LED bulbs on providing on nice white light
LED bulbs on providing on nice white light
Converting the standard interior camper or RV lights to LED is incredibly easy once you determine the bulb size in the fixtures.
I was not too enthralled with the lighting in my camper. The interior lights were dual 921 bulbs that would get smoking hot when used for a short time (figuratively, not literally) and provided a harsh light. I’m in a Rockwood A128S which is an A frame hardside pop-up camper that folds down in transport and there are warning stickers that lights must cool down before closing the camper. Need I say more?
I was very interested in LED lights. Who needs bulbs heating things up when it’s already hot outside? Who needs to worry about closing up the camper and burning something because the bulbs get so hot? Who needs to bleed their battery dry when running on 12 volt when better alternatives exist?
Experiment
I had no idea what would work. I had seen a forum post that showed LED’s with 2 prongs and the guy said they worked great, but did not say which specific bulb to buy, so I took the lead from that and did more research.
I went with Deal Extreme since the cost of each LED was the best I could find. I didn’t know what I would like so I ordered 3 different kinds to test which worked best. The first one pictured is 51141 — it looks so similar to 126235, but it will not stay in the socket. I ordered 2 of these at $2.30 each. The middle one 34606 comes with multiple plugs for different bulbs sockets. It was the most expensive at $4.74 each. I ordered only one for my trial. I’m glad because I didn’t like it at all since it casts a blue light. The last one is 126235 and cost $4.40 each. I think it’s the best one.
This is bulb #34606 installed
This is the blue light given off by the middle bulb above #34606.
LED bulbs installed with covers on fixture
LED bulbs on providing on nice white light
Deal Extreme is in China. That’s explains the good prices, so be prepared for long ship times and order them well in advance of a trip. The 126235 sell for $4.40 and they don’t charge for shipping so replacing all four bulbs in my camper would run $17.60. Not bad for better light, less power draw, and virtually no heat.
Great idea. Gonna look into this for our boat. Still doing ok at your end?
Love the LED bulbs. Nice bright light and no heat. Just make sure you get the right ones for whatever bulb is used in your boat.