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Topic: Why three different interior lights (Read 501 times) previous topic - next topic
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Why three different interior lights
Dont get me wrong, I love all the lighting but why three different lighting systems?  Are certain lights better for 12V and others for 110? 

2011 RK
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #1 –
While I may not understand the question, all our LD’s lights are 12V perfect for dry camping.  Some are LED replacements for fluorescent tubes, some are LED for halogen bulbs, and a few are LED for small incandescent (if that’s what they’re called) bulbs.

Now why did the Factory install 3 different types of lights?   Probably a mystery never to be solved. 😂
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #2 –
You understand me correctly. Why 3 different types?  It doesnt make a lot of sense.
2011 RK
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #3 –
I suspect it comes down to "stock on hand."

If a company had been designing an RV from scratch in 2011, when your RK was built, they probably would have specified LED lighting throughout. But while in that year Lazy Daze had upgraded the taillights to LEDs, they were still using older interior lights. According to the factory's 2011 spec sheet for your model:

    Total interior recessed fluorescent light fixtures : 5
    Total number of interior incandescent and halogen light fixtures: 11

They probably had on hand cases of those older fixtures that they'd been using for years, and wanted to use them up before buying newer LED interior lights. I'm guessing that the reason for three different types of lighting was just that simple.

As Ed & Margee pointed out, all of the original fluorescent, incandescent, and halogen lights can be refitted with LED bulbs, so you don't have to physically replace fixtures to get that power-saving benefit.

Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #4 –
"Now why did the Factory install 3 different types of lights?"

And... the answer is THEY DIDN'T! They installed fixtures designed to accept different bulbs, depending on use. The user could retain the original incandescent or fluorescent as many have or change out to Halogen (for brighter light at the expense of high heat) or LED's as most of us have done. I still have a couple of Halogens.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #5 –
Hi T4halo;  I can't know what fixtures you have in your coach, or if previous owner(s) changed out fixtures.  In the early days of LED lighting many methods of retrofitting old incandescent lighting fixtures came about.
   Most notably the florescent fixtures that Lazy Daze used in my coach; each had an inverter to provide 110VAC from the coach 12VDC for real florescent tubes. I never had any catch on fire. (the ballasts) All but two have been replaced with 4000K LED tubes that retain the look but are instant on, (don't warm up in cold weather) don't wear out and use low power.
   Other incandescent fixtures especially my older '99 Lazy Daze have been updated with plug in bayonet sockets of LED lights.  Floor lighting of nightlights or outdoor patio light reminders, have new LED fixtures. The same with my storage compartments now lit with LED fixtures.  The patio light is motion detecting LED lighting.
   My two central florescent fixture ceiling lights were replaced with LED strip lights, and the sockets were removed. So I couldn't put the M4 (company) LED simulated florescent bulbs in. Those also are too harsh at 6000K color.  But I don't use them much.
   I don't think that Lazy Daze ever used 110V AC lighting as supplied from the factory.  All of my internal and external lighting is now LED. (OK not the headlights yet but soon, LED replacements in a box to be installed).
   All of this to increase reliability, light distribution, and decrease battery demands.      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #6 –
Quote
The same with my storage compartments now lit with LED fixtures. 

Ron, I like this idea. I've done that in a couple of coaches but I had access to 12 volts in all the compartments. How did you do it? Thanks.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #7 –

Forgive me for jumping in here, but for what it's worth...

I put lights in all my cabinets and compartments. Rather than run 12 V wiring everywhere, I used rechargeable motion-sensing under-counter lights. They turn on when I open a cabinet or compartment door, and shut off 15 seconds after I close the door. I have a dozen and a half of them altogether.

Yes, they have to be recharged, but I find that once a month or less is enough, and it's easy to recharge them from any USB outlet or adapter. I hate peering into dark spaces, and these lights eliminate that.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #8 –
Those look interesting, Andy, but how did you recharge them when installed? Just a long cable?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #9 –
"how did you recharge them when installed?"

The lights have magnets. A self-adhesive metal strip goes on the cabinet ceiling, and the light clings firmly to it, but is easily removed for charging. I have yet to have any fall off. (And if they did, they wouldn't fall far, of course, since they're inside cabinets and compartments.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #10 –

Hi Jor;  I just tied into existing 12vdc wiring and ran wires (and grounds) through, and under the floors and into the outside compartments. I put magnetic switches so they would be off when the doors are closed. My 'TK only has two outside compartments. I put in manual switches if I wanted to keep the doors open with lights off. I used 4 LED license plate lights per compartment: Amazon.com: 2PCS Xenon White LED License Plate Light, 12V-24V DC Waterproof...  and also replaced similar lights inside, the night lights. Also the step light inside also used to remind you that the patio light is on.
    When I upgraded my fuse board I got an extra few branch circuits, so I added (still adding) lights inside the cabinets and even some drawers to light up contents when drawers are open.  I think I used these switches:  Amazon.com: uxcell a14061100ux0028 3 Piece NO/NC Door Window Contact... 
  A lot of work, but with overkill LiF batteries, worth it.  A lot depends on your floor plan and what you want to light.
   RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #11 –
I would imagine it had something to do with having the options to get a lot light when and where needed when you were connected to shore power and also enough lighting when on battery.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #12 –
Quote
A lot of work, but with overkill LiF batteries, worth it.

Sounds good to me. Thanks, Ron.
jor
09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #13 –
Quote from: T4halo  - 
Are certain lights better for 12V and others for 110? 

Lights have changed through the years, from incandescent to halogen and fluorescent, and now LEDs.
That's progress, but none operate directly on 120 VAC, all are 12 VDC, powered by the coach battery or the converter.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #14 –
I always just used a headlamp if I wanted to see the nether reaches of my compartments. Worked for me!  Always kept one hanging inside the entry door. YMMV. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #15 –

Not rig specific, but I have ordered three sets of these lights for different uses around the house and RV's.

Aootek New Solar Motion Sensor Lights 120 LEDs with Lights Reflector,270°...

They have three different modes, user definable with ease. 

"Three Optional Modes

1. Motion Sensor light mode (when it detects motion at night, motion sensor turns the light on for 15 seconds and off automatically).

2. Permanent On all night mode (the light turns on automatically at night and stays on all night).

3. Smart brightness control mode (the step light stays on all night and turns brighter when it detects motion).

I use them mostly as motion detectors (3.) when I open a door to step into a rig, or to guide my way to the loo in the night.  Plenty of time to get back to bed before it's "lights out".

I keep one in the cab and one in the coach for maximum coverage.  It's fun to vary the locations to see if a person can outsmart a light bulb!

In the house, I keep two in the living room that is rarely accessed.  They come on if/when I walk in there, so no fumbling about for a light switch in the dark.  They have a nice, broad base, so will sit happily on a surface, or attach to a wall with the enclosed screws.

To recharge each morning, I put them on my sofa so that the back part that gathers the rays will face a window.

Very pleased with these products and their uses.  Expect to use the "always on" feature now and again for extra ad hoc lighting.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #16 –
We have a few of the Motion Cabinet Lights that Andy suggested which we use in some of our cabinets but ours are the AAA battery type, which means we have to keep some extra batteries around.  We would prefer the chargeable type.
Thanks Andy!

   Karen~Liam
     98 ~ MB
        NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Why three different interior lights
Reply #17 –
"We would prefer the chargeable type."

Agreed. I started with the AAA-powered type; I have other devices that use Eneloop rechargeable AAAs, so I already had batteries and a charger on hand. But as I added more lights, I bought the newer ones with built-in lithium batteries. To recharge, I just pull the light off its magnet mount, bring it over to the counter, and plug in a microUSB cord for a few hours. It's a little more convenient than removing, recharging, and reinstalling AAAs.

"I always just used a headlamp if I wanted to see the nether reaches of my compartments."

If you're looking into outside storage compartments--something most of us don't do on a daily basis--a headlamp hanging by the entry door (yes, I have one too) is good enough. But I don't like peering into dark interior cabinets--in the kitchen, bedroom, and so on--and that's something I do many times a day. That's where the motion-sensor lights excel. I open a cabinet door and the light comes on; I don't have to think about it. And I didn't have to do any wiring. The price I pay is needing to recharge these lights every month or two, but to me it's worthwhile.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"