led lights

[jmgasior]

this forum convinced me to do my van with leds,now how does one know on their light output?need one on each side of the van for nighttime reading at our bunks?help,please,also need one over the dinnette table,help,thanks

[Mrdi]

this forum convinced me to do my van with leds,now how does one know on their light output?need one on each side of the van for nighttime reading at our bunks?help,please,also need one over the dinnette table,help,thanks

The details on the light you intend to purchase will tell you the wattage and the amp draw under the specs .

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_11151_10001_100162_-1?cid=chanintel&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=100162

[bstory]

We got these reading lights from Sailor Sam's and think they are great so far - only had them a few months. http://www.sailorsams.com/lights_incnav.htm

We like the warm white LED rather than the bright bluish white of most LEDs. It is well, warmer. We also like the glass shade on these so you get some diffusion and don't have look at the leds directly - they are set back in at the back of the shade.

You can get them in chrome - which is what we got.

L2 LED Reading Light: Gala
2.4 Watt Gala LED Reading Light with switch. Adjustable/swivel. Chrome or gold plated bronze fixture with glass.
Switch included.
Option: Dimmable with specific LED Dimmer: ICM-D1205 LED Dimmer
Light is directed predominately out the end, as a spot light.
Warm white 2.4W LED's. 120 lumens.
Special sale price. More details or to order: LED Light

[Mrdi]

Another consideration:
Since they draw so little you can run them in parallel, using one main wire to the power source.
It is most convenient to have an external off/on switch at each light so they are on individually only when needed. This is especially true if you have separate bunks and one of the travelers is trying to sleep and one read.
We also use headlamps on board while camping. The light is always where you are looking, even while reading and 3 triple A batteries last a complete summer. I thought this idea a little remote until I invested in a good headlamp. Now it is a tool I wouldn't be without.

[d_bertko]

Five years ago I used four separately switched 10w xenon flush-mount recessed fixtures from Sailor Sams for reading/task lights. I see from their site that 2.4w of LEDs is approximately equivalent to my 10w xenons. Less than $20/fixture.

The 10w xenons are just right for reading in bed and we really like the option to switch them on separately. So go ahead with the LED versions if the light quality is as good.

I am very hard on the interior of my van (as well as tall enough at 6'4") and love the recess lights for eliminating any protrusions.

If I were to do it again I would love to have dimmable fixtures. The reading/task lights are a little harsh as mood lighting for dinner guests et al. I'd expect the LEDs to be a tad worse. If you're put off by the high price of dimmer circuitry you could always consider a separate low-lumen led table lamp or two for that purpose. Perhaps a couple of lengths of led rope lights would serve the purpose. (Think airline/theater aisle lighting but mounted higher) We have a 600-led 40' rope light that goes with our FirstUp quickshelter---it is a riot to loop it inside the van for a party. I think the Kill-a-watt measured it at 74w so we only use it inside or outside when our campsite includes shore power.

We used Sailor Sam's very nice dual euro rocker switches: http://www.sailorsams.com/mall/euro_switch.asp. Once again minimal intrusion to catch on gear bags.

I think the next van will include one of the nice key-fob remote controls for automotive 12v relays. Typically you'd get control of 4-6 devices. It'd be nice to switch all the separate lights on and off without getting out of bed.

[jmgasior]

got my lights in from sailor sams and amazed at the light they throw,will be awile before i get them into the van