight white, brighter and great for that function.

There are lots of great dimmers out there and even network connectable dimmers, some that work with Alexa.  These have a very high cool factor.  We have some of both lighting and light levels controlled by voice or anywhere from your phone. Neat!

Ask away ... lots of good experience and a variety of opinions.  The more you learn the better you will be able to make good choices for yourself.

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

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #4 –
I bought some 21" LED tubes from Eversale that have two rows on LEDs as you can not see each LED when lit.  Great for around the counter and such.  I believe I had to remove the ballast on these tubes.  I am waiting for some 12 inch one now.
This is what it looked like when I bought it home
Rick

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #5 –
I would like to replace the incandescent vanity lights with an LED but having a little difficulty finding a "warm white" color that isn't too harsh. Prefer to stay with the original fixtures and the round style bayonet base.
Agree with Roger..... we like warm white inside the coach and I prefer a "bright" or "cool" white in the bays or work areas.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #6 –
Quote
There are lots of great dimmers out there and even network connectable dimmers, some that work with Alexa.  These have a very high cool factor.  We have some of both lighting and light levels controlled by voice or anywhere from your phone. Neat!/quote]

Curious which controller you used Roger? Id really like to add that cool feature!

Larry, I followed Roger's and others instructions on this forum, using the warm 12v LEDs, (2 strips) plus wiring a simple SPST switch into the fixture to add thee additional strips using the brighter white LEDs for when you need lots of bright light. Its a nice enhancement. I also spray painted the plastic mounting perimeter with a hammered brown/bronze finish. Looks nice, covers the yellowing white plastic that was showing its age... Use Roger's tip on the glazers tape, it made the fabrication very easy and will hold the strips better. Soldering connections was also very easy.

Jeff
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #7 –
Thanks for your responses everyone. I appreciate all the good feedback,

Folivier, if I understand you correctly, it is how I expected. Cut the ballast out of the picture and tie straight into the existing wires.

Maz, any particular reason for this brand versus the LE brand?

Roger, I am looking at buying 2 rolls each of the 3000K and 6000K strips. Yesterday, I bought a new light for the bedroom closet from Costco. It is LED, dimmable from 2700K to 5000K. After viewing the differences, we think that we will use the 3000K strips the following way: 2 in living area, 1 in hallway & 1 in bedroom 3000K. One in bathroom and 1 by the refrigerator 6000K. the rest of the 6000K I plan on going into the bays. Haven't decided what I want in the cabinets.

Rick, I've seen the tube type, but haven't researched enough to sway my decision.

FourTravelers, You have the same vanity lights that I have in the bedroom and bathroom. I want to change them also. If you find some that are acceptable, be sure to post &/or send me a PM letting me know.

Again my thanks to all who have commented. Still looking forward to more input from the rest of the collective.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #8 –
Jeff, I have been debating on Roger's idea of the extra strips with switch. I like the idea and will probably mock one up to decide. As I age, more light=more better :)) I like the idea of painting the fixture. At 22 yrs old, it would help the appearance. I too will use the glazers tape. Failure is not going to be an option ^.^d

Thaks for the input,
Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #9 –
Okay, still researching. What/how much difference are the 5050 lights from the 2835?

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #10 –
Here's one explanation:  Numbers and LEDs: What does 2835, 3528 and 5050 mean?
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #11 –
Thanks Folivier, I'll check it out.  I love this forum :D

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #12 –
One thing to consider is if these led strips are going behind a frosted lens cover (like in the overhead fluorescents) then the color temperature may be lowered somewhat.  At least that is what it seems like to me.  Either way color temperature is a personal choice.  My wife and I prefer a higher 4000K+ color temperature.  I find it helps with our aging eyes and brings up the contrast so working, cooking, etc. is a bit easier.  Our S&B house is all led, except for the fluorescents, and are 4000-5000k.  Another thing I like about the higher temps. are it gives you a more natural color rendition.  Kind of like gray sunglasses vs. green.
Unfortunately when buying led strips or bulbs there is no guarantee of the actual temperature. 
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #13 –

The better quality strips will specify color temperature.  Everyone's preference for color is different and where, when and for what purpose the lights are being used makes a difference too. 

We find that in the evening we don't need much light for general light.  During the day lighting is usually more task specific so we use more.

The strips are not very expensive so my suggestion is to get one of each temperature, all else being the same and see what you think.  You don't need the waterproof strips inside the coach and the basement bays.  The waterproof strips tend to get hotter which reduces life and makes them not stick so well.

These are higher quality 6,000° 5050 strips.
Amazon.com: LE 300 SMD 5050 LEDs Flexible Strip Lights, 6000K Daylight...

And the same in 3,000°
Amazon.com: LE 16.4ft 300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs Flexible Light Strip, 3000K...

Having a small plugin 12v power supply lets you test lights as you go before hooking then up to the coach.  This is a 2 amp power supply.  There are 3 and 5 amp available as well.
Amazon.com: LE DC 12V 2A Power Supply Adapter, AC 100-240V to DC 12V...

Under the microwave we are using a 6,000° LED for task lighting. These bulbs are great.
KINDEEP Ceramic E17 LED Bulb for Microwave Oven Appliance, 40W Halogen Bulb...

Roger

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

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #14 –
Thanks again to everyone for your invaluable insight. I have just placed the largest order on Amazon that I have ever done. (Lead a sheltered life O:) ) I ordered 2 rolls ea of the 5050 3000k, 5050 6000k, 2835 6000k light strips, 2 packs of rocker switches, shrink wrap, solder, power supply and glazing tape.

I plan on playing with the 3 types of light strips to see which we like best. Plan on 2-3 strips ea w/ a parallel 2-3 (5 total) on a rocker switch.

My wife implied that you all are a bad influence on me, but she says she can't wait to see the results. She is getting excited to get back into the rig and rolling down the highway.

Ordered new Toyo tires yesterday, should be getting them week after next. If the weather breaks, next weekend I will put the new batteries in and fire her up, begin dewinterizing and clean up.

Thanks again for all the great advice and support,

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #15 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
Maz, any particular reason for this brand versus the LE brand?

No reason other than price I guess.

Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: LED Light conversion question

Reply #16 –
The biggest problem I have had with LED strips are connections.  Some have had good luck with the squeeze on connectors.  Just a bit more work to solder them gains a lot of reliability.

The LE brand has been a standout for me, very consistant performance. They have better adhesive backing than most but I still use the glaziers tape anyway.  I would avoid the waterproof strips unless it is in an area prone to getting wet.  The covering will cause them to operate at higher temps.  The components between the LED elements get hot and discolor the covering and the strips sometimes fail.

All of these different comsumer brands are within a few bucks of each other.  Try them out and see which one works for you.  The time and effort to redo lights inside your cabinets for example, makes using good quality lights to begin with a good choice.  And that is not always easy to determine.

The commercial brands are significantly more expensive in exchange for way better reliability, performance and life expectancy.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN