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Topic: Thinlite ballast (Read 471 times) previous topic - next topic

Thinlite ballast

Does anyone have an old one around they could send.  Or an inexpensive substitution?

We are not ready to replace all of the fixtures and LED tubes we have bought.  $40 for a replacement ballast on Amazon seems like a lot!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #1 –
I may have one or 2 in the freecycle store room. I will check here a little later and get back to you.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #2 –
Ya, Matt, with the number of people going to LED's should be able to come up with a few.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #3 –
Matt,

Just got back and looked around. None were found. A while back someone else ask for one and I must have sent all that I had left.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #4 –
Thanks for checking mike!

I will give it a couple of days to see if someone pops up.  They are available, not a huge amount of money.  It just hurts, knowing the moment I hit "buy," someone out there has just completed an LED conversion, and is throwing ten functional ballasts in the trash!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #5 –
Are you talking about ballast for bay lights
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #6 –
The two-bulb Thinlite fluorescent fixtures that are inset into the ceiling in the bedroom and living area of our coach.  I think they were used for many years, many models, many brands.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #7 –
Matt,

Don't know if all Thinlight florescent fixtures use the same ballast, but probably a good idea to post what bulb is in the fixture(s) in question.

It is possible that longer bulbs take  different ballasts-- I have no idea.

But, that would insure you are getting what you need.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #8 –
Matt I thought I had some stashed away but couldn't find them we used these ( Upgraded LED Interior Light Bar, MIHAZ 108LED 12V Universal Light Strip with ON/Off Switch for RV Van Truck Lorry Camper Boat Caravan Motorhome (2 Pcs))
Bought off amazon back in 2019 they have been working fine since then ordered 2 pair (4bulbs) for about $32 but I just checked and they are not currently available
just type  RV led light bar they have a lot available
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #10 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Does anyone have an old one around they could send.  Or an inexpensive substitution?

We are not ready to replace all of the fixtures and LED tubes we have bought.  $40 for a replacement ballast on Amazon seems like a lot!

Be careful with the replacement ballast.  The ones I found were old stock and aftermarket and the transistor needs a heat sink.  I burned up several before I gave up and began switching to LEDs.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #11 –
Here are photos of the light fixture and of the ballast, in case it might help someone later.

I have ordered the fixtures that were recommended above.  All will be good.

Thanks all!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #12 –
Matt,

Again, ballasts MAY  BE sized by what bulb(s) they run.

What bulb and confirm how many bulbs.

Lots of people have converted to LED, so there should some ballasts lying around.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #13 –

Matt sorry i didnt save my old ones. Never gave it a thought. Between being 20+ years old, huge power consumption compared to LED conversion. Elimination of 600 volt AC operation and associated fire risk, mine were tossed as I removed them in the trash.
Amazon.com: Ei-Home 5050-12 SMD G4 LED Bulbs, DC 12V RV light Bulbs,Replace...

ICIH (Pack-10 Aluminum DC12V 0.7A 8W SMD2835 72LED 0.5M/20 Rigid Hard LED...

I will be adding higher density lighting and dimmers to control the way excess lighting. I really like being able to have daylight intensity if needed and dimming down to night light glow if I want too. Amazing the advances in LEDs and dimming  all under 14 volts DC and minimal power consumption

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #14 –
Matt
Sent you a pm.
I have some I removed
Peter
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Thinlite ballast

Reply #15 –
When I changed to led strips I kept the tubes and ballasts for a short time and then got rid of
them as I couldn't see anyone wanting them as it is so easy to put the strips in and they are a
way better light.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport