Installed LED lights to AF 990 (with pics)
Well I finally made the change.....I took all my incandescent halogens lights and replaced them with LEDs. I know for certain I'll enjoy less battery drain, and depending on the season, no more added heat from the old lights. I did plenty of research and with LEDs the variance from warm light to natural light to cool light to simulated "sun light," which are all noticeable yet, varies by manufacturer, actual picture from their web site etc., leaves allot to be desired. Add in most, if not all, of these come from China and you have a light spectrum only a photometrics geek could truly vascilate with. So, after reviewing countless web sites with my "light discerning goggles" on I finally pulled the trigger, or should I say, "took a shot in the dark" as to what I'd get vs what was noted as "warm or cool." All this for saving a few amps...so I digress. Anywho, based on price, quality (go figure that one out with the bzillion LED brands in China), reviews, I decided.
I replaced all the overhead scalloped G4 halogen lights (4 in the dinette and one at the entry) with Cool White N.R.G G4 Bi Pin Base 12 LED Side Pin Directional Light Bulb 10-30v 12v / 24v 180 Lumens that are DIMMABLE. They are comparable 10W lights. I didn't want to go to a 20 or 30W and make the camper "daylight" after all this is a camper. Just do an internet search with the description above.
Make sure the LEDS you order are "dimmable" for your rheostat operated lights otherwise its just on and off. Now I say dimmable, but in reality its not the dimmable range you get with the halogen. But again its all about the tradeoffs....
So here is the before shot:
And, here is the after shot with the new LEDs. More Blue and brighter but overall I'm happy with them!
Here's the entry light before:
After:
Ok, next it was on to replacing all 921 bulbs (2) above the dinette table, (1) in the bathroom, the (2) night lights over the bed and the (1) down in the dump access compartment which are all non-rheostat--just on/off control. I replaced them with Super Bright Cool White T10 Wedge 42-SMD 3528 LED Light bulbs. Again, just search the internet.
Before:
After:
So, bottom line I think the real payback will be seen in decreased amp draw and that is always a win. If I'm out in the extreme cold temps I can always put a 921 in for added heat in the dump compartment if needed. Hope this helps for anyone considering changing to LEDs. Cheers and Happy camping!
I replaced all the overhead scalloped G4 halogen lights (4 in the dinette and one at the entry) with Cool White N.R.G G4 Bi Pin Base 12 LED Side Pin Directional Light Bulb 10-30v 12v / 24v 180 Lumens that are DIMMABLE. They are comparable 10W lights. I didn't want to go to a 20 or 30W and make the camper "daylight" after all this is a camper. Just do an internet search with the description above.
Make sure the LEDS you order are "dimmable" for your rheostat operated lights otherwise its just on and off. Now I say dimmable, but in reality its not the dimmable range you get with the halogen. But again its all about the tradeoffs....
So here is the before shot:
And, here is the after shot with the new LEDs. More Blue and brighter but overall I'm happy with them!
Here's the entry light before:
After:
Ok, next it was on to replacing all 921 bulbs (2) above the dinette table, (1) in the bathroom, the (2) night lights over the bed and the (1) down in the dump access compartment which are all non-rheostat--just on/off control. I replaced them with Super Bright Cool White T10 Wedge 42-SMD 3528 LED Light bulbs. Again, just search the internet.
Before:
After:
So, bottom line I think the real payback will be seen in decreased amp draw and that is always a win. If I'm out in the extreme cold temps I can always put a 921 in for added heat in the dump compartment if needed. Hope this helps for anyone considering changing to LEDs. Cheers and Happy camping!
