Community Forums

bruceisla · 06-16-2013, 10:06 AM

Just out of curiosity, why would you want a lighted grab bar (I understand that if it was standard you want it to work)? I have awning lights and a small led flashlight hanging near the handle so I'm having some difficulty in finding a reason to go to the work of adding a lighted grab bar. Am I missing a functional reason or is it aesthetics?

Dutch Star Don · 06-16-2013, 05:06 PM

It's just a cool gadget....in my situation, the next level coach up comes with it. Some of us like to fiddle and add gadgets or upgrades.....some just never add anything more than what the coach came with. Either way, it works for both.

HD4Mark · 06-17-2013, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Just out of curiosity, why would you want a lighted grab bar (I understand that if it was standard you want it to work)? I have awning lights and a small led flashlight hanging near the handle so I'm having some difficulty in finding a reason to go to the work of adding a lighted grab bar. Am I missing a functional reason or is it aesthetics?

In my case it wasn't working so I just wanted to see if there actually was a light inside and if yes, if I could repair it. We have had the coach for about four years and lived without it so if there simply wasn't a light I don't think I would have bothered to try to wire one but since the 12V is there and it just needs the new bulb, why not?

wa8yxm · 06-17-2013, 07:32 AM

The "Bulb" is an LED, it is in either the top or bottom bracket (I've seen both) remove the brackets CAREFULLY, one will have wires attached, Set aside, There should (usually) be a connector or pair of connectors a short distance from the bracket, Secure the wires past the connectors (String, cloths pin, Forceps, etc) and disconnect

Slide the light assembly out.

Get a JUMBO, HIGH BRIGHTNESS LED from Radio Shack
Get a pair of 450 Ohm resistors (quarter or half watt)

Unsolder the LED and replace it with the jumbo, also replace the way too small resistor with the new one.

NOTE: IF you have a single polarized connector you have to make sure you put the LED in the right way.. If you have two connectors (Identical) or a non-polorized you do not have to worry about that, The resistor is not polarity senistive.

You will have to enlarge the hole in the reflector

Re-assemble. into the bracket, Connect and test. if LED does not light reverse the connectors (Assume non polarized connector) or the LED (if polarized)

If it now lights re-assemble handle.

Done it twice so far, once on my RV once on another. worked both times. Total cost is way less than ten bucks, (like 5 less than 10 bucks)

bruceisla · 06-17-2013, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HD4Mark

In my case it wasn't working so I just wanted to see if there actually was a light inside and if yes, if I could repair it. We have had the coach for about four years and lived without it so if there simply wasn't a light I don't think I would have bothered to try to wire one but since the 12V is there and it just needs the new bulb, why not?

Yup ... totally agree ... in my case there is no existing LED or wiring. I was just wondering if there is an actual benefit ... like being able to see the locks.

wa8yxm · 06-17-2013, 01:17 PM

Any benefit... Not really.. Just looks good.

Dutch Star Don · 06-17-2013, 09:15 PM

There's a tremendous benefit......it looks cool!

bruceisla · 06-19-2013, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

There's a tremendous benefit......it looks cool!

yes indeed !!

adonh · 06-23-2013, 09:38 AM

I have the led bulbs and I am going to work on installing these in my grab bar. Since my grab bar was not lighted I will need to connect to a power source. What power source does the lighted grab bar usually connect to. Would it be the step so that when it opens the grab bar lights up and then turns off when it closes. Or is it simply connected to the patio light and turned on when you flip the switch on the patio light. My dead bolt has a remote for a key chain that has a button to turn on the patio lights so I may just go this route.

Thanks

Dutch Star Don · 06-23-2013, 10:19 PM

adonh.....Some coaches have step well lights. I wired mine into those.

HD4Mark · 06-24-2013, 04:31 AM

I also ordered the same LED as adonh from Ebay. Turned out to be an exact replacement. Other than using a printed circuit instead of the old fashion resistor it was identical and plug & play. The connectors were even the same so no soldering.

To try to get a green tint I colored the top of the acrylic handle with a green highlighter. If I ever remember to turn it on some night I will try to get a photo.