Visit our Popular Forums

thecatsandi · 07-02-2007, 06:10 PM

When I was last at the factory in December I picked up an 18 inch florescent light assembly to place over my sink and prep space. This replaced my 12 inch assembly. What to do with the "old" 12 inch light assembly? Well I held on to it until I figured out what it would be used for. I spent much of the winter in and out of the trailer staying with friends and family. I finally settled down in Boise for the summer. Which means I started using the shower stall regularly. Meaning I had to shave my legs. After a couple of time of doing this I realized I was missing spots. regularly. I did not have enough light to see what I was doing. So the extra 12 florescent lamp was installed in the shower stall this afternoon. Three times the light output of the old fixture. The only issue is the unit in the shower cannot be switched. Some code thing. Thanks Randy at the Factory. No problem I just bypassed it. This evening when I shower I will find out how well it works.
Picture one is the new fixture in the kitchen and two is the fixture in the shower.

Silvertwinkie · 07-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Neat idea.

Marti · 07-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Husband want to put a fluorescent light in the Kitchen area....

thecatsandi · 07-02-2007, 08:55 PM

Well I finished my shower a few minutes ago and I LIKE IT! The fixtrue has a larger foot print but not as think. I finally was able to shave my legs and not miss anything! Yeah.
Next the closet when I stop by the factory in December.

tin sista · 07-02-2007, 09:04 PM

Very cool innovation Michelle! Full-timers give the rest of us great ideas for our trailers!!

Excella CM · 07-02-2007, 09:07 PM

Not that I'm particularly worried about switching a 12 volt light in the shower, but if I was...
There is the simple expedient of using a relay and a magnetic reed type switch like on burglar alarms. Put the switch on the back side of the shower wall and use a magnet to turn the light on and off.

47WeeWind · 07-02-2007, 09:29 PM

Well, even if you had miswired it, you still would have had your leg hairs removed ...... by electrolysis.

The fact that you used your razor proves to us your wiring was up to code.

Neet idea well executed.

safari57 · 07-03-2007, 11:08 PM

Great way to reuse a good piece. I was thinking I'd like to put a light in my back storage compartment for those late night set-up events. It might be a good place to put my old fluorescent light to work. Thanks for causing the brain to kick back in Michelle. Donna will think I'm a genius. Well, ok, she will realize I've read it somewhere............

Barry

SilverToy · 07-03-2007, 11:42 PM

Hello all -

Please forgive my seeming to be dense.... but aren't lights in the storage areas pretty standard??? Guess I never really thought about it. And I guess that my PO was quite innovative, and BUSY!!! I have lights in all read storage areas, incandesents.... might consider getting those to LED's as well.

There have been a time or 20 when I inadvertantly left them on for quite a time....

Virtually EVERY time I read about others units on this site, I am yet again relieved and happy that my SilverToy had a very attentive PO.... so many great ideas that are already in place. Isn't there a saying - Sometimes it is better to be lucky, than good.

Just lucky I guess! Yipee!

Ciao

Axel
SilverToy

rickandsandi · 07-04-2007, 06:38 AM

Greetings Michelle- Randy can do almost anything, a real asset to AS, JC. When you mention couldn't be switched, do you mean have a switch onside the shower? Isn't it wired to a switch outside the shower? If not you could easily have that taken care of.

Rick

thecatsandi · 07-04-2007, 08:26 AM

The fixture in the shower stall cannot be switched. Something about corroding contacts. There is a light switch outside the stall that controls stall and sink/toilet area.

safari57 · 07-04-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverToy

Hello all -

Please forgive my seeming to be dense.... but aren't lights in the storage areas pretty standard??? Guess I never really thought about it. And I guess that my PO was quite innovative, and BUSY!!! I have lights in all read storage areas, incandesents.... might consider getting those to LED's as well.

There have been a time or 20 when I inadvertantly left them on for quite a time....

Virtually EVERY time I read about others units on this site, I am yet again relieved and happy that my SilverToy had a very attentive PO.... so many great ideas that are already in place. Isn't there a saying - Sometimes it is better to be lucky, than good.

Just lucky I guess! Yipee!

Ciao

Axel
SilverToy

Axel

My 1951 Flying Cloud did not come with very much when I acquired it. It was basically used as a park model and primarily for sleeping only, so there was not much in the way of conveniences. Adding the basics was the first priority (toilet, tanks, flooring, decent beds, cupboards and doors etc.) so now I'm into the neat stuff like lights in the dark areas. Not that there is a lot of places this is needed, but there are a few areas. I'm thinking I may use a small clip on light with it's own battery.

Barry

rickandsandi · 07-04-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

The fixture in the shower stall cannot be switched. Something about corroding contacts. There is a light switch outside the stall that controls stall and sink/toilet area.

Well I find that strange since our Safari has a wet bath and we have a switched light. Oh well. So you have to turn it on and off with the switch on the light unit? Isn't that a little scarry when your hand are wet?

Aerowood · 07-04-2007, 10:31 AM

Getting DC wet is not a safety concern like AC is. As Michelle pointed out corroded switch contacters is an operations issue.

vswingfield · 07-04-2007, 03:07 PM

Hi Michelle,

Good job. I too replaced the 12” light over the sink and prep space with an 18” unit in my Excella. I also replaced one in the hall between the bathroom and the closet. Very dark in there. What to do with the extra 12s? Simple replace two 12s that weren’t working.

The factory lights certainly look better than the Thin-Lite units in mine.

Vaughan

thecatsandi · 07-04-2007, 05:09 PM

My switch is next to my sink and my hand are usually dry by the time I turn it off.

whitelight · 07-04-2007, 07:17 PM

PERKO 1253-DP1-WHT

Coming from a sail boat background, we're aware of several 12V lights that can be used outdoors on a boat. These lights have seals that allow exposure to more moisture, which promotes corrosion.

We installed this Perko light in the shower of our 1974 31' center bath. The switch is very water resistant (i.e. corrosion resistant). Obviously, the light was installed away from the direct stream of the shower. Yes, it does use a type 1156 bulb, so it draws more amperage. We only used when showering to minimise the power draw (and we lived to tell this tale . . . .)

thecatsandi · 07-04-2007, 08:16 PM

I went for the florescent for two reasons. I already had it. And I need more light. The low profile of the florescent light is a plus in a confined space.

slowmover · 11-22-2007, 07:44 AM

Our various Silver Streaks always had a 12V lamp mounted just inside the shower door, high up on the wall. Brand is JENSEN, with a face mount sliding switch.. Age on ours is the same as the trailer, nearly a quarter-century. It is great having a light, and we have two people showering daily for periods much longer than a boondocker. Also, humidity is 80% or better since May where we have been. Ergo, I don't see a problem with a corrosion-resistant lamp fixture mounted properly. If it went I'd go for a $$$ sailboat piece.