Spring Mods 2011

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   [QUOTE=Outbound] 

With our last trailer (a tent trailer), I went whole-hog and installed solar panels on the roof and swapped the lights for LEDs.  Actually, I tried several different sets of LEDs over the years.  I was never happy.  The light was too blue (even the warm white ones), and frankly they were never bright enough.  In the end, I left one incandescent bulb and one LED light in each fixture and it was OK.

When we bought the r-pod, I decided to go a different route.  I bought a few 4 watt wedge bulbs for Noma moonrays at Home Depot (they're the same size as the 7 watt bulbs in the trailer) and replaced a few bulbs with the lower-wattage ones.  When watching TV, eating a romantic dinner or otherwise sitting around, we turn on a fixture with a low-wattage bulb.  When playing cards, cooking or reading, we turn on the high-wattage bulbs.  It works out fairly well.

I know a guy who bought a roomba for his trailer to deal with just this problem.  He says he's on vacation and shouldn't have to clean.
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Thanks for the input OB.  I agree with everything regarding the LEDs.  While energy mizers, they don't have a very pleasing light.  Like you, I found that the bulbs for my landscape lights are the exact same as the ones in the trailer.  They (Lowes) have anywhere from 4-11 watts.  (Everyone) I would advise against the 11 watt bulbs as they get VERY hot....I use them in my landscape lights (metal and glass) and have been burned more than once.  I could see them being a fire hazard if used in a camper.  Even the 7 watt bulbs get pretty darned warm.

Roomba for the trailer????? That guy might be on to something! 

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Topic: Spring Mods 2011 Posted: 28 Feb 2011 at 4:24pm
	[QUOTE=Outbound] With our last trailer (a tent trailer), I went whole-hog and installed solar panels on the roof and swapped the lights for LEDs. Actually, I tried several different sets of LEDs over the years. I was never happy. The light was too blue (even the warm white ones), and frankly they were never bright enough. In the end, I left one incandescent bulb and one LED light in each fixture and it was OK. When we bought the r-pod, I decided to go a different route. I bought a few 4 watt wedge bulbs for Noma moonrays at Home Depot (they're the same size as the 7 watt bulbs in the trailer) and replaced a few bulbs with the lower-wattage ones. When watching TV, eating a romantic dinner or otherwise sitting around, we turn on a fixture with a low-wattage bulb. When playing cards, cooking or reading, we turn on the high-wattage bulbs. It works out fairly well. I know a guy who bought a roomba for his trailer to deal with just this problem. He says he's on vacation and shouldn't have to clean. **************************************************************************** Thanks for the input OB. I agree with everything regarding the LEDs. While energy mizers, they don't have a very pleasing light. Like you, I found that the bulbs for my landscape lights are the exact same as the ones in the trailer. They (Lowes) have anywhere from 4-11 watts. (Everyone) I would advise against the 11 watt bulbs as they get VERY hot....I use them in my landscape lights (metal and glass) and have been burned more than once. I could see them being a fire hazard if used in a camper. Even the 7 watt bulbs get pretty darned warm. Roomba for the trailer????? That guy might be on to something!

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 28 Feb 2011 at 9:47pm
	That's why i was asking about the 12 volt flourescents. Not quite as efficient as LEDs, but they are omnidirectional, bright and can be the right color. I've heard of people talking about these before, not sure if the bulbs they come with are "warm" though. http://www.thinlite.com/products.htm Their lowest-watt model is 5 watts. I love the Roomba idea, although I would have to share one between the house and camper for what they cost.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

rpodcamper.com Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 26 Nov 2009 Location: Reading, Pa Online Status: Offline Posts: 3990	Posted: 02 Mar 2011 at 12:41am
	Hmm I'm going to need to look into the 12 volt flourescents. Also thinking about looking to move the water pump from under the sink to under the bed.

jjbescher Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 03 Feb 2010 Location: Clayton, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 41	Posted: 02 Mar 2011 at 10:00am
	With the weather being nice down here in NC, I was able to get some stuff down already. 1. I finally replaced the original blinds with drapes. 2. I changed the direction the storage compartment opens up under the couch. Instead of having to lift it up, I put clips and hinges on it, so it can lay down and can get underneath a lot easier. 3. I added tool boxes to the front and put the battery in one. Since I only have 1 storage compartment underneath gives some more outside storage. 4. Bought storage compartments for food, clothes and towels. They will be stored in the bathroom until we get to the site. 5. Put up privacy curtain in the front area so I can take shower and then not have to put clothes on in the bathroom. There are more things I want to do, but no more time or money. With 2 trips scheduled in the next weeks, I wanted to get some of the stuff done. jon
	'10 R-pod 173T. TV - '03 Honda Pilot