Color temp recommendations for replacement LEDs

[jmahone]

We have a 2016 AI Lounge, and we've noticed that the ceiling lights (and probably the others, too, just can't remember atm) are probably 5500K+ on the color temp scale and are way too stark for our liking. I've heard reports that 4500 would be a nice compromise between a hospital-blue bright and a dimly lit porch on the scale. I think 4000-4500K is considered natural white. If, however, that is what is OEM for these lights, then I think we would want something lower around the 3000K area.

Has anyone changed these bulbs to a warmer (but not too yellow) color temp LED? If so, would you be so kind as to share what specs your new LEDs have?

We've also noticed that there is quite a bit of flicker at times. From what I've read (I didn't test this yet), the flicker issue presents more when the dimmer is down from the full brightness setting, and the batteries are lower or have a decent draw at that moment. Has anyone resolved this (other than not dimming and/or ensuring the coach batteries are fully charged and lightly loaded lol)?

[Lineolated]

2014 AI owner here. We had exactly the same issues with our recessed lights.

We replaced them with these:
https://a.co/d/2a90Aj1

Acegoo RV recessed ceiling light, warm white, silver finish, available from amazon.

They just barely covered our ceiling cutouts; we added a dab of silicone caulk to prevent any attempt at sliding.

Here’s a photo with one old and one new light:

The color difference is quite noticeable. If you have light finished cabinets like ours, the cabinet color definitely switches from gray to yellow. I wasn’t expecting that, but it’s an acceptable trade off for more pleasant non-flickering lighting.

Highly recommend using epoxy shrink tube butt connectors with solder. We had plenty of wire to change out the lights, but it’s still a lot of overhead work relatively close to the ceiling.

DJ

[abqdor]

There is a much easier and less expensive way to change the color temperature of your ceiling lights and it has been discussed in previous threads. 3200 kelvin is closest to tungsten incandescent lights whereas 5400 kelvin is closer to daylight. When we first bought our new AS, I felt like we were living in a Walmart, so theatrical gels are the simplest and least expensive approach to the problem. Here is a great YouTube video by another Airstreamer that shows you how to do it.

https://youtu.be/PeghmvHoJ18

[uncle_bob]

Hi

2700 K LED's are out there. Anything at 3000 or below will look pretty "warm" to most folks. Filters are a low cost approach. They do their thing by getting rid of some of the light output . That may or may not be an issue. ( = for best efficiency, go with new LED's ).

Bob

[djbar]

abqdor above has the idea. And these gel filters are now available pre-cut to fit our AS led's. Search AS forum for a specific color; match your personal taste. Takes 15 min to fix.


See: https://www.amazon.com/Puck-Lighting.../dp/B07D2HYLRK

[bandboss]

How about those of us with the older fluorescent ceiling lights?
A few years ago, I converted one of these fixtures to LED and now it's sort of like a landing strip in my kitchen; very bright and blue. After that experience, I haven't changed over any of the other fixtures.
What color gel (a part number would be nice) will make these lights livable? The light color in the YouTube video is nice.

Thanks!

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by bandboss

How about those of us with the older fluorescent ceiling lights?
A few years ago, I converted one of these fixtures to LED and now it's sort of like a landing strip in my kitchen; very bright and blue. After that experience, I haven't changed over any of the other fixtures.
What color gel (a part number would be nice) will make these lights livable? The light color in the YouTube video is nice.

Thanks!

Hi

Get one with a color temperature below 3,000 K. If you can find them at about 2,700 K that should be a very livable light.

Bob

[Phoebe2009]

We used a theatrical filter called “Marlena Dietrich”. Very flattering!

[DKB_SATX]

The gels I used in my '17 are called "GAM GCA1543 Full CTO Orange Cine Filter"

I bought mine from B&H Photo.

That's a sheet, though, and I cut little circles out. I think someone above provided a way to find pre-cut ones.

[waninae39]

we use 4000k led, as this looks as white light
the 2700k looks too yellow and looks like old non-led lights

[TeddyK]

You can buy flash/strobe theater film cheap on Amazon and try different combos of (yellow film, amber film, both. As you can see in mine I’ve added RBB puck lights under cabinets have reading lights faced up on plants (usually have led all set to blue but put 2 round circles of lavender film in 3 original ceiling lights on separate switch from main cabin lights (which are “warm” not “daylight”) While I love the blue after a few drinks it’s like partying w blueman group so added lavender lights to offset blue

[foobar]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we use 4000k led, as this looks as white light
the 2700k looks too yellow and looks like old non-led lights

I spent years researching color spectrum vs light sources back when I was keeping coral reef fish tanks. If you want to know what part of the light spectrum will energize chloroplasts in symbiotic algae in coral, I am your man, lol.

Waninae39 is correct.

2700K will look similar to old orange-yellow incandescent bulbs.

3000K will have a predominantly yellow appearance.

3500K will start to look more white and less yellow.

4000K is a nice, pleasant balanced white that makes other colored materials in the trailer look more natural.

4500K has a whitish blue appearance.

5000K and up will have a 'hospital fluorescent blue tinge'

~5400 - 5500K is similar to bright sunlight on a cloudless day at noon on the equator.

Hope this helps...

Most folks without cataracts will be happy with 3500-4000K lights with a high CRI rating (color rendition index). When I remodeled my house and added 105 recessed can lights, I used 4000K LED light bulbs throughout the house. It resulted in a nice, neutral white light. Works for me, but color appearance is a very personal perception issue and varies from person to person.

[ITSNO60]

As an electrical contractor and having dealt with lighting designers we most always use 3K lighting for residential. Only once did we have a customer with sensitive eyes have us change all her lighting to 2700K. Most of the 120 volt LED lighting is now switchable but back then we had to replace the lights (over a hundred of them). Like someone stated, 2700 can appear quite warm and yellow, a bit too yellow for most. 3000K is our standard.
At first even 3000 can look too yellow, especially if you look at it next to a 4000, but soon it will be apparent to most people that it is perfect.
Not sure if available in 12 volts but in 120 volt LED lighting we can also change the color temperature with special dimmer switches.
If you still can't decide I suggest you buy one of the 4" 120 volt switchable ceiling LEDs from the big box store and wire a temporary cord to it then carry it out to the trailer and experiment with the different colors to see what you like. BTDT.
Also it should be noted that color temperatures can vary between manufacturers, one brand's 3000 may not match another brand's 3000 and there is no agency that regulates this, or lamp life for that matter, it's all in what the manufacturer decides to claim. I've found that known names cost more but are generally more consistent with actual color temps vs cheap knock offs.

[abqdor]

Many great explanations here on what color temperature feels best to the eye. As I said before 3200 kelvin seems to be the most attractive without getting too warm. As far as how much the gel dims the light, depends on the density of the gel you use. In the lighting industry, this particular gel is called "CTO" and it comes in full, half, and quarter density. I used half density because I didn't want to reduce the light output that much.

I was amazed that you can find the on Amazon now since they are so easy to cut yourself, but then again, Amazon seems to have everything.

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by abqdor

Many great explanations here on what color temperature feels best to the eye. As I said before 3200 kelvin seems to be the most attractive without getting too warm. As far as how much the gel dims the light, depends on the density of the gel you use. In the lighting industry, this particular gel is called "CTO" and it comes in full, half, and quarter density. I used half density because I didn't want to reduce the light output that much.

I was amazed that you can find the on Amazon now since they are so easy to cut yourself, but then again, Amazon seems to have everything.

I think anything from 3000 to 3500 is probably in your range. Sometimes, depending on lamp/fixture choice, you may not have the choice of an exact number and will have to choose "close"

[Dabler]

Many good replies above. 3200 K is what most people's eyes are accustomed to as that's the normal color temperature of our traditional incandescent light that we've used throughout our homes since forever. 5600 K is comparable to the bluer color of sunlight. These are the standards as measurements in the video/film world of lighting (which I've done professionally for 30+ years). The bottom line is that your choice is subjective and really comes down to your expectations. While the cooler daylight (5600K) may seem more harsh to some based upon their experience and expectation, it can also provide better light for some with diminished eyesight. That said, the blue light can also cause more eye fatigue for some. My wife detests the 5600 look, I don't mind it. But to keep everyone happy, I'm currently installing 3000K in our 28' AS and it's extremely easy. You just put your fingernails into the slot around the outer glass lens (carefully so you don't drop it) and it will pop out. Remove the old halogen bulb (two prongs plugged into fixture) and insert the LED disc in the same way (2 prongs) and replace the lens, being mindful of the two slots in the lens frame that you must align. Done. Easy peasy! It cost me about $90 to replace all the interior lights in our unit and can be accomplished in about an hour. Here's the link to the replacement LEDs I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[davidlbriggs]

Gels are the way to go. I cut mine with crucut maker and have gel left over. Glad to cut and send to you with a SASE for return.

A single layer of gel is more than enough to cut back the stark blue light to a reasonably acceptable color temp of about 3000k

[Dabler]

Was trying to edit my comment, but not able to do so. Simply wanted to add that if as the original post stated, you already have the LEDs but the wrong color temperature, then GELS is the way to go. Very cost effective and easy.

[pcskier]

Gels are easy and cheap. Here is my before and after.

[Jcondon]

Lots of LEDs are advertised at a color that is not really true. A more accurate definition is CRI or color rendering index. Here is a good video that may help you visualize so to speak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oodyppFZrI