Community Forums

allis1952 · 05-20-2018, 07:18 AM

Need help with best place to purchase led retro fits for fluorescent lights and all interior lights. There seems to be a lot of places to buy them but there is a wide range of prices. I like to buy the good stuff but don't want to pay more than I have to. Thanks .

DFitz · 05-20-2018, 08:59 AM

Lots of threads on this subject...
For the undercabinet fluorescent one, I pulled the fixture, removed the tube & electronics (ballast) and added 4 strips of surface mount LEDs.
Here's the ones I used :
Cool White LED Light Strip, High Density 5050 - 16.4 Feet, 300 LEDs, 5000K, 218 Lumens per Foot. 12V DC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C5E3NG..._BOyaBbCV82D2C
I like the cool white versions (5000K)
For your other fixtures, determine your bulb type and search online - Amazon or specialty stores.
You'll be rewarded with better lighting & much longer battery life [emoji4]

MSHappyCampers · 05-20-2018, 10:20 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I would recommend M4Products. Not the least expensive but they are known for quality products and excellent service.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

FIRE UP · 05-20-2018, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFitz

Lots of threads on this subject...
For the undercabinet fluorescent one, I pulled the fixture, removed the tube & electronics (ballast) and added 4 strips of surface mount LEDs.
Here's the ones I used :
Cool White LED Light Strip, High Density 5050 - 16.4 Feet, 300 LEDs, 5000K, 218 Lumens per Foot. 12V DC https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C5E3NG..._BOyaBbCV82D2C
I like the cool white versions (5000K)
For your other fixtures, determine your bulb type and search online - Amazon or specialty stores.
You'll be rewarded with better lighting & much longer battery life [emoji4]

That's pretty much exactly what I did. There are LED replacement tubes that will fit in the original sockets for the florescent's but, I experimented with the self stick LED strips. I think the ones I used were the 5630 but, I'd have to go back and re-check. Everything went fine except, no matter how well I cleaned the surface of the underside of the florescent fixture, that self stick glue (supposedly 3M), just wouldn't hold after any length of time. So, I purchased and used, some tiny little plastic clips that are held in place with tiny screws.
It only made the job a tad bit more time consuming but, they've been in there now for about 3-4 months and, all is still perfect. I used the same exact strip(s) in some of my compartments outside. Man, are those nice to see things in now!
Scott

Old Radios · 05-20-2018, 10:28 AM

Lots of conversations on what LEDs to buy here.

Just don't make the mistake of buying bulbs only rated at 12 volts. Buy LED bulbs that have a range like 8-24 volts or greater so they'll handle the differences in battery, shore, and generator voltage. It was more of an issue when they first came out but still a concern.