Forum Discussion

lestaz84's avatar
lestaz84
Explorer
Feb 11, 2018

light upgrade

can you replace surface mount ceiling lights with flush (recessed) lights in an rv?
  • Typical LED replacement for the 10W and 20W Halogen is 1.5W and 3.0W although I would argue the Halogen produces more light.
  • our Safari came with recessed florescent light fixtures
    most ceilings have some space, RV's with ducted A/C in the ceiling, should have more than enough

    remove '1' fixture
    probe for depth of ceiling
    then find an LED fixture you like that will fit within that space
  • this spring my RV project is to replace my Florence light fixtures with the flush mount or recessed LED lights. Do I need two or four LEDs to equal the same amount of light per 18 inch old light fixture. What LED are recommended and strength of bulb. Is there a dimmer switch that can replace the existing wall switch
  • The surface mount lights emit more light than the recessed, so you may have to add more lights than you currently have. I must have a bazillion of those recessed pucks in mine.
  • I have replaced my 18" florescent fixtures with the 4 3/4" round LEDs that I flush mounted to the ceiling. I used a hole saw to cut the necessary recess. I probed for wires as best I could and only nicked one wire out of the 16 hole I drilled. I did have to make a "mask" to cover the indentations cause by the tube fixture between the pair of LED's. PM me for pictures.

    Dave
    07 Revolution 40E
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    I would not enjoy cutting up the ceiling of my RV to recess them. be sure the saber saw blade is short enough to not cut outside material, the folks at camping world in Manassas didn't when they added my air conditioner. :)
    bumpy


    Ouch!
  • I'd use a hole saw, they sell adjustable ones. The ceiling material isn't anything but cardboard with wall paper on it.
  • I would not enjoy cutting up the ceiling of my RV to recess them. be sure the saber saw blade is short enough to not cut outside material, the folks at camping world in Manassas didn't when they added my air conditioner. :)
    bumpy
  • Probably. New LED recessed lights are very low profile compared to old halogen type.

    You'll have to do some exploring... Take down an existing light and cut a hole inside the footprint of the fixture. Take a look inside, maybe use a tape measure. If it doesn't work out you can cover the hole with the fixture.