donee
Simi Valley, Ca. 93063
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Joined: 03/05/2006
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This is more of a question than an issue.
We recently got an 05 Monaco Class C.
Im thinking about replacing the bulds in all but the florescent fixtures with L E D s.
I dont want to replace the fixtures themselves if I dont have to.
Where would be a good place to get LED s?
Thanks.
05 Monaco Esquire 29PBD
05 Silver Dodge Cummins w/3.73 gears 4 spd
(reserved for future call sign)
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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I'm curious --- Why?
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
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donee
Simi Valley, Ca. 93063
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I thought about replacing the incadesent bulbs with L E D s to reduce the draw on the batteries when boondocking.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Have you calculated how many minutes of generator run time you would reduce with the change? I personally don't like LED lighting. You might try one first and see if you like the light from them.
Jim
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JUrban
Delaware
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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We replaced all our halogen and incandescents with LED's from here LED as we do a lot of boondocking.
The actual light LED's put out is very different from ordinary bulbs as it it almost monochromatic. Things will just look different than you are used to. In addition there is no easy way to get brightness values you are looking for by using a formula or other trick. LED's are directional, and the beam width varies by what they use and how they mount it. In addition the fixture you put it into also makes a difference. Sort of like comparing the light from a spotlight and a crystal chandelier. Both may put out the same light but very different.
All that said, try a few bulbs and see if they work for you in your rig. Then you can think about if a complete changeover is in your future. They are still quite pricey, but if you want to save power no other approach even comes close.
John
2008 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' QSP
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nny12972
NY
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Joined: 10/25/2006
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I agree completely with "try one first!"
Keep in mind that most LED "bulbs"(made to replace conventional auto-type bulbs) are going to project light out the round end---even those that have many LEDs spread around the bulb are gonna' "waste" a lot of that light. LED fixtures are usually going to direct the light where YOU want it!
Your understanding that LEDs in general save power is understated----they put out about the same ambient light for about 1/10 the power----BUT---there are the trade-offs mentioned...considering fuel prices and noise, I wouldn't even consider the genset thing.....you can easily break even in a short time---probably a month or so of full-timimg----just adding a couple of good batteries.
That said---Google 12V LED lights and you'll find zillions of suppliers.....in my experience, marine supply retailers have far better fixtures----just using an LED "bulb" is unlikely to make you happy.......
I use many different LED fixtures for such things as porch lights, nite lights, and general lighting, but I stick with 5W, 10W, and 20W halogens for specific task lighting......reading and telling when the steak is done is virtually impossible for me with the stark, blue-white LEDs.....and that's pretty much all that's available to replace the auto bulbs....
For a start, look at the LED lighting available at Cabella's catalog.......I've used many of their inexpensive units for many years....also West Marine catalog....I mention the marine-grade not because I have $$ to throw away---it's just that their bulbs and fixtures are bullet-proof compared to the average RV pegboard variety, or box store brands.
J.
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pkunk
Questa, NM
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While some may need halogen lights for their poor old tired eyes, I found that a couple of the super bright LEDs from bright LEDs
not only are bright enough for my 66 year old eyes to read by but also only consume 180 ma ea. Two in one fixture is sometimes too bright.
1989 Allegro, 30 ft., 454 CI 4 BBL, 3 spd.auto, 125gal.gas tank,85g.water & 85 grey &75 black holding tanks. 3-12v Optima 31m coach batteries
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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I just took a look at the link pkunk posted. The interior fixtures in my GS take one or two 12v bulbs and would need their "side firing" 30 LED bulb as a replacement. That would be $60.00 per two light fixture!! I have a total of 20 12v bulbs in my interior lighting. $600.00 for light bulbs. Where is the saving with that??
Jim
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pkunk
Questa, NM
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I only replace the most used ones. The savings is not having to ever replace the bulbs & the minimal usage of battery during dry camping. To me, running the generator is not what I want to do in a quiet dry camp.
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copter
Viagra helps a
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Man these links posted are way overpriced... Look around and look for different kelvin value (warm white) to get rid of the "blue" in white LED's.
06 GRAYSTONE LBZ | MBRP 4" TURBO BACK | NOR*CALTRUCK 4-6 LIFT | AMP STEPS | 4300k HID'S | KMC DIESELS
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