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Mx468 · 04-13-2020, 02:09 PM

I just finished installing recessed led lights in my airstream and 2 dimmer switches. One for my overhead table light and the other for the galley recessed lighting. Didn't take too long but it was a little nerve racking cutting into the interior aluminum. Still need to do the back lighting. If anyone have any questions and want to pick my brain on this project plese do so while it's all fresh in my mind

drairstream · 04-13-2020, 05:57 PM

Very nice. Details on components?

TouringDan · 04-13-2020, 06:27 PM

Very nice work. I don’t see how you cut into the aluminum to install the lights and the dimmer switches. Any more photos?

Dan

Mx468 · 04-14-2020, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drairstream

Very nice. Details on components?

Hi Drairstream, the switches I used were Ulincos Touch Switches UT19T1 stepless Dimming Switch DC 6V to 24V Blue LED which I got from Amazon, they were about $12 each but worth every penny, very well made easy to install. Comes with a color coded diagram which tells you what wire goes to what, neg, pos to power, other neg, pos to device, in this case the led lights.

The lights I got are no longer available but they were 12v recessed led lights for RV Camper Van Trailers, 3w Warm white, 270 Lumen low voltage (6 pack) from Amazon, but there are many other choices to pick from. Search Aloveco LED RV on Amazon.

It's feels nice to bring a 48 year old trailer somewhat updated with present day technology

crispyboy · 04-14-2020, 07:50 AM

How did you run/fish the wiring? Did you take panels loose?
BTW - looks very nice.

Mx468 · 04-14-2020, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crispyboy

How did you run/fish the wiring? Did you take panels loose?
BTW - looks very nice.

I had to drill out some rivets and used fish tape to get all my led light wires to the led hub. Which is basically a hub where up to 6 lights can be plugged into. The LED light's wires were about 8 ft long so I didn't have any problems reaching the hub from ceiling placement location. Its a pretty nice feature and a easy install, all you have to do is wire power into the small hub/box. See pic attached.
But its also easy to daisy chain the lights if you can't find the ones with the hubs. Just requires a little more work.

Wiring the switches:
I also used the fish tape and drilled out rivets, removed window surround in my case to get all my wires to where they had to go.

Very Important Step!!
Before drilling into your aluminum skin with the hole saw, I'd recommend first drilling in a piece of cardboard or 1/4 plywood to make sure you have the right size hole for the lights and switches. Once you drill in your airstream you can't go back, unless you're good at patchwork

Mx468 · 04-15-2020, 07:03 PM

So I decided to tackle the back half of the airstream today, I managed to install all 5 led ceiling lights and my dimmer switch but I still need to route my wires to the power and to my switch. It was a little harder for the rear half to route the wires, I had to drill 2 holes through the aluminum spar to get my wires through. Also used a rubber grommet for the new holes. Didn't want my wires to get chaffed.