This blog post provides step-by-step instructions on how to replace RV lights with LED lighting. Traditional RV lighting uses small incandescent bulbs, which provide less light, more energy, and heat, and have a shorter service life. Many people upgrade to LED bulbs simply for the added light, but other benefits are often overlooked.
To replace your old incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED retrofit bulbs or custom fixtures for your RV interior and exterior, follow these steps:
- Measure the RV light fixture and buy the appropriate LED bulbs.
- Turn off the power to the RV lights.
- Remove the old light bulbs and disconnect the wiring.
- Connect the new LED bulbs and test them out.
Replacement of incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs is a simple process that requires only removing the housing on the light fixture, replacing the old bulb, and installing a new one. LEDs are highly functional and energy-saving, leading to extra juice in your RV’s battery, less maintenance, and more money in your wallet.
There are two ways to upgrade RV interior lights to LED: bulb replacement and fixture replacement. Bulb replacement is straightforward and the most common method. The process involves turning off 12V and 120V power to the camper, removing the fixture lens, and unscrewing the four screws holding the fixture to the camper.
I recommend switching to LED if possible, even if you can only do it a few bulbs at a time, as it will save on power, heat, and last longer than non-LED light.
📹 Changing An LED Ceiling Puck Light In The RV – How To Replace And Install – RV Upgrades
This video demonstrates how to replace an LED ceiling puck light in an RV. The process involves removing the cover, disconnecting the old light, and connecting a new one. The video highlights the different types of mounting mechanisms and provides tips for reconnecting the wires.
Do you need a conversion kit for LED lights?
The necessity of purchasing a kit is contingent upon the vehicle in question, particularly in the case of older models, damaged wiring, or complex headlight housings. Nevertheless, in the event that one is replacing existing LEDs or non-headlight bulbs, or if one possesses the requisite tools, the necessity of a kit is obviated. This is particularly the case for vehicles with older wiring or difficult headlight housings.
How to convert incandescent to LED?
In order to replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, it is first necessary to remove the incandescent bulb. Once this has been done, the bulb should be allowed to cool for a few minutes, after which the LED bulb can be screwed into the fixture base. It is imperative to avoid over-tightening the product, as both types utilize the same base. It is important to select a product that is compatible with the existing fixture and to follow the instructions provided to replace the incandescent bulb.
Can I just replace my trailer lights to LEDs without running new wires?
Connect the wires of each LED light to the trailer’s wires, which typically have a ground wire, tail light wire, and turn signal/brake light wire. If the light is in good condition and matches the new one, plug it into the existing connector. Secure the new connections using butt/bullet connectors or solder the wires and cover them with heat-shrink tubing. Ground the lights properly using a white wire from the trailer harness connected to the metal frame of the trailer. If the light is a single-wire, self-grounding light, it grounds itself through the mounting hardware.
When should you not use LED bulbs?
LED light bulbs are generally safe to use in most fixtures and fittings, but they should not be fully enclosed due to potential overheating, which can cause premature bulb burnout. It is crucial to check the packaging for suitability based on the type of fitting. LED energy-saving light bulbs do not require special fixtures or new ones, as retrofit like-for-like replacements are available for many existing light fittings.
Some LED bulbs may work in old fixtures, but it is not the fault of the new bulb. When switching from one lighting technology to another, it is crucial to ensure compatibility between the old fitting and new bulb, regardless of the fitting’s age.
Can you put LED bulbs in incandescent string lights?
Traditional Christmas lights, both LED and incandescent, are wired in series, meaning the same electrical current flows through every bulb on the string. However, plugging them together can cause excessive current draw, potentially causing blown fuses, damaged bulbs, or even ruining the entire light string. Mixing LEDs and incandescents can also create a fire hazard, overloaded circuits, and damaged wiring. To avoid these risks, keep LED and incandescent lights on separate strands plugged into different outlets and use surge protectors, especially when used outdoors.
Can I use an incandescent switch with LED lights?
Dimmer switches are designed to be compatible with dimmable LED bulbs or strip lights, providing flexibility in creating the perfect lighting for any situation. These switches allow users to adjust brightness to suit their preference, making them ideal for both home and commercial environments. They can enhance the atmosphere by providing bright, clear illumination or a softer, more ambient glow.
Can you put LED lights in an incandescent fixture?
LED bulbs are safe to use in regular fixtures as long as they have the right base and sufficient space for heat dissipation. However, they may not work in enclosed or airtight spaces due to insufficient heat dissipation. Additionally, LED bulbs compatible with dimmer switches may not be compatible with your current system, so it’s advisable to thoroughly check specifications before purchasing.
Can you just replace incandescent bulbs with LED?
Replace energy-efficient light bulbs with LED bulbs without altering your lighting system. Conventional or filament light bulbs, once considered energy-saving, consume more electricity and have a shorter lifespan. LED bulbs are a great choice for this reason. Similarly, replacing halogen light bulbs with LED light bulbs is easy, but may require additional adjustments in certain installations. Both methods can save energy and improve the overall efficiency of your lighting system.
Can you replace incandescent trailer lights with LED?
Replacing lights on a trailer with LED lights is a simple task that can be done in a kit or individually. To simplify the process, purchase LED lights with the same mounting style as your existing incandescent lights. It’s important to adhere to DOT lighting requirements and consider the extra drilling and cutting required. Some LED lights may be hard-wired, while others may require a different pigtail plug. Hardwired lights can be wired directly to the trailer wiring harness, and LED adapter plugs can be used to adapt the LED plug to the incandescent light plug harness.
However, there may be issues when converting to LED lighting, as the ideal scenario would involve removing the incandescent lights, installing and wiring the replacement lights, and connecting the trailer.
Can I change my RV interior lights to LED?
LED lights are a great option for RV and camper lighting due to their lower power consumption and longer lifespan compared to incandescent or halogen bulbs. To replace RV lights with LEDs, choose an LED retrofit bulb that matches the base type of your current light bulb and the voltage of your RV’s electrical system (most likely 12V). Installation can vary depending on the type of LED bulb or light you choose.
Regarding regular light fixtures in an RV, voltage adapters are available to convert higher voltage fixtures to match your RV’s voltage. RVs may experience bumps and jolts while on the road, so consider this before choosing nonpermanent light fixtures.
To remove interior light covers in your RV, look for screws or clips holding the cover in place and use a screwdriver or fingers to loosen or remove them. Gently pull the cover off the fixture, being careful not to break it or damage the surrounding area. If stuck, try twisting it back and forth to loosen it.
Interior RV retrofit bulb replacements are essential for brightening up your kitchen, living area, and bedroom. Most RVs and campers use 12V power systems, but newer and larger models may use 24V. Select a retrofit bulb that matches the base type of your current bulb and the voltage of your electrical system.
Bi-Pin bulbs are a popular choice for replacing old or dim incandescent dome lights in your vehicle’s cabin. They come in various styles and can be easily installed by lining up the two pins with the socket holes and pushing in.
📹 Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 1 — Incandescent & Halogen
Replace your RV’s incandescent & halogen bulbs with LEDs! It’s easy and we’ll show you how to choose bulb sizes, colors and …
Great article I am sure you are very happy with the changes you made with the upgrades to LEDS where you have made them. I know I am I have a large coach (39 ft. 5th wheel) and for now I use it on a seasonal site in NY, and because of the park we are in and NY regs electric is very expensive. In the living area, alone I have 12 lights and this is not including reading lamps, halogen lamps bedroom lighting or, bath. The living area alone with incandescing and halogen bulbs the bill racks up quickly, I needed to do something, and when I was looking around for LEDS a couple of years back the prices were crazy (still expensive now) but price keeps coming down like all things news and hot. But I needed over 30 bulbs to replace to make any difference so price is a big deal, so with shopping local and rv shops the pricing was making it impossible to do what I needed, but I did find a location on the internet (a lot of work to find them) but they are a manufacture not a dealer or retailer and will sell direct! Therefore, at that time when I put an order in all 30 bulbs with shipping was about the cost of four bulbs local. Here is the web address (ledlightbulb.net/index.htm) the last time I looked they still did not have the vanity bulbs (frosted large globe) but did have every other bulb in my coach, for inside or out. So take a look at the site it will take a minute or two the figure the site out (not a retail site) but all the info you might need is there (light temperature guides, conversion charts and more) but take your time and you should find most every bulb you might need for your Rv or house.
I have been enjoying your informative articles for years! I purchased nearly 30 LED lights from M4 in July of 2014. We have had our 5th light quit working properly… one or more of the individual diodes flicker. I purchased the more expensive “elite series” hoping for a better outcome. I estimate on the high side around 10,000 hours of use. Their website speaks of 50,000 hours! If I had left them on 24 hours a day that would only be 35,000 hours! How has your luck been?
I too have purchased LED conversion bulbs in the past, only to have them fail in a few months. When I bought this new to us 2008 Newmar Kountry Air fifth wheel back in 2016, I contacted Steve at M4 and bought replacment LEDs for all the lights in the trailer interior as well as exterior. I had used some of his lights in my last RV, a Newmar Moutain Aire fifth wheel. If I can recall correctly, I had about 35 halogen puck lights in the ceiling alone. In total I converted over 60 lights to Steve’s LEDs. In two years of full timing, I don’t recall having a single failure. In addition, Steve’s customer service is second to none. I highly recommend his products.
I am not sure about RV LED lights, but residential LED lights do not do well in one particular location, that is the stove light in the stove hood. We have replaced nearly every incandescent bulb in our home with LED bulbs, with the exception of the light in the stove hood.On advice from the sales man that was selling the LED bulbs, that advised that LED lights do not do well in high heat areas like the stove hood. He advised that they just do not last, so that is the one bulb that we still have filled with an incandescent bulb. That unit is usually only on when we are using the kitchen at any rate, so It does not cost us that much. If you have better information about LED performance in high heat areas please advise.
My camper didn’t come with LED marker, stop and turn signals. Even though it’s a 2018 model we purchased brand new. The manufacturer of our camper didn’t make them with LED lights. I will very soon be upgrading them and possibly add a extra pair of turn/stop LED lights for extra visibility and safety. Love your articles👍👍
Just heard the news that the thread I started on IRV2….about the best LED lights you can get! Drew RVgeeks to look into M4 and Steve the owner(he’s awesome and helped tremendously with our coach). Very impressed with the website and love when we get a new blog/video from RVgeeks also. Both business owners should be proud at what they created here! Troy Reeves(business owner in Gilbert, AZ)
There is a serious risk with not knowing how / where the bulbs were manufactured as I discovered in my 5th wheel. One light started to smoke and it not caught it could have destroyed our rig. The base eas not attached to the head very well and just during install the bulb had crossed the contacts. But that was minor compared to the issue with those exposed electrical connections which can carry enough amperage to kill or cause serious harm.
M4products.com is the best place to buy LED bulbs hands down. With fast shipping and great customer service, I was able to convert all of my 5th wheel RV bulbs right down to the bulb in my Norco refrigerator, an LED bulb hard to find elsewhere. I can now go from one day to four days on a single 12 volt deep cycle marine battery, before having to charge it. I bought a spare charged battery to swap out the discharged battery. Using an extra RV power cord with just the black and white leads running to the discharged battery, we’ll go sightseeing, at which time the truck charges the battery while tied down in the bed of the pickup.
Needed to replace some cheap LED’s I found on Amazon a year ago that are already burning out. Everyone is complaining it’s dark in the rooms…lol img.adambryner.com/images/img3890.jpg I remembered this article, and after talking with Steve, I ordered 20 of his elite series LED’s…excited to have much brighter and higher quality LED’s. Thanks for the coupon code, saved me $10 bucks.
My first concern is the extra cost of these LED lights. My next concern is I have a 1987 29ft.travel trailer that uses the old style automotive push & twist sockets. Most of my light fixtures use #1140 or #1141 bulbs. Are LED lights made with this style of connector? I could see upgrading the lights where I read to LEDs to give me extra light for reading at night. Also my trailer is permanently set up in a trailer park so I can’t take advantage of any power savings. The electrical usage is included in the site fee.
I would LOVE to convert my crappy awful LED light fixtures back to incandescent. LEDs would be great if they werent made so goddamned cheap. Ive tried half a dozen different LED light fixtures and they all have some major drawback usually relating to the cheapness of their construction. Why does everything have to be so “bottom dollar” now? If i could pay $100 extra per light fixture and get something that actually works reliably i would gladly do it. Most LED light fixtures available now dont even let you change out the bulb, its all integrated just so they can be manufactured 1/10th of a penny cheaper…. ugh! Instead im scouring the RV junkyards for the good old fashioned incandescent light fixtures.