Info.on 12v LED Lights.........

[Ranger3/75]

Trying to get info.on sources and installation of converting my interior lights to LED types.Any info.would be appreciated.Also,can they be installed in the original light fixtures?
 
Thanks in advance for information..............

[jeepmaniowa]

Trying to get info.on sources and installation of converting my interior lights to LED types.Any info.would be appreciated.Also,can they be installed in the original light fixtures?
 
Thanks in advance for information..............

I replaced my incandescant bulbs with LEDs from //www.superbrightleds.com

I used two different styles.  I have 2 of the 9 LED surface mount style.
One in each fixture, and 2 of the regular style LED.  I have a 3 position switch for my light fixtures (Off, one bulb on, both bulbs on).

The 9PCB (printed circuit board) style are much brighter than the other style LEDs.

They aren't as bright as the 18watt incandescant, but good enough and use way less energy.

Also, I bought some LED lights from CostCo and placed those on the ceiling.  Now I have lights over my couch and shower and cooking area.
All for under $20.00.  And I use rechargeable eneloop (Sanyo) batteries for those.

I really need to get off my butt and take some pictures, and post those.  

Later,

Bob

[austinado16]

If you do a quick search you'll find the 2 big threads where we were talking about them, and several of us converted.  It started in one of the stickied solar panel threads, but there was a seperate LED thread right after that.  Both list part numbers and show pictures.  Here's the link from the "Dry Camping" forum: http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=66608

I converted at that time, and while I haven't camped with them yet, I was very pleased with the amount of light they put out from the overhead ceiling fixtures.

You'll spend about $25 per 9LED assembly, and buy the 3M double sided installation tape that's offered.  I also bought one for the amber porch light, although I regret getting amber LEDs.  I should have purchased clear LEDs, but there was some confusion (on my part) as to what clear LEDs would look like shining through the amber lens.

A little spendy up front, but it really makes an impact on how long your battery will last when dry camping.

[Bluedog225]

I've been running a test on for my lighting system for my trailer.

I bought a Sylvania DOT-it Self-Adhesive Bright White LED Light from Home Despot.  The can also be found online for about $6.00.  E.g.:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-Self-Adhesive-Bright-White-Black/dp/B000CMGXPM

I believe they are made both dim able and regular.  Mine has 3 active settings (one where each LED is lit).

I accidentally left it on last Saturday at 1pm.  I have let it run at full power since to see how long it would take the 3 factory AAA batteries to run down.

I am looking at it right now and it is still burning full power.  That's 144 hours at full power on the factory alkaline batteries.  Ten of these (5 down each side of the ceiling) will run around $60 and last many seasons.  I had no idea LEDs were that efficient.

I also picked up a battery operated fan I am told will last 24-48 hours on one set of 4 D batteries.  Not warm enough to test it yet.

I am going start a new thread later after I have put together some more info but, thanks to austinado16, I am thinking about a whole new approach to my solar system.

Instead of a large panel and 12v deep cycle battery, I am thinking of a small charger for AAA through D rechargeable cells and run everything off those.  

Much less expensive and flexible.  Little or no wiring.  Lighter. etc.

You may find it cheaper/better to just buy a couple of fixture mounted LEDs for heavy use areas and battery operated LED's to stick them where you need them.  The rest of the incandescent bulbs/fixtures could stay in place for backup.

Just a thought.

Tom

[Ranger3/75]

Tom,Bob, and Austinado16,thank you both for imput.
 
Think I will start with the 9led type in 2 ceiling fixtures,then may just get some LED sticky types at Walmart.Maybe get a battery charger,or just replace them as they die..
 
Am also,considering using a solar panel to keep my battery charged.But not real good with electronics,sooooooooo may use a generator.But dont like the noise,camp for the nature and quiet.I only use a 12v,105a battery,was hoping to use 2 Batteries,but dont have enough room on tounge,with lift system,lp tank.
 
Again,thanks for your ideas.Will have to do more research.Enjoy this site,and all the experienced people here............Jim

[austinado16]

Another lighting option I like is the battery powered fluorescents.  I found them at the local hardware store.  They run on AA batteries and there's a version that takes that short single tube, and another version that takes the longer single tube (the thin tubes).  The work great, crank out the light, and run forever on batteries.  Glue a couple of rare-earth magnets to the back (find them in old computer hard drives) and they'll grab the overhead poles in your bunk ends like crazy.

You might find you don't need a solar charger once you take the loads off the battery.

[carapr]

I have not purchased any of these yet but I am going to give them a try. For the price I don't think you can go wrong.

http://www.meritline.com/searchnew.aspx?SearchTerm=led+tent

[austinado16]

Those do look good. If you buy one, report back!