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dreamstreem · 10-09-2011, 11:16 AM

just purchased a 2011 20 ft FC. My wife does not like the led lighting, thinks it is harsh and likes the old halogen lighting. Dealer says they will change led out to the old halogen. Any thoughts?

tpi · 10-09-2011, 11:26 AM

Hello and welcome.

I don't see a problem with changing it out as long as you're usually hooked up to power when you camp.

A couple alternatives, ask dealer about installing warm white LEDs if possible. I have them in my trailer and they aren't that noticeable if you didn't know they are there. But I have standard 1141 fixtures so LED replacements are easy to find. Also consider leaving a few LEDs for low wattage lighting for the inevitable times the trailer isn't plugged in.

PS if Airstream is reading this, default color temp for any LED should be warm white. If some floor plans are determined to look better with cool white for artistic purposes, a warm white option should be available. In general living spaces are not lit with cool white lighting (color temp over 3000K).

Wabbiteer · 10-09-2011, 12:21 PM

The bluish light (4500-6500° Kelvin) LEDs get a boost from having phosphors similar to a fluorescent tube - which boost their output per watt compared to a warm-white (2700-3000°K) LED. Changing back to a warmer white color will reduce the overall 'punch' of lumen light strength as well as shift the color of the light...

Al - K4GLU · 10-09-2011, 02:32 PM

My advice is wait a bit. I have a 2011 25' Flying Cloud and am fulltime and after a week or so I was completely used to the LEDs. My lights do not have a "blue" look. But if you do make the change the entire fixture will have to be replaced.

THEPILL · 10-09-2011, 03:32 PM

I would like to replace my Halogens in my storage bins <6 total> with leds....wanna trade?

Shane

dreamstreem · 10-10-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEPILL

I would like to replace my Halogens in my storage bins <6 total> with leds....wanna trade?

Shane

Not at this time Shane but thanks.

MrUKToad · 10-10-2011, 08:59 AM

I personally like the bright LEDs but it's all a matter of choice, isn't it? For me, the power saving properties of LEDs far outweigh the relative harshness of the light.

Excella CM · 10-10-2011, 09:08 AM

LEDs are available in warm white which gets around th antiseptic blue color that most peple find cold or harsh.

dreamstreem · 10-11-2011, 05:30 PM

What are thoughts on putting a dimmer switch on my 2011 FC to tone down the harsh led lights? Anyone know if it is possible to put a dimmer switch( like what comes in the 2012's)?

Al - K4GLU · 10-11-2011, 05:44 PM

Adding a dimmer should not be a problem. Bought a couple when I was at Airstream in Sept but have not gotten around to adding them to my trailer yet. If you decide to go the dimmer route the Airstream stock # is 512496-01 and the cost is $43.99. If you haven't seen the dimmers Airstream uses in action they only knock the light level down about 50%.

triplenet · 10-11-2011, 05:56 PM

What a coincidence on timing! As one member asks about replacing LED's w/ halogens, I'm in our coach replacing halogens w/ LED's.
Yes, the light is different. I replaced all the halogens w/ LED's as the halogen light does seem more appealing, but without the comparison, I don't notice it. I made the change for heat and to a lesser extent for reduced power use.

I've used a few LED's in our house recessed can lights. If it weren't for the high cost, I change them all out.

Try the LED's for a while. I would pay extra for an LED upgrade.

Bob

valmog · 10-11-2011, 06:56 PM

We have a 2012 International with both the LED lights and the dimmer switches. The dimmer switches don't do enough in my opinion and the LED lights are just too "cold" feeling. You can order the warmer colored LED lights on the Airstream website...spendy but I think they'll be worth it. I can't stand having the lights on except for the warm one on the hood vent over our stove. Can't wait to switch my lights out!

THEPILL · 10-11-2011, 08:31 PM

I have 6 halogens..In my BINs that I'd be happy to trade out for anyones LED's.

Pm me if interested.

Shane

Bird's Nest · 10-11-2011, 09:44 PM

My thought is that halogens are hot and they suck energy.
The upgrade to LED is pricy if you change your mind.
Choose either the under counter or ceiling lights for halogen and keep the others LED so that you have the option of reducing heat and saving power when that is more important than ambiance. Use the halogens only when you are plugged in. That is what we did when we went from hologen to LED.
I think halogens are less expensive so hang on to the LEDs. The bulbs are easy to replace once you get the hang of removing the rings.