Reading lights

[the2ofus]

I don't know if this has been asked before, but has anyone ever changed the 'bulb' in l.e.d. reading lights. In my Auto-Trail Imala they are only 1 watt and I'm wondering if the 'bulbs' can be upgraded to say 3 or 4 watts as I'm struggling to read comfortably. If not can anyone recommend replacements?

 

[PlacidoD]

You will have to do what I did a couple of weeks ago and take a bulb out to identify the type and look for upgrades. In my case I was replacing tungsten/halogen with led and took the opportunity to upgrade both the equivalent output (10 watts to 20-30 equivalent) and also the colour temperature (4000 Kelvin in the daytime area and 2,500 over the bed).

I found this site very helpful with decent photos of the different bulbs and then, having identified the bulb type, I searched again for the best price inc delivery:

Low Voltage Lighting Specialists | Aten Lighting

Come and see our low voltage lighting options ✔ Huge range of 12V and 24V lights & custom LED strips ✔ Browse all products here →

www.atenlighting.co.uk

I bought some from Aten and others from Amazon.

So I am now led throughout the van except for the loo, one light over the galley and the awning light. Save for the awning light which I will take a look at after a trip to France next week I am now left with complete fittings which will be more difficult and costly to replace. The most annoying problem left is five fittings in the loo guzzling circa 50 watts between them! I think the most economical and simple solution there is a demountable rechargeable led for use during a nocturnal loo visit rather than the glaring light show I currently face!!!

Hope that helps?

Chris

 

[autorouter]

I don't know if this has been asked before, but has anyone ever changed the 'bulb' in l.e.d. reading lights. In my Auto-Trail Imala they are only 1 watt and I'm wondering if the 'bulbs' can be upgraded to say 3 or 4 watts as I'm struggling to read comfortably. If not can anyone recommend replacements?

It depends on the light fitting. The older halogen spots, which have been upgraded to LED bulbs, are easier to upgrade, as PlacidoD has described. Take the LED bulb out, it should have the fitting type written on it. The original halogen bulb was probably at least 10W, so if you replace with an LED bulb of even 5 watts that won't cause any wiring or heat problem.

If it's a modern LED one-piece fitting, you may need to replace the whole thing. Or fit an extra LED spot in addition.