Recessed Light Installation

[somefun]

I thought I’d post some pics of my recently completed recessed lighting project. I installed ten 20w low voltage lights ( http://www.ylighting.com/mod88brrounb.html ). The six in the kitchen area are on the original circuit for the overhead kitchen light and the four in the living room area are on the circuit for the original light there.

The project was pretty straight forward. My biggest hurdle was placement; making sure I had them evenly spaced while avoiding wiring and the lateral ribs. Once I was certain of the placement, I used a drill mounted hole saw to cut the holes. That went very well (always remember to be careful to not go so deep that you drill through the outer skin)! I used electrical “fish tape” to fish the wires to the center ceiling panel area. I could access this area by pulling down on the skin an inch or two where the cut-outs for the ceiling vents are. I also used the a/c cutout for access.

The actual installation of the lights was very easy. They just sort of “snap” in place. I installed a double switch from Sailor Sam’s just inside the main door behind the stove. I couldn’t ask for better lighting! The amount of light is perfect! I’ve been planning this project for years and finally it’s done!
Curt
P.S. No, I don't like my pink curtains!

[Becky B.]

Beautiful job! Looks like a pro did it. Nice!

[withidl]

VERY clean; I like it!

[Silver Otter]

Way Cool! More guts than I have to drill into your lovely AS. Nice job.

[somefun]

Thanks, guys! It took me 5 years to get up the nerve! !

[Splitrock]

It looks nice. So do I read that the power is 12 volt from the coach battery?

[somefun]

Yes, they're wired into the original 12V lighting circuit.

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by somefun

Yes, they're wired into the original 12V lighting circuit.

That makes it better yet. Thanks!

[lucca53]

I have the same color curtains! they work for now lol

[A W Warn]

Somefun,
Those lights look great!
How much clearance was there from the top of the light to the the outside skin. Did you push them into the insulation or did you have to remove some?

[somefun]

There's maybe a half inch or so between the top of the light housing and the outer skin. The insulation was pretty loose and doesn't get in the way. I didn't remove any.

[polarlyse]

I was looking at the information on the lights. It says " Not for ceiling use". My guess is that this is due to heat generation. Has this ever become an issue ????? Nice installation. I wonder if they have a LED unit that would reduce heat buildup ????

[somefun]

Yes, I saw that warning too. It might be because of heat, or it could be because of size... they wouldn't work with 1/2" drywall because they're not very deep. I considered all of that and thought if they were made for cabinet or display lighting, how would heat be any less of an issue? I don't think it said anywhere not to enclose them (but I could be wrong about that). Anyway, I'm not concerned about any fire risk in the Airstream. They are very well constructed with metal, glass and ceramic components. It's only been about a week since I installed them, so time will tell! So far so good!

[somefun]

And yes, LEDs woud be much cooler and a good choice, I think. I actually purchased mine in 2005 (see what I mean about taking forever on this project? lol), and LEDs weren't available then.

[Davew]

Your lights look Great. Did you have much trouble running the wires with a fish tape in the ceiling? Was it much of a fight with the ceiling to get the wires to each location?

[Silver Trout]

May I ask what brand lights you used. I am currently restoring an International Land Yacht and want to put in recessed lighs. Your setup looks great. Did you have to worry about heat against the insulation?

[TylerG]

Originally Posted by Davew

Your lights look Great. Did you have much trouble running the wires with a fish tape in the ceiling? Was it much of a fight with the ceiling to get the wires to each location?

I would also like to know this. How did you wire them up?

[funkill]

Hi all,

I realize this post is fairly old but I stumbled upon it while trying to confirm being able to fish wires from recessed/puck lights through ribs WITHOUT removing the skins.... Seems somefun was able to do so - though not mentioned specifically.

I found this youtube video which also mentions being able to fish wires through openings in the ribs. Course, there are plenty of posts saying there are not openings in the ribs. Maybe it depends on year/ model (or just luck).
https://youtu.be/NElZga93MiU

Anyone have experience adding recessed LED lights in the ceiling without removing the skins or center panel in a 1973 Overlander?

Thanks -

[TylerG]

I did it.

There are two channels in the center roof of the airstream. These channels are where the wiring of your airstream is. Google photos of airstreams without the skins on and you will be able to see them.

I used a wire fishing line to push the wiring through those channels. In some areas where it was more difficult, I drilled small holes that were the same size as metal plugs you can buy. Since I painted my skins drilling a hole and painting over the inserted plug was not a big deal. It turned out great and I did lights the entire length of the airstream.

You may need an electrician with pro fishing skills to help you.

Originally Posted by funkill

Hi all,

I realize this post is fairly old but I stumbled upon it while trying to confirm being able to fish wires from recessed/puck lights through ribs WITHOUT removing the skins.... Seems somefun was able to do so - though not mentioned specifically.

I found this youtube video which also mentions being able to fish wires through openings in the ribs. Course, there are plenty of posts saying there are not openings in the ribs. Maybe it depends on year/ model (or just luck).
https://youtu.be/NElZga93MiU

Anyone have experience adding recessed LED lights in the ceiling without removing the skins or center panel in a 1973 Overlander?

Thanks -