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Topic: Fluoresent lights in 98 320. (Read 556 times) previous topic - next topic

Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

I just acquired a 1998 320 from a couple in Atlanta Ga. We drove to MOT and had it gone over. Then on to Northern Ca. with no problems. Just one, awning blew out in wind storm in Texas and now we can't open it. I'm doing a lot of upgrades one by one. The problem I'm stuck on is how to open the wood framed lights overhead. I know this is a kick myself solution but don't want to wreck the light.I bought this Foretravel after stalking this forum for awhile. I'm amazed at the information this contains.


Ed And Carol Smallman
36' 1998 WTFE U320 Foretravel
Enzo, one great German Shepard
Grass Valley CA.
Tahoe City CA

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #1

Some of mine are screwed in with visible screws and the rest are held in place with a catch similar to this, usually 3 on each light

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2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #2
Most of mine I just put my fingers under the lip of the wood and pull down.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #3
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame. Those have the double barrel clips. Before you pull them down. Order a few of the double barrel clips. About half of mine were broken, But luckily they still hold fine.

The lights near the drivers area and in the bedroom have the squeeze to release light covers. The wood frame on those are screwed into the ceiling. And while you are in there. You should change over to LED strips.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #4
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame. Those have the double barrel clips. Before you pull them down. Order a few of the double barrel clips. About half of mine were broken, But luckily they still hold fine.

The lights near the drivers area and in the bedroom have the squeeze to release light covers. The wood frame on those are screwed into the ceiling. And while you are in there. You should change over to LED strips.

What he said.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #5
Tommy.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I broke one of my clips removing a fixture and I have been trying to find the stupid replacement clip. They are made of plastic and get brittle over time.
2002 U270 34' Build 5953
Cummings ISL400HP
3410 Floor Plan
Longview, TX

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #6
Quote
The flush style lights in the kitchen area and bathroom pull down via the wood frame.

Happy,
  Here's a photo of the clip. As said, they get brittle over time. I replaced all of mine. Easy and cheap.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #7
Thanks for all the info.Lights are sure tight, feels like something will break, will order clips and leds.
I saw some suggestions on the new led lights.
Ed And Carol Smallman
36' 1998 WTFE U320 Foretravel
Enzo, one great German Shepard
Grass Valley CA.
Tahoe City CA

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #8
JOR,

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Thanks
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #9
Tommy.

Thanks for the Amazon link. I broke one of my clips removing a fixture and I have been trying to find the stupid replacement clip. They are made of plastic and get brittle over time.

Was in a hurry when I posted that, I would go with on that had a metal clip like Original.

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2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #10
If you are near a HD store. You will not need to buy anymore

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Double-Roller-Catch-Zinc-Plated-15-Pack-9266791/309409822
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #11
Well, in the heat of the moment I drilled the barrel portion (See Joe Pic) and put a screw through the center of it
still working!!!
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Fluoresent lights in 98 320.

Reply #12
Thanks for all the info.Lights are sure tight, feels like something will break, will order clips and leds.
I saw some suggestions on the new led lights.
It's scary as heck cranking real hard on stuff in a motor home. Esp as motor home parts are so darn cheap$$$$.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr