Forum Discussion

me2's avatar
me2
Explorer
Aug 22, 2015

Update to High efficiency 4.5W flat LED light modules

Here is an update to this thread.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26488825/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

I replaced the incandescent bulbs with LED modules in all the light fixtures in our trailer.

To do this I took down all the fixtures in our trailer, soldered leads on each LED module and then soldered the leads into the fixture. I attached the modules to the fixtures with double sided sticky tape.

I used 1 module per incandescent bulb.





We've been using them for a couple years now. They work fantastic.

No more worries about running the batteries down and our solar panels easily replenish whatever energy they use during the night. And they are way brighter than the bulbs they replaced.

We now leave the bathroom light on all night. Our kids stay up late reading all the time, using the light in their bunk. Its great to have good light in our trailer.
  • me2's avatar
    me2
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2015
    Ivylog wrote:
    Guess I'm confused why you would not us these panesl for $2.25 which are plug and stick? 48 5050 instead of 30.



    1) They weren't available when I did this project 3 years ago.

    2) That seller doesn't list watts, lumens or light temperature. I wouldn't buy them without specs.
  • me2's avatar
    me2
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2015
    Vulcan Rider wrote:
    me2 wrote:


    I used 1 module per incandescent bulb.



    What was the cost per bulb replaced ? (I see that was answered already.)

    There are plug and play replacement bulbs easily available with adequate light for less than $1.50 each and the time involved is about 30 seconds each.

    The provide adequate light but maybe not as much as yours.
    4.5 watts is actually quite bright.


    If they are 480 lumens, go for it. I suspect they are much less.

    And I didn't want a round bulb. I wanted a flat module.
  • Vulcan_Rider's avatar
    Vulcan_Rider
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    me2 wrote:


    I used 1 module per incandescent bulb.



    What was the cost per bulb replaced ? (I see that was answered already.)

    There are plug and play replacement bulbs easily available with adequate light for less than $1.50 each and the time involved is about 30 seconds each.

    The provide adequate light but maybe not as much as yours.
    4.5 watts is actually quite bright.
  • me2's avatar
    me2
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    BTW, the price on these modules has now dropped to $4 each. You can probably get them cheaper if you buy in bulk.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/G4-4-5W-480-Lumen-30-5050-SMD-LED-Pure-Warm-White-Light-Bulb-Vertical-Pins-12V-/171848976670?var=&hash=item2802ff491e

    We really like the light quality from these. (2700-3500K) I tested some "pure white" (5500-6500K) modules and hated them. The light was way too blue.

    People who drop by our trailer often think we are connected to AC power because our lighting is so good. Even when we are connected to AC, I don't turn on the inverter charger, simply because there is no need. The solar panels easily top up whatever charge is used for lighting.

    I have no affiliation with any eBay sellers.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 22, 2015
    Good job. It can be an expensive ordeal finding the right fit, but they are much better and a lot less heat.

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