Low watt interior light bulbs

[bambiman]

This summer I finally replaced all the halogen bulbs in my Bambi 16 with LEDs. Previously, I could draw down the battery dramatically after only a half hour of halogen light use! (Not to mention significant heating, which I did not want.) I used to use battery-operated lanterns and headlamps for reading, because the halogens were so power-hungry.
Now, I use whatever lights I want, for as long as I want, and the power drain is insignificant. No unwanted heat coming from the fixtures, either. It was fun doing internet searches and finding various styles and prices of LEDs.
One thing I did was to spray paint the interior surface of the textured glass lens of each round, flush-mount fixture while I was changing out the halogens. I used white paint, and the result was a softer, more pleasant light in the multiple (9-12) LED 'bulbs' I used in the ceiling fixtures. The overall look is very much in keeping with the CCD interior design.
I found LEDs for ALL the interior fixtures, paid no more than $3.95 per fixture (some were less than $1). I also replaced the exterior light above the door and the light by the hitch as well (so that if I forget and leave them on all night, the battery is still alive in the morning).
LEDs are cheap now, and abundant. All you have to do is learn the terminology (i.e. bayonet, etc.) to describe the kind of halogen bulb you're replacing, and go to town on Google search (or whatever search engine floats your boat). Look for free shipping deals.
Best. Modification. Ever. for boondocking.
Happy trails,
Bambiman

[Phoenix]

Today, I replaced 20 incandescent bulbs (type 1141 = 19 each, C921 = 1 each) in our 19-foot Bambi, with "warm white" LED bulbs from EverSale.com ($4.99 each, plus $4.90 shipping). The color and brightness are almost exactly the same, with the LEDs being very slightly brighter than the original incandescent bulbs. Also, the LED bulbs are just a little bit longer. However, all easily fit in their respective lighting fixtures with no interference.

* 1141: Amazon.com: LED 2W 12V White Omni Bulb BA15S 1156 P21W Brake Tail 18 5050 SM: Home Improvement

* C921: Amazon.com: LED 18x5050 2W 12V White Omni Wedge Bulb T10 194 168 2825 W5W: Home Improvement

I am impressed by the order processing and "standard" shipping speed from EverSale.com. My order was placed through Amazon.com, early Tuesday. Then, later that day, Eversale.com processed and shipped the order from Florida; the box was in transit to Arizona on Wednesday and Thursday; and the LEDs were delivered today (Friday), 3-7 days ahead of schedule.

As an aside, the bare incandescent bulbs get hot enough to burn you after being on for only a few seconds, and these LEDs are just warm to the touch after 15-20 minutes. Plus, the LEDs only draw about 15% of the current used by the incandescent bulbs, which makes LEDs great for boondocking.

While long term reliability is yet to be determined, my initial impression of EverSale.com and these specific LED bulbs is very favorable; and I plan to buy LEDs from them again.

Note: I have no connection to Amazon.com or EverSale.com, other than being a satisfied customer.

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by bambiman

One thing I did was to spray paint the interior surface of the textured glass lens of each round, flush-mount fixture while I was changing out the halogens. I used white paint, and the result was a softer, more pleasant light in the multiple (9-12) LED 'bulbs' I used in the ceiling fixtures. The overall look is very much in keeping with the CCD interior design.

I did the same type of thing but I used a LEE diffusion filter for stage and film lighting in each fixture between the LEDs an the glass. You can cut all of the gels from one standard sheet (about $5-$6) _Brad

[Phoenix]

UPDATE:

Amazon.com no longer lists the vendor that I bought our LED bulbs from, whose prices are quite a bit less than the sellers currently listed. Below are the links to the EverSale.com LED bulbs that we bought:

This bulb fits bayonet-type sockets: http://www.eversale.com/catalog2_1/p...ail-5050-p-181

This bulb fits wedge-type sockets: http://www.eversale.com/catalog2_1/p...ulb-2825-p-232

Notes:

1. I have no connection to EverSale.com, other than being a satisfied customer.

2. Current price for the bayonet-base LED bulb has fallen about $1.00 each, while the wedge-base bulb is about the same price as a year ago.

3. We have had no failures with the 20+ LED bulbs we installed in September 2013.

[Ahab]

I haven't used incandescents in our trailers in over 10 years and never had a problem. Today they are cheaper and offer a more pleasant light. I have a hard time understanding why anyone would stay with filament bulbs.