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Converting RV Lights to LEDs: Part 1 – Incandescents & Halogens

Converting RV Lights to LEDs: Part 1 – Incandescents & Halogens

The process of converting our RV’s lights to LEDs has been a bit frustrating… until now. This video explains what’s been happening.

If you’ve seen our video about converting our RV’s fluorescent lights to LEDs (if not, you can view it here), you may have noticed that it’s been a while since we’ve shared any more tips about switching to LEDs.

The reason for that is because we’ve been experimenting with converting our RV’s other lights (halogen, incandescent and even other fluorescent light options). But it’s been a bit frustrating, since options for LED color and brightness can be confusing, and many suppliers don’t accurately convey the information you need to choose the color temperature and brightness you want.

Then we heard about a company on the iRV2 discussion forums called M4 Products. The information on their website was really thorough, and the owner’s fast, detailed response to our questions made us confident that his lights would be the right color and brightness.

After so much trial & error, buying from M4 was the best experience we’ve had so far. Since we were heading toward southern California, where M4 is located, we made an appointment to stop by to see about upgrading more of our lights.

Being a fellow RVer, Steve (M4’s owner) was incredibly knowledgeable about LED applications for RVs, and the quality of his products was obvious. We’ve looked at, and tried, our fair share of LED bulbs, and Steve’s are the best quality and best value we’ve found so far.

Click here to visit M4 Products:
www.M4Products.com


We’re also excited to announce our newest RVgeeks Contest! On April 14, 2014 at 8pm Pacific Time, one lucky RVgeeks viewer will win a $250 Online Shopping Certificate to M4 Products, our new favorite LED light supplier, which they can use to outfit their RV with brand new LEDs!

M4 is also offering a special discount for RVgeeks viewers. Visit their website at www.M4Products.com and enter the Discount Code “rvgeeks5” at checkout to receive a 5% discount on your entire order!

The contest ends on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 8 pm Pacific time, so watch the video for details and be sure to enter today!


CONTEST WINNERS!


Congratulations to our winners — Don & Carol B. (entry #1001)!


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Williambah

Saturday 4th of June 2016

Im grateful for the forum topic.Really thank you! Awesome. Foertsch

Mary Lantz

Friday 18th of March 2016

That worked on a couple, thanks! One canister fell out, but to my great relief, it went right back in the hole. It was interesting to see the canisters are only held in place by a little metal clip that just fits above the hole in the open ceiling (no screws). Who knew... thanks for getting me past my first rv repair ;)

Mary Lantz

Tuesday 15th of March 2016

Yes, it's a recessed halogen canister. I can't get the bulb cover off to get to the bulb. The whole canister spins when I try to gently turn the cover.

TheRVgeeks

Wednesday 16th of March 2016

In our RV, those lenses have to be pushed UP and turned, so be sure to apply upward pressure as you turn. But they only need about an eighth of a turn to release the lens from the fixture, so if a small amount of rotation doesn't release the light, don't keep turning. Hope this helps.

Mary Lantz

Saturday 12th of March 2016

We lost our home in a flood last May and have just bought our first Dutchman 5th wheel (used) as a temporary living alternative. Since we plan to do a lot of RVing soon, this was a good start. We have learned so many wonderfully helpful tips for RV newbies from your videos!! Thank you so much. We are trying to change out our lighting to LED and are having trouble with lighting canisters turning while we try to remove the cover. We are worried we will damage the wiring. Anyone have any tips on how to hold them in place? Thanks!

TheRVgeeks

Monday 14th of March 2016

Hi Mary. Which type of lighting fixture is turning? Is it the recessed halogens?

David

Saturday 16th of January 2016

Thanks for another great video.

We just bought some of the Elite Series G4 puck LED lights from M4 (exactly like the ones in your video). We have a 2006 Mountain Aire, almost the same as yours, and the reflectors in the fixtures block the the G4 LEDs from inserting all the way. The LED works but winds up being crooked and only partially inserted into the socket.

Did you opt to remove your reflectors? Is so, how? I don't see any obvious way to get the reflector out. Thank you!

TheRVgeeks

Saturday 16th of January 2016

Hi David,

Ours JUST fit without removing the reflector. It is possible that Newmar switched puck lights between 2005 & 2006, since that was the year they raised the ceiling height. Not sure about removing the reflectors, since we never had to do it. We were ready to remove ours in case it was needed, and we recall that we expected that it might leave the light socket loose by doing that. Sorry we don't have more info on this. Not that it would necessarily help, but a phone call to Newmar's parts and service department might confirm that a new fixture was used in 2006, and maybe they can guide you on how to dismantle it.

Please let us know how you make out.

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PLEASE NOTE: We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.

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