We are very happy with the LEDs from SuperBrightLEDs.com. The running lights, step light, and patio light were replaced 7/08 and are working out well. Since then, their price has been reduced.
SilverGate,
Could you specify which bulbs you used for the running lights, step light, and patio light.
I'm going to put round 3"ish recessed lights into a 75 Safari. I'm looking at either putting in recessed dedicated LED lights (like found on sailorsams.com) or just opting for the standaed halogen variety since it give me the option of the 10W, 5W halogen bulbs plus the option to convert to LED.
I'm concerned that LED may not be bright enough and then I'll be stuck with limited options.
Ideas or observations for those folks that have bravely gone before?
Having been down the road with G4 based lights, halogen, and led replacements, I'd stick with 5 watt halogens, and replace the 10 watt bulbs that came with your unit. Buy the 5 watters on e-bay. The LED's simply don't put out the light and you need to be very careful that they don't over heat and have good dc voltage (meaning a very good regulated supply). Gerry
When I was on the factory tour last week I saw a box of LED light that be replacements for the halogens in a Safari. We asked about them, thinking they would be used in upcoming units. They said they tried them but they didn't provide enough light so they won't be using them.
I like the option of a lot of light when plugged in so I've gone with a few LED fixtures from West Marine. I use them when I'm concerned about saving power. They provide just enough light to make breakfast and not wake up Sam.
Just got back from the Airstream dealer in Eugene, OR. We were driving back from Ashland and decide to swing by. I really like the small halogon lights in the newer AR, specially the spring loaded mounting design.
Does anyone know who makes them? I found a similar design at ITC marine
Ron,
We removed and replaced the 10w halogens from the four overhead bins and the four reading lights. We installed 5w xenon bulbs in these. We read the xenons generate less heat (good in itself) and may therefore last longer. We use the overhead bins for ambient lighting and are very happy with the 1/2 lighting level and even more with the reduced power load on our batteries.
We're going to reinstall the 10w halogens in the two aircraft style reading lights at either end of the sofa. When Debbie is needlepointing or either of us are reading small print the brighter light is well worth the extra load of 10 more watts total.
The bathroom light has two bulbs and a three-position switch -- off, one, two. We changed the one bulb to 5 watts. The other, I think, is 20 watts. So showering or toileting one can choose between low light and very bright light. And the resultant battery consumption difference.
The dozen or so overhead 10w halogens we use only for housekeeping or searching for that lost aspirin on the floor. They stay off otherwise. So we've kept them at full power.
We just added a new task light to our lifespace -- an Ott-Lite (OTL13TCG). Has a 13watt twin tube fluorescent bulb in a hinged cover, uses 110 volts. Turns on the light when you raise the cover. Lamp sits on sofa arm or dinette or front window shelf. Gives the most light of all we have. Working out great so far for when we are on shore power.
LEDs may eventually become inexpensive enough to warrant replacing the overhead bin lights, but does not seem likely. We are extremely unlikely to burn most of these xenons or halogens out as infrequently as we use them. The xenons are highly rated for hours lifetime. We could use less light in the overhead bins but the led prices aren't attracting us. Nowhere else would we see anywhere worth reducing our light levels.
Because LED's are still a new technology, there are a lot of small companies making them, some good and some not. There are definitely some bad LED bulbs for sale as has been reported previously on the Forum. As first adopters, we all face the problem of trying to figure out which to buy and which to avoid. I got the ones to replace the halogens from lewster (he uses them himself in his trailer) and he recommended the Superbrights for the ones to replace the incandescents. It cost a lot and so far, no problems, but this is early in the time we're using them.
I'm sorry to hear you're having problems Mexray. I know how expensive they are, though we paid no more than $22/lamp—the Superbrights. We paid less for the ones from lewster. I hope you get some satisfaction from Dr. LED and they return your money. And thanks for letting us know to avoid that company.
Mexray, sorry to hear of your bad experiences with LED's. Our popup has had the Superbrights for 3 years and our Airstream going on 2 years with no failures.
Here's a picture of what we found AFTER taking down the puck light and replacing the G4 halogen with the LED. I am in contact with a manufacturer, who made the LED seen in the picture, in Florida who is now talking to Airstream about using their product. As far as I am concerned, after seeing this, these lights will NOT be used until we replace them with LEDs. [IMG]aoladp://MA23550692-0043/DSC01478.JPG[/IMG]
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