LED lighting retrofit for interior lights

[Westfalia]

I have never used the Superbright LED G4 side pin bulb. They might have a wider angle emiter at 120 degrees beam pattern (listed). I can say that the IMTRA bulb has 8 emitters, a 60 or 90 degree beam pattern (I have the 90 degree model) and a 3 year warranty for just a few bucks more a bulb.

[ronstory]

I believe this is still on topic so here goes.

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?

[nangoff]

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

[ronstory]

Gerry--

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still looking for lights and like the flexiblity of the good old halogen.

[Wayne&Sam]

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.

[ronstory]

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

Overhead Halogen Lighting - Marine

[DreamStreamr]

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.