Motorhome LED lighting
45c1f880-5abd-4d33-a5ea-889fc3377aa2
LED replacements for fluorescent and halogen bulbs have improved significantly in the last couple of years and the improvements in efficiency mean that most of the electrical power is given out as light.
LEDs are actually around 10 times more economical than a halogen bulb and have now surpassed the efficiency of fluorescent lights. This means that they are a ‘must have’ for maximising your 12V habitation battery capacity (this is commonly referred to as a ‘leisure’ battery).Today’s LEDs run almost cold, so there’s no fear of accidently touching them and burning your hand. This has also led to an alternative form of lights, on a 10mm-wide flexible strip, which is typically sold in a range of lengths up to five metres. So, an upgrade of our motorhome’s lighting situation was on my mind. This moment of inspiration was driven further into my consciousness by a friend who had recently acquired a Carthago A-class, which already had lots of bling installed (as it was much newer than ours). Well, “that’s it” my wife, Janet, exclaimed one day, “we must do something about it!”
With the reel of lights duly purchased, we went back to base. A local supply of 12V was found directly above the door associated with the electronic ‘gubbins’ to do with the television system. A route to the proposed layout of the LED tapes was identified and measurements were made. I needed some thin wire so it would be unobtrusive and found a couple of reels of red and blue that would do.
The five-metre length of LEDs was terminated on one end already
with a couple of short wires. However, to keep the pattern neat when fixed around the door, I required three lengths of LEDs, one on each side and one across the top. The strips are marked about every two inches (that’s 50mm for modern folk) where it can be cut.
The vendor at the show offered me some plug-on connectors for the end of the cut LED tape, although those with a steady hand and a small soldering iron should be able to make a smaller, tidier joint.
The tapes were laid into position removing the paper from the adhesive backing bit by bit. It was all connected up and volts were applied to try it out.
Wow, these cool white lights were super bright and dazzled even during the midday sun. Janet suggested they needed to be turned down a bit.
Remember that, even with 12V systems, there is a risk involved, so if you do not feel competent or knowledgeable enough, you should alway call in a professional to do the work for you.
There are also several other considerations when working with LED lights, whether adding new ones or replacing existing bulbs.
It’s important that all these extra strings of LED lights and thin wiring are safely fused; a three-amp fuse should be the maximum size of fuse used.
You should never stick LED strips to metal surfaces. The electrical connection pads (positive and negative) are present on both the front and back of the tape. Only the glue might stop them shorting out on a metal surface and this should not be relied upon.
The solder connections to the micro-switch were insulated with heat-shrink sleeves to keep them safe.
The vendor at the show offered me some plug-on connectors for the end of the cut LED tape, although those with a steady hand and a small soldering iron should be able to make a smaller, tidier joint.
The tapes were laid into position removing the paper from the adhesive backing bit by bit. It was all connected up and volts were applied to try it out.
Wow, these cool white lights were super bright and dazzled even during the midday sun. Janet suggested they needed to be turned down a bit.
TAKE NOTE
There are also several other considerations when working with LED lights, whether adding new ones or replacing existing bulbs.
It’s important that all these extra strings of LED lights and thin wiring are safely fused; a three-amp fuse should be the maximum size of fuse used.
You should never stick LED strips to metal surfaces. The electrical connection pads (positive and negative) are present on both the front and back of the tape. Only the glue might stop them shorting out on a metal surface and this should not be relied upon.
The solder connections to the micro-switch were insulated with heat-shrink sleeves to keep them safe.
This article is an extract from a longer piece in February 2014 MMM magazine. To order your copy, click here.
More useful Motorhome pages:
Motorhomes for Sale | Motorhome Reviews | Sell Your Motorhome | Motorhome Advice | Motorhome Buyers' Guide
Motorhome News | Motorhome Articles | Motorhome Forums
Campsite Finder
MMM (Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly) Magazine | Which Motorhome Magazine | Motorhome Shows
Recent Updates
Engine management lights: all you need to know
What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...
Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know
Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...
Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet
Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Other Articles
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in the pre-owned market for each layout, ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...
Lighting for campervans: all you need to know
We guide you through all the lighting options available for you and your campervan, including interior ...
Electric bikes for motorhomes: our ultimate guide
Read our comprehensive guide to electric bikes for motorhome owners, helping you add electric power to your ...
Our guide to 'cheap' motorhomes in 2024
If you're on the hunt for an affordable new motorhome, this is the best place to start – we've rounded up a ...
Campervans in winter: all you need to know
Here's your guide to preparing your campervan for the colder months, whether you will be using it or putting ...