Community Forums

wfalch · 02-05-2018, 12:01 PM

We are big fans of LED lights and we a had a opportunity to change the ceiling lights (the ones with the opaque lens) They where originally G4 Halogen and are now Blackhawk LB1.5W-W-C cropped to fit 2"recessed lights. Seems like it didn't take long for the rear of the coach to have issues. A total of 9 lights and I haven't kept track but I am sure I change at least 4 of them 3 times or more. I have been careful and used rubber gloves so as not to get any oil from my greasy fingers on the LED. Recently one of the 8 in the front of the coach has the same problem, flickering. They are like death stars burning out. I hope some one can help with some testing, right now the only thing I know how to do is replace them and that does not solve the problem.

CarlAda · 02-05-2018, 01:43 PM

Not familiar with the LED lights you're using, but I replaced all of my G4 halogen lights with G4 LED lights from M4 products and Cabin Bright. Have never had an issue with the bulbs from either company. The bulbs I bought from both of these companies was a direct replacement.

jonemw · 02-05-2018, 05:10 PM

Touching an LED bulb with your fingers directly will have no effect. It is not necessary to be careful, only on the original halogen if you plan to reuse them.
The flickering is likely caused by the internal led bulb regulator being of low quality .

Mr_D · 02-05-2018, 05:19 PM

I bought over 60 LED's for my lights, mostly from Amazon for just over $1 each. So far none of them have quit although I did break the side prongs off a couple. I also bought 10 M4 brand ones for $11 each to try. So far I haven't seen a need to pay the extra for the M4 ones.

smlranger · 02-05-2018, 07:02 PM

We replaced every halogen and incandescent bulb in our coach 3 years ago with LED's from M4LED. All are still working just fine with the exception of two of the little reading lights. I've had to replace them.

birdhunter · 02-06-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I bought over 60 LED's for my lights, mostly from Amazon for just over $1 each. So far none of them have quit although I did break the side prongs off a couple. I also bought 10 M4 brand ones for $11 each to try. So far I haven't seen a need to pay the extra for the M4 ones.

Mister D Which ones did you buy from Amazon?

Rich 2002 Magna

sanddan · 02-06-2018, 09:48 AM

It could make a difference if you are plugged in with shore power or boondocking as on battery power the voltage will drop over time. The fluctuations in voltage can affect the LED's if they don't have the circuitry to account for that. LED's are voltage sensitive.

wfalch · 02-06-2018, 11:08 AM

Did not think about being plugged in, however we have been on 50A since the middle of August. I have considered voltage fluctuation to be a problem more on a individual issue, like some kind of reversal in the fixture. Can't figure out how one measures a individual light. Great comments, keep them coming.

**CountryFit** · 02-06-2018, 09:06 PM

i replaced all internal lights to leds in 2012. i bought those from ebay cheap chinese made, with 4000k color. up to this date, none of them have gone out yet.

a typical led failure is caused by high voltage. leds really like 9-12v range. they will work in higher voltage but their lives will be shortened.

my house voltage is mostly at 13.3v during evening through dawn. check what your voltage is in that period.

wfalch · 02-08-2018, 11:24 AM

Basically, I simulated the hours mentioned. So, every chance I get when I am that mode I check the voltage. It seems like it never goes over 13.7. I can make it lower by turning things on. Maybe I just caught a bad batch, going to use what I have (3) and keep looking for a different distributor.

birdhunter · 02-08-2018, 10:55 PM

When boondocking your voltage is going to approach 15 volts depending on temperature and whether you have temp compensation on your inverter charger. You need LEDs that have a voltage regulator working otherwise handle up to 16 volts or they will burn out.

Rich 2002 Magna