LED Interior Lighting

[Saguache]

Ive been thinking about running a couple of circuits of LEDs in Zeno. I know I'm going to want a bright bar over the kitchen area and spot and reading lights at a couple locations in the rest of cabin. I've already installed an auxillery battery and a automated battery tender so it's just a matter of designing the lighting circuits, buying the parts (lights, switches, wiring, connectors) and installing. Has anyone else done something similar? Can you share your experiences and preferences?

 

[johnny_canuck]

I just go to the dollar store and pay a couple of dollars for the LED lights I need. They last a long time and don't cost a lot for batteries.

 

[Kisatchieman]

<SPAN id=post_message_1271581076>I just go to the dollar store and pay a couple of dollars for the LED lights I need. They last a long time and don't cost a lot for batteries.</SPAN>&nbsp;<BR>

<BR>Ditto....Just picked up a couple of LED lights at Tractor Supply Co. for $2 each. Have 24 LEDs on one side and 4 in the end to act as a flashlight. Has a switch to select&nbsp; 24 or 4 LEDs.&nbsp;The side opposite the 24 LEDs has a magnet so the light can be attached to a steel base. Plan to use this light mainly as a reading light. Holds 3 AAA batteries. I get my batteries in bulk from TSC or Lowes.<BR>

 

[karl]

The battery powered LED units are cheap and the batteries last well, and they are portable. A bit of velcro in strategic spots and I have easy task lighting as well as a flashlight that stays where I put it....&nbsp; I like the press to turn on ones for most places, and keep a couple with side switches for carrying in a pack or pocket so they don't get turned on unless I want.<br>

 

[freenez2]

Bought a 19 foot string of 60 LED Christmas lights that were on sale at Target and put them up in the van. Ran them down one side, across the back, and about 2/3 the way up the other side so they light thoroughly. They're powered with an inverter and are rated at 4.8 watts so use almost no juice too. Was surprised they provide almost enough light to read by! Wish I'd done this sooner. If you'd like to see them will be at the RTR. <br>

 

[akrvbob]

LED lights have greatly improved from the first generation. What is commonly available is LED arrays that directly replace the bulbs in most auto and RV fixtures.&nbsp; Some of them put out an amazing amount of light with extremely little power draw. So you could pick up the light base at any auto parts store, and then order the replacement LED bulb from ebay or the internet or someone like this:. <br><br>http://www.starlightsinc.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=2<br><br>If you can get to the RTR, there will be lots of vendors selling replacement LED bulbs and fixtures. Bob<br>&nbsp; <br>

 

[Vanimal]

I also just bought some led rope light from Wally mart. Runs off of a small inverter that also runs my tv. Measured the lights at 4.3 watts. Also ran it around the top. Thinking I'll get more and run them in my upper storage cabinets where I currently have led tap lights mounted. I have a habit of leaving the tap lights on, closing the door and running the batteries down.

 

[johnny_canuck]

I bought several desk lamps with 10 LED'S and velcroed them to where I wanted them. Also strip lights. Works great. I buy batteries from Radio Shack when they are on 1/2 price.

 

[bobbert]

<h1 class="parseasinTitle " style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span id="btAsinTitle"><font size="2">COOL WHITE 12 V Volts DC LED Rope Lights Auto Lighting 5 Meters(16.4 Feet) from Amazon, $35.&nbsp;</font></span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; ">They are designed to be connected to a 12V DC power source such as a 12V battery.</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><br></span></div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/WHITE-Rope-Lights-Lighting-Meters/dp/B004I49582/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/WHITE-Rope-Lights-Lighting-Meters/dp/B004I49582/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_1</a> </div><div><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SVk49qizL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"></div>

 

[johnny_canuck]

I had these years ago, 120 volt. I hooked up a dimmer switch. These were on a four poster bed.&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif">

 

[blars]

I'll be doing a talk on LED lighting at the RTR, with a variety of stuff to show off.&nbsp; (Including some I made.)<br>

 

[Seraphim]

Rechargeable bicycle lights. Can recharged from "110v or from a USB computer connection or from vehicle. Not 'cheap' but versatile, and since I commute by bike (4:30 am) except in the worst weather, they're a necessity, anyway.

Anyone wanting to save money these days, IMO, should be using a bike as much as possible.

 

[Big]

Can we buy one from you

 

[Saguache]

Anyone wanting to save money these days, IMO, should be using a bike as much as possible.

Right on, and ts not just about saving money either. Getting good at riding a bike, walking or running means you'll be turning that chemical energy into something much more useful than insulation and waste.

 

[Seraphim]

Yea, but if you tell people it's good for them they tend not to pay attention.

 

[Saguache]

I've been tracking down fixtures on eBay and think I can probably come out of there with cheaper marine fixtures and LED lights. &nbsp;Fuses, regulators, wire and switches will come from radio shack or similar.

 

[VanTrekker]

<p style="margin: 0px;">I'm using 12 volt under the counter task lights available at Menards (<a href="http://www.menard.com" target=_blank>www.menard.com</a>).</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">They have a built in switch and can be wired DIRECTLY to the house battery or starting battery.&nbsp; They are very bright.&nbsp; I have two on the kitchen counter and one overhead for a reading light.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Here is a link to a note I wrote about these lights...</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://vantrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/convenient-and-powerful-reading-light.html" target=_blank>http://vantrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/convenient-and-powerful-reading-light.html</a></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Brad</p>

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>Please note... I did use fuses.&nbsp; Sorry that I said I wired them directly to the battery.&nbsp; That would be bad practice.&nbsp; I meant that you could run them from 12 volt house batteries (with an inline fuse).&nbsp; </p>

 

[karl]

Warning about cheap chinese bulbs<br /><br />Ok, so I bought some led bulbs from China on ebay - 1156 style for my domes and "porch "lights, and 1157s for the brake/tail lights.....NONE of them fit correctly- they are shorter from the pins to the contacts, just enough so that they don't light without pushing on them, and rattle loose immediately. I will probably see if I can build up the spot of solder on one to make them work, but will consider buying locally next time.<br /><br />Bought a few of the foam backed units that come with 3 or 4 pigtails to retro fit various dome lights and they were fine, just the old bulb style that were an issue.

 

[gadgetMe]

<img rel="lightbox" src="http://cdn3.superbrightleds.com/tim...d-car-bulb-wled-xhp10-dac-store.jpg&amp;w=160" class="bbc_img" /><br /><br />I have used these in my trailer for the past 4 years they come in all colors, run very cool.<br /><a href="http://www.superbrightleds.com/more...-bulbs/94-led-bulb-10-smd-led-wedge-base/214/" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: underline;">link to web site</span></span></a><br /><br />Use 125 milli-amps ..... $14.98<br /><br />Putz