led reading lights

Submitted: Monday, Dec 09, 2013 at 23:28
ThreadID: 105439 Views:2079 Replies:9 FollowUps:1
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I am seeking to replace the 12 volt halogen reading lights in our caravan that although bright are both very power hungry and hot enough to burn flesh! Very few of the LED reading light suppliers provide good information on the light output. Has anyone had any experience in finding LED reading lights that are not too expensive and provide enough light to easily read by? Can anyone enlighten me on what would be the minimum lumen output for reading?

Thanks

Colin
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Reply By: DiscoTourer - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 00:00

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 00:00
Colin,

I would take one of your halogens into a lighting store and tell them what you need. You will have a choice of warm or cool (and also different outputs)....I prefer cool for reading. You will pay more for quality led lights.

Tell them if you are not happy with the light, can you will bring them back ? My store said no probs.

I swapped from warm to cool, no probs at all.

Light is better and using significantly less power, while being much cooler .

Brett....
AnswerID: 522835

Reply By: Member - DW Lennox Head(NSW) - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 05:28

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 05:28
Colin

I replaced my halogen lights with 87684BL LED lights from Narva. They are really good to read by.

Cheers
DW
AnswerID: 522837

Reply By: Member - Toyocrusa (NSW) - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 06:32

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 06:32
Hi Colin. Can depend on what type of lights you have in the van. I replaced the halogen globes in mine with led. It was a bit tricky getting the plastic case to separate but once done,the difference is such that the led's are even a bit too bright. Cheers,Bob.
AnswerID: 522838

Reply By: Member -Hilton Hillbillies - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 07:53

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 07:53
Colin,
I purchased mine from Jaycar and they seem to be good quality.
If you don't have a store nearby they even have a online store.
I replaced all my lights with LED, in the van and house.
I put 6 watt cool in the house but they were too bright, so I changed them for warm.
My advice is buy quality LED bulbs, there is a lot of crap out there.
I know they cost a bit more but you'll have no problems.
Steve

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AnswerID: 522840

Reply By: Member -Pinko (NSW) - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 09:03

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 09:03
Hi Colin
I have these and they are great.
Two variations. one fixed and the other with a ciggy plug.
https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?item=49208&search123=led+map+light&intAbsolutePage=1
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AnswerID: 522844

Reply By: desray (WA - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 15:56

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 15:56
some of the LED lights also make the TV picture go weird in a caravan. You might want to try one or two before changing them all
AnswerID: 522853

Reply By: SDG - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 16:51

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 16:51
I replaced mine in the Jayco with these.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12-SMD-5050-LED-White-Car-Interior-Light-Panel-T10-BA9S-Festoon-Dome-Adapter-12V/160840483627?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D3292345885821683654%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D160840483627%26#ht_3546wt_1117

Has worked well over the last year.
Mine was a packet of 8 which I could not find the link for.
At two bucks each, wothwhile getting one and trying it. If your not happy, your not out much.
AnswerID: 522860

Reply By: xray tango - Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 17:05

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013 at 17:05
Thanks to all for the good advice - I now have some ideas to follow up, but also look forward to any newer ideas.

Colin
AnswerID: 522861

Follow Up By: Member - johnat - Wednesday, Dec 11, 2013 at 19:55

Wednesday, Dec 11, 2013 at 19:55
Collin (XT)
We have replaced almost every lamp in our van with LEDs. The source I find most helpful is the Caravans Plus mob. They have an easy comparison of existing to LED, and will most often have a direct replacement.

Failing that, ask them and see what they say! (NB no relationship to them, just a very, very, satisfied customer.)
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Reply By: xray tango - Thursday, Dec 12, 2013 at 10:54

Thursday, Dec 12, 2013 at 10:54
Thanks, that looks like a great web site.
AnswerID: 522937

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