Fluorescent Light Mod

[Retired and Happy]

Has anyone tried using a fLEDescent led strip to replace the guts of a ThinLite fluorsecent light fixture? I have one fixture that has gone bad (new bulbs didn't help) and need to replace it or modify it. The company claims these LED strips provide more natural light without the inherent bad parts of fluorescent lighting...heat, power consumption, noise generation. Of course the strips would be more expensive than buying a new ThinLite fixture, but would supposedly save more in the long run. As I read the instruction, you simply strip out the fluorescent components and replace with led strips which are mounted on a backing that slips into the grooves that holds the plastic cover. Three LED strips for an 18 inch fixture would run about $75.00.

[RJay]

With shipping I paid about that much for a new 18" light over the sink and I still get a 60 cycle hum occasionally on the radio.

[Paul R. Haller]

Wow, check ebay. When I needed a new florescent to replace an aging thin lite in my trailer, I found some on Ebay that were an assembly line overstock. They were the same physical size as my thin lite but a different outside configuration. They were out of a Holiday Rambler plant line. I think they cost 20$ each. They were so inexpensive I bought 4 of them.
-Paul R. Haller-

[RRGuy]

Amazing Ken, The same thing just happened to me with the Thin-Lite, 12" bulbs, model 762, over my sink. I tried two new sets of bulbs to no avail. I just got quote from Camping Connection for $70 plus $13 shipping for replacement Thin-Lite fixture. I am also thinking of trying LEDs.

Where did you find the LED strips that go in the Thin-Lite fixture? I saw them demonstrated at an RV show and was impressed.

I got a LED strip for under cabinet at home. I got it from Lowe's for about $80 and it is very nice. But, I do not have 110 handy in the RV plus it would leave a large gaping hole where Thin-Lite fixture is now.

John Abbott, Melbourne, FL
Winnebago Journey 2004

[KIX]

Try John Drake Services for Thin-Lite parts and fixtures.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retired and Happy Three LED strips for an 18 inch fixture would run about $75.00.

I did an LED fluorescent conversion ( 2 fixtures) for a friend (BPFL) while I was at the Perry FMCA Rally. It was a good install and the LED replacement bulbs are brilliant. The person that I did the job for is extreme pleased with the results.

[AFChap]

We have replaced a few 12v incandescent bulbs with LEDs ...1383, 1157, and G4. Sometimes they cause significant TV "snow" and horrendous static on my HAM radio ...way worse than any flourescent does ...so if you are thinking LEDs will get rid of interference cause by flourescents, don't count on it...

[Retired and Happy]

I found the write up at http://www.prudentrver.com/ledfleds.html. including a pretty throough instruction sheet.

DriVer, Did you use a similar array as I described above?

Ken

[RVhauler]

If the ballast is burned out on the Thin-Lite fixture It can be returned to the factory and for about $30 they will replace the ballast. have returned two over the years and had good experience with their repair and return time. Check web for address and phone number

[njs42]

kl'p

[wa8yxm]

I would be amazed at 60hz Hum from an RV florcesent fixture.

I have seen the LED's in 12" .. Alas, I need 9" THe specifications looked fair on paper.

[Retired and Happy]

I checked eBay, but found no fluorescent fixtures under $40. Then I checked the John Drake reference and found the ballast (technically an inverter/ballast) for $19. I got a notice that it was shipped the next morning (after a late evening order), and it should be here in a day or so. We'll see how easy it will be to install, and I will post an update later.

[RRGuy]

Ken, Let me know if the new ballast fixes it. How did you know it was the ballast, or were you just guessing/hoping?

John Abbott

[Retired and Happy]

The ballast arrived in the mail this afternoon. It took longer to move the tools from the garage to the MH than it did to do the repair. When I finished, I had an overhead light that works again. I repaired it on the dinette table (being sure not to drill into the tabletop). It cost $25 with the shipping charge...about half the cost of a new fixture and one third the cost of an LED conversion.

KIX, thanks for the tip on John Drake. He even personally signed the invoice.

RRGUY, I didn't know for sure it was the ballast, but after changing the bulbs, there was not much left in the fixture except the ballast and the sockets.

I had to drill out two pop rivets to remove the original ballast, then drill three holes to mount the replacement. Then it was just a matter of cutting and splicing the 7 or so wires...one by one, color for color. Then everything fit back together just like it was new.

I appreciate the comments and suggestions for this repair, and you know I'll be back with another problem soon.

Ken