When LED lights were first introduced to the RV market, they were often a tad on the pricey side, and all too often, vehicle owners had to spend a bundle on modifying the wiring in the light fixture. Later versions switched to an adapter that directly plugged into the existing fixture.
LEDs are far more affordable nowadays, with a much wider variety of bulb configurations and colors to suit every occasion. You can find LED lights that offer everything from a bright white light to a warmer, slightly yellow light that feel much more "natural". There are many variations to choose from, and many of them easily fit in with the décor and aesthetic of your RV. Most, if not all, incandescent bulbs in recreational vehicles have LED counterparts which make it easy to switch LED exterior lighting. If your lighting fixture does not have an LED equivalent or is entirely incompatible with LED lights, chances are you can quite easily replace the entire light fixture with one that is LED compatible.
The Benefits Of RV Exterior Lighting:
One of the biggest and most noticeable benefits of using LED lighting is the incredible lifespan LEDs offer. LED lights can last far longer, anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 hours or more than incandescent bulbs. They may cost a little more than incandescent bulbs, but their incredible lifespans mean that you will easily save on cash by not needing to replace them so often. Another benefit of LED lighting is the cooler temperatures they provide, as they produce much less heat than traditional lighting. Not only are LED lights safer, but they are also far more energy-efficient as they use sixty to ninety percent less energy than an incandescent bulb. This means much less stress on your RV electrical system and battery, and your RV AC will not have to work as hard to remove excess heat.
Other Benefits Of Using LED Lighting In Your RV:
- They don't generate any UV (ultraviolet) light that can cause fading of fabric or artwork.
- These LEDs are bright and generate a much higher percentage of light.
- LEDs are easily compatible with controls. Many LEDs can be easily dimmed to just ten percent of light output. In contrast, most fluorescent lights may just reach thirty percent of their full brightness.
- There is no mercury or other dangerous substances used in LED lights.
- Traditional lighting sources have a shorter lifespan when switched more often, whereas LEDs are unaffected by rapid cycling.
- You can get LED lights in cool white, natural white, and warm white. Cool white ensures greater lighting, whereas warm white is the least bright. With natural white, you get lighting in between warm and cool.
These days you can find LED replacements for any lighting fixture inside and outside your RV. Making a switch to LED lighting is fairly easy and usually only requires basic wiring and tools.
Replacing RV's Incandescent Bulbs With LEDs:
Budget-conscious RVers may get turned off by the higher cost of LEDs compared to incandescent bulbs and may hesitate to switch. The best way to go is to first figure out the lights you use the most and then plan accordingly. For interiors, lights such as reading lights, bedroom lights, porch lights, and table lights are all good candidates for replacement. A medium-sized RV can use five or more individual incandescent bulbs, so figure out the ones you're going to start with and replace them with RV exterior lighting from RecPro.
How to Choose the Best LED? You should look for these three things:
- A solid warranty. The last thing you would want to do is plunk down $30+ on a bulb that may last just a few weeks.
- A quality product that offers plenty of light.
- A superior voltage regulator for interior and exterior applications.
Where to buy LEDs:
There are so many LED suppliers, and many of them offer their products online. One of the best suppliers of RV LED lighting RecPro. They offer a range of LED awning party lights, license plate tag lights, and LED RV porch lights at affordable prices. Today, light can not only brighten our path but can also lighten our impact on the environment, boost productivity and comfort, and make our surroundings more secure. Pairing LED lights with intelligent controls and sensors can help build sustainable, smarter solutions.