Mod Description:

If you do a lot of boondocking (no hookups while camping), then you know battery life is one of the most important things you must plan for, especially if you have a small battery bank. One great way to save a lot of power is to convert your existing incandescent lighting to LED lighting. LED stands for light emitting diode and provides light in a very different way than incandescent or fluorescent lighting sources. The biggest benefit for a boondocker is that LEDs require very little power to operate, so you won’t have to be so conscious of switching off lights when you don’t need them.

Mod Difficulty:

LED spotlights in luxury Class A

2-bulb fixture with 15 LED bulbs

Bayonet-style 6 LED strip lights

LED with resistor heat sink - makes mounting easy!

Wiring for night light switch in standard RV light fixture

Toggle switch for night light in standard RV light fixture

Night light turned on - single warm white LED

Comparison of standard incandescent bulb with 15 LED replacement

LED replacement bulbs and Mylar tape to help reflect more light

In-ceiling 6-unit LED spotlight lighting strip

21 LED light board with programmable controller

LED programmable controller schematic

Amber LED side marker light

Red LED rear marker light

Tail light LED replacement fixture

Tail light LED replacement fixture installed with backup LED fixture

Just how much power can you save by going LED? In a typical travel trailer of say 27 feet with a super slide and a couple of bunk beds, you may have upwards of 20+ 12 watt incandescent bulbs. If you were to have all of these on at one time, you would be drawing around 20 amps of DC power. In a few hours, your single group 24 12-volt battery would be near dead. Even if you had two batteries, you wouldn’t have much left to finish out a 2-day weekend without a battery recharge.

Now if you were to replace every interior incandescent bulb in this fictitious travel trailer with a 24 LED array warm color lamp, each drawing 190 mA, the total power consumption drops to 3.8 amps, over 5 times less power consumption. You wouldn’t likely replace every incandescent bulb with a 24 LED array lamp
24 or 36 Super White LEDs but you could and if you did, you would be using 5 times less power, even if you had every light switched on.

There are several different routes you can take when doing the LED lighting mod: individual lights, such as a night or reading light, all or some interior lights, interior and exterior, storage compartments, etc. Much will depend on your budget and coolness factor you are trying to achieve. Replacing every incandescent bulb may just break your piggy bank, but doing a few can still help save some battery power.

Using a single LED for a night light, like in the bathroom, can be a real life saver. Well, it may not save your life but if you have to get up at 2am to go, you won’t be blinded by the light and you should be able to go right back to sleep. A single LED connected through a SPST toggle switch mounted on the bathroom light fixture (see pictures) can provide just enough light to do your business.

Perhaps you just want to change a few lights out, like the lights over your bed, that are generally too bright to read by. There are direct replacement LED lamps that require no modification to the lighting fixture, other than swapping bulbs. For this type of LED lamp, use the “warm white” type. The cool white LEDs provide a bluish tint to the light color and may not appeal to your reading tastes. The warm white LEDs
Warm white on left, cool white on the right provide a yellowish light color very similar to that of a normal incandescent bulb.

If you plan on replacing the main lights inside the RV and have the type of fixtures that contain two bulbs with a switch in the middle, you can replace just one of the bulbs to reduce cost. This way you not only save money, but you also can still provide more light when you need it by switching on the second bulb. For this case, you should consider LEDs that have a wide beam angle, at least 120 degrees
6 High Power White LEDs in a 360 degree beam angle package. This is the angle at which light is projected from the lamp. The wider the better if you’re trying to light up a large area. These lamps are typically configured in a flat package with many LEDs, as many as 36 in some cases. They simply affix to the fixture with Velcro and plug in just like a standard bulb.

Another cool LED mod is to fit a LED rope light
Under-counter LED rope light and switches under your RVs countertop. Many upscale RVs have this feature as a standard option but there is no reason you can’t have this classy look either. First, have someone help you test fit the rope for length, ensuring you have enough for the whole countertop. Then get some double-sided tape and stick it to the cabinet or under the countertop where you want the rope to run. If you have any left over rope, drill a hole the size of the rope’s diameter and run the excess through the hole. Just stick the rope to the tape and press firmly. You can also add a switch to control the rope power as well.

A step light is also another easy LED mod that consumes very little power. If you forget to turn it off, you don’t have to worry since it can be on for days and still be easy on your battery. You can use a courtesy light or an amber side marker light
Amber LED Wrap-Around Clearance Light. These mount with a couple of screws to the underside of the stairwell. Power can be run to an inconspicuous switch inside. Some even have light sensors so they can automatically turn on when it gets dark and turn off in the morning.

Outside compartments are also a great candidate for LED lights. These can be powered through a pin switch
Adjustable door / hood pin switch so that when you open the compartment door, the light turns on, and then off when you close the door. The color of the LED light is not so important as is the placement of the light. Compartments are usually rectangular in shape, so try and place the LEDs near the corners of the compartment. This way, you will get the most light to all parts of the storage area.

Finally, upgrading your RVs exterior lighting can make for a very clean look as well as improve safety going to the road. LED porch, marker, clearance, backup, turn, and running lights are all candidates for LED replacement. Fortunately for you, many companies, like Bargman for example, now make direct replacement fixtures that include everything you need to perform the upgrade. Just be sure to budget enough since total exterior lighting replacement can run in to the hundreds of dollars.

LED brake/tail lamps may not work with some older thermal flasher units found on some vehicles. An LED brake/tail lamp will require an electronic flasher/blinker unit which is commonly available at your local auto parts store. Just ask for the electronic equivalent of your thermal flasher.

ModMyRV recommends these parts for this mod:
Side Plug T10 194 wedge Base 12V 6 5050 SMD LED White
42mm High Power 3 LED SMT Festoon Bulb White 12 Volt DC
BA15s White 8-30V DC&12V AC 9LED 2Watt 144 Lumen
Dome Light T10 194 wedge Base 12V 6 5050 SMD LED White
2 Inch Adjustable Pin Switch
Sealed Mini Amber Rectangular LED Side marker Lights
Reese Towpower 86006 LED RV Tail Light Kit
Tridon EL13A1 Electronic Flasher

28 Comments For This Mod

1. cpaharley2008 (January 9th, 2009 at 7:51 am)

   I went to superbrightled’s website and had some trouble finding the right replacements or some of the items mentioned in this great mod- I was wondering if the initiator could give some part numbers, that would be helpful. Thanks
2. ModMyRV (January 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm)

   Is there a particular item you are looking for? Most of the LEDs mentioned in the article are from superbrightleds.com or from bargman.com. Bargman has a nice catalog of LED lighting you can view here:

   http://www.bargman.com/Lights/pdfs/Ceq-Lights-pgs36-61-08.pdf
3. cpaharley2008 (January 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am)

   I can not find the night light single LED with resistor mentioned above on Superbright’s website. To a LED newcomer, I find Superbright’s website hard to maneuver. Anyway, I’d like to make this mod to my lights but can’t find the parts easily. Thanks for any assistance.
4. ModMyRV (January 10th, 2009 at 11:19 am)

   It appears as though the LED with block resistor has been discontinued on superbrightleds.com. BUT here is a great replacement:

   http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=ACCENTS

   Scroll down about two thirds of the way and you will see a few products that may help you, specifically product number “LW-x-12VDC Wired LED”. These include the LED, the resistor, wiring, and mounting bezel. And they are CHEAP! 2-4 bucks.
5. cccale (February 27th, 2009 at 9:03 pm)

   This was a great mod although i did drop some serious cash at superbightleds.com. I replaced some 15-20w bulbs with LEDS that are < 3w. Now i don’t have to stress about running the tv a bit longer.

   btw, You should get commission from superbrightleds
6. ModMyRV (February 28th, 2009 at 9:16 am)

   Yeah, I’m going to request a cut of every sale that comes from a ModMyRV member.
7. Steadyfast (March 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am)

   This is an excellent article on converting to the low power LED lights. I have been interested in them for some time and you have some great ideas on how to use what is currently available. I have tried some of the direct replacments for the auto type bulbs, but they just don’t put out enought light and the color is still not what my wife and I would like. I am hopfeful that both the technology and price will improve quickly. Again, complements on a great update.
8. jmt (March 5th, 2009 at 1:19 am)

   Any other places to get those LEDs?
9. mhotchkiss (March 17th, 2009 at 7:30 am)

   I am a owner operator truck driver and I have discovered another place for led lights. Your local peterbuilt dealer will help you.
10. gnarlykaw (April 20th, 2009 at 2:38 am)

    has anybody made a list of the bulbs they used, and what were the replacment numbers. were dealing with 194’s and 1156 bulbs. i can’t remember what the others were, maybe 912?
11. cccale (April 20th, 2009 at 9:10 pm)

    Here are some of the LEDs i used. They’re all from superbightleds.com. I had to call them to confirm the right bases for my RV because my bulbs were not labeled. They were really helpful!

    Overhead: T10-PCB-WHP9 White LED Lamp Warm White - 3100K
    Dinette: WLED-WHP9 Wedge Base Bulb White
    Reading lights: BA15S-WLX1 White LED bulb

    I’ve posted pictures on my gallery:
    http://www.modmyrv.com/galleries?g2_itemId=418
12. McKannick (April 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm)

    I also found ’superbrightled’s’ site to be vague, but emailing for help got results quickly. My TT has the 912 lamps, which they gave me a couple product numbers to choose from. T10-PCB-Wxx White LED Lamp, T10-PCB-WHP9 White LED Lamp, WLED-WHP6-D Wedge Base Bulb, WLED-CWHP10-D Wedge Base Bulb should work according to the info I received. I’ve ordered a couple to see how they work.
13. ModMyRV (April 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pm)

    Hey thanks guys for part numbers. This is really helpful for those just learning about LEDs and what types are typically needed in an RV. And it’s good to know that Super Bright LED folks were so helpful!
14. L.A. Woods (May 19th, 2009 at 3:00 pm)

    cccale : They look brighter or is that the impression due to the angle of the camera.

    What do you think of the mod after you installed them?

    I am really interested in doing this type of mod. A couple trips back, my 9 year old left some exterior lights on all light. In the morning we had a surprise — no batttery. Yeahh!!!!
15. cccale (May 20th, 2009 at 8:26 pm)

    The three pictures of the LED lamps(rv122, rv123 & rv3186) were all shot with just the LED lights on and no flash. We have 5 overhead lights in the kitchen/living area. The LEDs put out about the same light as the old bulbs. The only difference is the light is more white. The dinette lights are about the same brightness but unfortunately it’s more focused then what was replaced. Still usable, it’s just the edge of the table isn’t as bright. One of the best features of the reading lights is the temperature. These lights are adjustable but with the old bulb they were way too hot. You would burn your hand if you tried to grab the housing. Now you can easily move them.

    I’m really happy with the upgrade. We often dry camp and now with the LEDs we can leave lights on, use the heater & watch dvds without worrying about the batteries running low. It was an expensive upgrade but worth it.

    I’d suggest ordering a couple to test and see how they look in your RV. The first ones we ordered were way too dim. We ended up putting those in the bedroom for night lights.
16. Joe21 (May 29th, 2009 at 12:24 pm)

    Another good site for LED lights is ledlight.com. I ordered one of their automotive bulbs to try out and it works really well.

    Also, I went to walmart and purchased two battery powered LED closet lights. I was able to pull them apart,wire them together, and install them over my bed for a nice reading light.
17. Diegs (June 9th, 2009 at 4:17 pm)

    I upgraded my Travel Trailer last year. I used http://www.v-leds.com

    I am very pleased with the warm white circuit board LEDs I have in my overhead fixtures.
18. Mr.Usa (August 22nd, 2009 at 6:06 am)

    http://www.jclampstand.com/index.php?md=products
19. Portagie68 (September 18th, 2009 at 3:17 pm)

    Try this site http://www.streetglow.com/Catalog/LED-Mini-Bulbs_2
20. rvoutreach (October 17th, 2009 at 5:01 am)

    We swapped out 6 of our fixtures with LEDs and we love them. Nice bright white light instead of yellow light! We got ours from eBay, just search for “36 SMD 1210″ and they will come up.
21. rklingborg (November 9th, 2009 at 10:34 pm)

    I Have changed out almost all the vehical lamps and camper lamps with LEDs and florestent lamps and now it light for days in my camper and when i start up the truck the belt dont squeal after days of camping. I got mine at http://www.ledtrailerlights.com/
    they do take a while to get
22. Shawn Arron (November 14th, 2009 at 6:16 am)

    Another site for white LED lights and modules to fit different lights: http://www.commandelectronics.com/whiteleds

    Very bright and great color.
23. D Gorton (February 16th, 2010 at 2:05 pm)

    I saw a photo of a “Tail light LED replacement fixture installed with backup LED fixture”. I did not see where the part could be purchased. Is that information still available? Many thanks.
24. ModMyRV (February 16th, 2010 at 3:05 pm)

    I think this is what you are looking for:

    http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-lights/led-bargman-84-tail.htm
25. D Gorton (February 16th, 2010 at 3:49 pm)

    Many thanks for your kind help. I’m ordering them.
26. ModMyRV (February 16th, 2010 at 5:04 pm)

    Sure. When you get your mod done, be sure to post some pics in the forums for all to drool over.
27. autumridge278 (February 27th, 2010 at 10:52 pm)

    I just made an brake/tail/turn LED upgrade on my travel trailer yesterday. Took me 5 minutes total and the results are extremely noticeabele. I could hardly see the original bulbs. Got mine from Command Electronics and it was an upgrade kit made specifically for the style lights my trailer came with. Check out http://www.commandelectronics.com/ for more info. Well worth the money.
28. gafftaper (March 10th, 2010 at 11:01 pm)

    I purchased my LED’s from http://www.ledtrailerlights.com They are great. If you do decide to upgrade to LED’s do your research. Do not be dazzled by the number of LED’s a product contains. This is useless information. It’s like asking how fast a car can go and having the salesman tell you how much the gas tank holds. You want to know how many lumens an LED produces and what it’s amperage draw is. A typical incandescent bulb uses around 1.4-1.5 amps of power and puts out around 280-300 lumens of light. Compare the actual numbers to any product before buying. By the way your typical fluorescent fixture uses about half the power of a typical incandescent lamp while producing 35% more light. So in my trailer I’ve installed a mix of fluorescent and LED.

Let's hear your comments about this mod!