Help with Halogen to LED conversion

LEDs usually come in two types. If you want a softer light, choose the 'warm white' type. The others, which are more blue/white in output are a little harsh. You sometimes find a side stall at caravan shows selling them but, of course, there's always Google.

Try Amazon .. They have some .. LED's are bright which is why they fit dimmers to them so you can control the output. All the dimmer does is switch them on and off quickly. To fast for the eye to see but it makes the LED Dim. So your answer maybe to fit a dimmer in the circuit for the reading lights.  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remote-Controller-Single-Wireless-Control/dp/B00MHKCTLE/ref=pd_sim_60_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NAW4PAVYGCH3SGHQRCQC

Also has remote control. If you fit two then one remote will probably work both.

As regards being Off Grid .. We go to bed when the sun goes down. Saves on electric. SWMBO uses a Kobo for reading so no need for any lighting for reading.

Roy, if you live in the Midlands go and visit Caktanks at Kenilworth - they have everything you might want on display. You can switch various LED lights on and off and pick. Otherwise choose from their on line catalogue - pages 82 and 83. 

Many thanks all a search of Google and EBay reveal lots of replacement bulbs with just 2 prongs that plug into the socket, I have sent for a low lumen one to try but it won’t be secure in my mountings.

What I really want are the encapsulated type with a reflector and glass lens, similar to the more common G10s used in homes it is smaller though. I hope to find some direct replacements so they are held in by the original screwed on rim of the original fixings.

Nice idea QFOUR but I don’t really want to go to bed at 5 in the depths of winter and I have a 120W solar panel that provides some top up even in winter it will replace a few amps

Kenilworth is a good bet for me to travel to (thanks eurotraveler) and thanks cyberyacht I was thinking of a day at the show at the NEC in October and can certainly wait till then to see if they have a solution

When we converted our previous van we found this firm very good. Aten lighting. They usually have a Stall at the October show. However, you mention about the two prongs being insecure. I though by definition a G4 had two prongs?

They have 2 prongs but are also fully encapsulated in glass that has reflector and lens and the whole lot is held in place by a screw on rim so imposable to work its own way out. Just trying to find something like for like if I can but will try one with just the 2 prongs and see how I get on I think or at least have a good mooch at the Oct show.

Take a look at Roadpro, or telephone them to discuss what you need.

i kitted the m/home completely with a mixture of recommended led lights.

one point Roadpro raised was about wiring. Led bulbs have to have correct positive and negative connections.  The LEDs Roadpro have a rectifier unit that will ensures correct connection, also make the led less sensitive to voltage changes and maintain same brightness I.e battery use, higher voltage when either EHU or engine is running.

Rgds

Eureka, many thanks to SteveL, I went to ATEN lighting sight right from the link he posted,  what I need is a MR8 and they stock them in 10W LED half what my halogen lamps are.

I have ordered 1 off in warm white first to try out but sound’s ideal for the low level lighting I want in bedroom and livening area and stick to the halogen for kitchen and bathroom.

Very good service I must say from ATEN, before I placed the order the site asked me was I sure that was what I wanted as they are “not widely used” they are 25mm Dia unlike the more common MR11 lamp that is 35mm Dia. The fittings say GE4 but I have to assume that is just the connection type not the lamp designation, the van is a Burstner Nexo.

Looks like that is why a search on eBay or Google didn’t get me anywhere got hundreds of hits but not what I was looking for, even with an exact part number still no hits on EBay all are either halogen not LED or the MR11in LED

First time I have used the forum for technical help and many thanks for quick and helpful replies nice to have such a huge amount of knowledge and experience to draw on.

Roy

Thanks for your reply. Glad I could help.