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Joined: 13 Aug 2012
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Generator/LED Questions
    Posted: 06 Feb 2013 at 9:07am

Thanks for all the info on the lights ... I definitely want to get them changed out before we start our camping year!

P & M ... and Comet too!
2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 10:09pm
Yes, I did also use a Chinese company.  Although I replaced every light on the POD with Chinese Led's and the total cost was $70 and I have plenty of spares.  This included all interior, exterior running, marking and porch lights.

I have used SuperBrightLed's on occasion but for different purposes.  They are a good company and yet, are still a re-seller.  Going direct cuts out the middle seller.

Glad U did better than me but if I had gone to an outfitter for RV's and trailers, it would have cost me 2 or 3 times as much.

The main thing is to save those amps and keep you on the road without battery failure and lit up.

Thanks,

Burt
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 10:04pm
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 9:53pm
Burt, I used (sorry) a chinese companty and replaced 2/3 of the bulbs in my 172 for less that $15.00, it was on an older thread, maybe a year ago. go to the search function and you should be able to find it. they are a bright blue light but do well for the price.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 7:58pm

By coincidence, while researching 3rd brake lights today (going on the back when my lighting recall is done), I found that etrailer has a bunch of interior LED fixtures.  Not drop-in replacements for the bulbs themselves but I thought I would pass this on:  http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Lights-sf-Interior_Lights-pc-LED_Light.aspx

As for monitoring the battery, I stick with measuring the battery at-rest voltage (look up Wind Sun's battery FAQ for more info).  I do like the monitoring systems like the Trimetric.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 4:36pm
Led info:

Here are the inside LED's I used in the RPOD.


This is direct from China and there are multiple LED's called "corn" on these bulbs.  68 LED's in all on each "bulb." They put out more light than the incandescents did.  I placed them side by side once to test.

These will the the greatest amount of LED's you will purchase for your POD.

If you want the "Warm White ones," get them from superbrightleds.com

The only place we used them was in the bedroom area for the warmer colors.  With all changes, you must accept some adjustments.  The white colors don't bother us and we're glad to be using less amperage as a result.

For generators, the current Consumer reports has a high rating for Troy bilt XP700 for $900.  However, I still swear by the Honda's.  They are very quiet and consumer small amounts of fuel.


Good Luck,

Burt

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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 3:39pm
Renosteve- see my post and related ones about the Watts-UP meter:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2898&KW=watts+up&PID=27452&title=electrical-current-draw#27452.  It works great - needs a #6 or 8 wire from the main battery lead in, but has many functions and you can monitor total current use.
 
We bought two sets of 10 LED paddle style 921 replacements for $30 each set direct from China, postage free, on line thru eBay.  They are 10 LEDs per paddle.  I think I googled " 921 LED replacement".  So far only one of 11 installed has failed.  Rather white, but one gets used to it.  Current draw is miniscule.
 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 1:54pm
Hey Techntrek: Thanks for the reply. Have you installed a more accurate meter than the factory panel to keep track of your battery charge status? Seems like this would help keep better track of charge.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 10:17am
LED questions:

Yes, I do have all the part numbers and will supply them later on today.  I'm on PCT, so you will likely be getting my reply late tonight.  Our POD is a 171.  I'm confident however, the bulbs and fixtures are the same.

My biggest clue to replace these was putting my hand on the Porch light and feeling the intense heat.  That got me going fast to replace the LED's throughout.

BTW, I also have used SuperBrightLED's.  They are good and somewhat competitive.  However, if you understand the kelvin ratings and what they mean to colors, you can get the same stuff less expensive.  I've been making LED flashlights for years now.  You can turn an ordinary flashlight into one that will last you forever with a few dollars and understanding OHM's law to reduce the amperage.

Another BTW, I know a guy here that replaced lights with LED's in his motorhome.  It cost him over $400 from a trailer supplier.  For a drill and the fun of it, I priced out the DHGate bulbs and came up with $120.

Ours cost us $70 for every bulb in the POD

Burt
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2013 at 9:44am
Regarding LED replacements for the interior lights, I have found these units from SuperBrightLeds.com to be the best I can find. They use 18 type warm white 5050 LEDs. They are just a bit whiter than the factory 921 bulbs, are of equal or slightly greater brightness, and draw about 1/6 the DC current. They seem expensive at first look, but I've tried several of the cheaper planar multi-LED units from China and you get what you pay for. Too blue, unregulated, poor quality, and generally less acceptable. I've ordered an amber version to try in the "porch" light.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-led-bulb-18-smd-led-wedge-base-tower/397/
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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