So I decided to bite the bullet and purchase some bulbs. I had no idea what the colour temperature meant, so instead of going all out and buy one style only, I divided the job into two different bulbs.
First of all, the style of bulbs I needed for everything but the outside light is the T-10. Also, the type of bulb (as opposed the the type of LEDs in them) was restricted to the small paddle of 24 LEDs or the bulb shaped style with 28 LEDs: I didn't know if the larger paddles (36 to 70 LEDs) would fit, or would be too much light, etc..
The paddle ones had a warm white (~3000K I discovered later because I didn't research what colour temperature was before ordering).
The bulb ones had a blueish colour (~5000K) light - very much like poor office lighting - you know the kind: the kind that eventually drives one pe4rson crazy enough to throw a computer through a window.
๐ Before buying anything online, I checked at the local RV dealer, and was I ever surprised!!! Bulbs were selling for $15.00 - $19.00 each!!! And the $15.00 bulbs were if you bought a 6 pack!
๐ yeah, riiiiiight.
So I decided to price check them online. Sure enough, the prices online were less than a dollar per bulb!!! I found bulbs in 10-packs, priced at 89 cents each. Delivered to my door. No taxes. So, I bought a 10 pack of each style, and for less than $20.00 Now, if the local RV dealer was selling them for a couple bucks, or even 5 bucks each, I may have at least tried a couple from them. But this price increase was waaaaaay too much to ignore. Sorry, but I don't support local economy to this extent, since the bulbs are all made in the same factory. In other words, I don't want to line the pockets of greedy middlemen.
This is what I got:
Now I can tell you that in every place other than the under cabinet light in the kitchen, I prefer the paddle style light. I think my office light explanation sufficiently argues that point. The paddle style ones were made of warm white (~3000K) LEDs which give off a yellowish light that is very close to regular light bulbs (remember those?). As far as the illumination quality, I find the light is a bit too low for full illumination (for reading, etc...), but perfect for general illumination (hallway lighting, etc...).
Now that I know T-10 fits, I am going to purchase the more expensive and larger lights for the areas I want lots of light from.
I want to install a 48 LED panel above the dining room table, and a 70 LED panel for the exterior light. I may install one or two exterior lights on the driver's side of the trailer so I can see what I'm doing at night (that's where all the mechanical stuff is).
I'm not even going to bother with the local RV dealers (BTW, all 3 places I checked were dong the same scam with the bulbs. When I asked them about it, they said that with shipping and duty, etc... their prices were too high. I countered with an invoice showing all things were paid for including shipping for less than a buck a bulb, and the guy shrugged his shoulders)... Back to Amazon!
Light panels cost more because they not only have more LEDs in them, but they come with 3 different connectors so that you can fit most applications. I found these for under $2.00 each, delivered.
I'll add the link and picture for the 70 LED panel.
๐I also found a 120 VAC LED bulb that is a bit brighter than a 100W standard bulb. I think that would be great for a trouble light.
๐Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
Just learning all about trailering with something longer than my 17 1/2' boat or pop-up tent trailer.
I accept any and all advice you can give me, and I hope to be able to help in my limited capacity. ๐