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SusanH363 · 11-05-2006, 08:06 PM

We are just beginning to update our 1991 29" Excella. The first (of many) problems we have run into is updating lighting fixtures. We are looking to replace the 12v lights under the front cabinets in the living room. They are the standard thin-light(?) squares with the sliding on/off switch to the side. Is there anywhere other than Camping World we can find INTERESTING light fixtures? Has anyone tried modifying a standard pendant light (110v) to somehow insert the 12v electrical fixture?
The second light problem we have is the round outside "porch" light. Are there any substitutes that might look better?

Susan
'91 29' Excella

overlander63 · 11-05-2006, 08:19 PM

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
As far as light fixtures, several people have gone to Lowe's, for example, and bought a halogen light fixture with several bulbs in it, and used them in place of the OEM lights. The trick is to make sure the halogen fixture is one that has 12 v capsules, and a step down transformer. Take the lights out of the fixture, and use them individually.
The big round "scare light" pretty much is what it is, if you take it out you will have a 5 or 6 inch round hole in the side of your trailer. Many people install amber bulbs in it, so as not to attract so many bugs.

SusanH363 · 11-05-2006, 08:35 PM

The Lowe's lights are a good idea! That may be what we do, but I am still hoping to find a way to do something different - like short pendants, maybe.

boatdoc · 11-06-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusanH363

We are just beginning to update our 1991 29" Excella. The first (of many) problems we have run into is updating lighting fixtures. We are looking to replace the 12v lights under the front cabinets in the living room. They are the standard thin-light(?) squares with the sliding on/off switch to the side. Is there anywhere other than Camping World we can find INTERESTING light fixtures? Has anyone tried modifying a standard pendant light (110v) to somehow insert the 12v electrical fixture?
The second light problem we have is the round outside "porch" light. Are there any substitutes that might look better?

Susan
'91 29' Excella

Hi Susan: Try www.hellamarine.com www.golight.com www.innovativelight.com www.progressivedyn.com Good luck Susan, "Boatdoc"

rickandsandi · 11-06-2006, 07:54 AM

Sue-

Welcome! Finding attractive, functional 12V lighting is becoming harder and harder. We had been looking for sometime to replace the standard $7.00 ceiling lights in our Safari. The halogen option is nice but two very important things to remember when installing halogens in any TT. 1) they get very hot! 2) They drain batteries very fast. If you plan on doing any amount of boondocking, do not use halogens as your primary light source. I have seen six ceiling halogens kill a battery in a few as three hours. Where and how you mount them is also very important as they do generate a lot oh heat. For us, we found some wonderful light at JC in the shop. We have found a few very nice fictures at our local lighting specialty shop. A little more expensive than at a generic home center, but once converted to 12V they are very attractive and have that special look.

Good luck on your quest!

uwe · 11-06-2006, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

Sue-

Welcome! Finding attractive, functional 12V lighting is becoming harder and harder. We had been looking for sometime to replace the standard $7.00 ceiling lights in our Safari. The halogen option is nice but two very important things to remember when installing halogens in any TT. 1) they get very hot! 2) They drain batteries very fast. If you plan on doing any amount of boondocking, do not use halogens as your primary light source. I have seen six ceiling halogens kill a battery in a few as three hours. Where and how you mount them is also very important as they do generate a lot oh heat. For us, we found some wonderful light at JC in the shop. We have found a few very nice fictures at our local lighting specialty shop. A little more expensive than at a generic home center, but once converted to 12V they are very attractive and have that special look.

Good luck on your quest!

Rickandsandi: I have to respectfully disagree with your take on the halogen lights.
I run 18 of them in my 63 Overlander, of course not all at once.
The lights do not run as hot as is commonly stated, I can attest to that. The fixtures are plastic, with a reflector inside. The light is directed down, and is of a very good color quality. The given light output for a 10W halogen lamp is greater than that of a regular 10W bulb. This means that the lamp is more efficient, requiring less lamps to do the lighting job.
The energy consumption of these lights is either 5Weach or 10W each.
If halogen lights killed a battery in 3 hours, then there is defintely something wrong with the installation, or battery.

Susan H: You can use just about any 120V fixture that has a screw base type light bulb holder. 12V light bulbs with standard size medium screw bases are readily available at RV supply houses.

SusanH363 · 11-06-2006, 05:49 PM

Wow! How does anyone get anything done without these forums? Rick & Sandi and also UWE have made comments about either converting or just using 12v light bulbs that screw into a regular 120 fixture. Forgive my total lack of electrical knowledge, but isn't the wiring different for 12v vs 120? If you "convert," what's involved?
Susan

overlander63 · 11-06-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusanH363

If you "convert," what's involved?
Susan

Basically unscrewing the 120 volt bulb, and screwing in a 12 volt (dc) bulb. I have 75 watt 12 volt bulbs in our Overlander 12 volt fixtures. Just make sure the wire that contacts the center of the bulb base is the 12 volt + wire, and the other is ground.
There are several threads about LED lighting, which is extremely low current draw. White LED lights are available with a base that will go right into the $7 fixture with the #1141 bulb you have now. Power consumption will be dropped by over 75%, depending on light, and heat will be reduced by even more.

SusanH363 · 11-06-2006, 06:39 PM

Thank you to everyone for the ideas! I think I have a better idea about how to find light fixtures now. I guess the major considerations if I use a standard (120) light fixture will be weight and how how deep the fixture is when installed. Then trace the wiring and make sure the 12v+ wire is the center contact. Have I got it right?

klattu · 11-06-2006, 08:16 PM

Ever try LEDs?

This place has 'Edison' base bulbs too...
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ons-27274.html

rmpray · 11-28-2006, 07:05 PM

Just starting to rehaba73 Sov. The LED availability is rapidly increasing...still pricy but dropping quickly. These would be great for stretching battery life.

Bubbles · 12-10-2006, 07:02 PM

Hi All, we are new to the Airstresam forum with a 63 Bambi and are trying to purchase a goose neck wall lamp that is mounted in the front of the trailer. One is missing and we want to stay with the old design. It is a gold color shield with stars stamps through the shade with a copper base and adjustable lock on the side. AnY ideas? Bubbles

Riley · 12-10-2006, 08:27 PM

I have not used these folks but they have one of the "best" lighting products web sites that I've found.

Pegasus Associates Lighting - Unique Lighting Products for Your Special Needs

05ModPod · 12-11-2006, 07:12 AM

Try Marine Lighting - they have a large selection of 12 and 24volt - regular and led lighting solutions.

Some may be expensive - but the marined discount or surplus stores are good for a baragoooooon once and a while. Just google "Marine lighting" and you can spend hours shopping.

There are lots of low "heat" low power source holegens on the market as well so don't automatically rule them out.

Bubbles · 12-12-2006, 02:45 PM

Thanks all for your help. I'm on my way to look some more. Bubbles

rickandsandi · 12-12-2006, 02:53 PM

Greetings Riley-

Hey great site! Thanks for sharing.

bake315 · 12-12-2006, 04:05 PM

Another good site for 12 volt lighting and other such things...

**moosetags** · 12-12-2006, 06:29 PM

Since you have to replace the 12 volt lighting anyway, I would strongly suggest going LED. They use 20% of the power of standard bulbs, burn cool to the touch, and last practically forever. I am planning a conversion to all LED lighting in my 2005 Safari.

There are a couple of strings on these Forums that explain LED conversions. They should come up on a basic search.

tbettes · 06-25-2010, 09:44 PM

I just replaced the thin lights that were recessed behind the curtain covers. I am not electrically minded but it was super simple. I bought 3 50cm strips with 75 led's on each ($30 total cost including shipping). I took the thinlights out and put the plastic back of the led's in with a couple of screws, covered the screws with electrical tape and mounted the strips. They look and work great and do not get hot at all. I assume the battery drain is low.

I have the 3 thin lights available for anyone who wants them. No cost other than shipping. Otherwise they will go into my growing Airstream extra stuff pile.

Tom