LED Rope Lights

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

The original incandescent rope lights in our coach are in poor condition so want to replace them with LED units. Has anyone done this and if so, what did you use (source, etc.). Since the ceiling panels are different sizes, I think I'm going to need to get "cuttable" 12v ropes to match the panel perimeter size. It look to me like the end caps needed to terminate the cuts have a diameter that is considerably larger than the ~1/2" clearance between the ceiling and the panel.
Also, has anyone used LED strips in this application rather than the rope lights? So you like them, source, etc?
Thx,  Steve

[Brent Hohlweg]

I would love to do the same. Looking forward to hear what others have done :-)

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Brent,
I found some at a local shop. Plan to install tomorrow. Will let you know outcome.
Steve

[Larry Fisk]

We had Innovative Coach Works in Junction City, Oregon replace ours with the LED rope lights. When they removed the ceiling decorative panels the one in the living area was close to becoming a fire hazzard. The electrical connector on the rope light was dark brown and black and the material was very brittle from the heat. Were very happy with the LED lighting. No heat and they use less electricity which is important if your dry camping.

[Doug Allman]

We have replaced all our rope lights around the ceiling panels in our 2004 Marquis. We completed this when we removed panels to remove the Kappa Burl that was cracking and curling.
The original lights were quite a golden color and we thought we would match them. When we received the new "warm white" led rope lights we were not totally thrilled.  The old rope lights were in very poor shape and definitely needed to be replaced for numerous reasons.

We purchased the LED rope lights from   orangetreetrade.com   They have a huge selection and many of the precut lengths fit very well for each panel. We found that even if you have a couple of feet left over you can leave it up in the center or along the edge and it is not noticeable.

When finished we we were very pleased with the "warm light" as compared to the old more golden color. I now believe the golden color was from the aging process which had turned them all very brittle. We now use the rope lighting more so we do not have to turn on the down lighting as it gives off much more ambient light.

We also purchased strings in 120v and 12v, in amber color, that we now use outside when in camp. We lay them on ground along side of coach or place along awning. 120v when you have shore power and 12v when dry camping.

[Doug Allman]

You can also get the same led rope lighting from   platinumlightinginc.com  out of Las Vegas. Prices are same as orangetreetrade.

I did not mention that you will need to order more fasteners to hold the rope lights around the ceiling panels as the old had a flat plastic edge that they stapled the rope light in place with during manufacturing. We placed about every 12" and they worked well.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Doug,
Did you get the "Warm White" for the ceiling panels in 3/8" diameter? Did you have any problems with the connectors being too wide and compressing between ceiling panel and ceiling itself?
I've given up on my local supplier. Twice he as sold me 3/8" but when I pick it up it's 1/2". The 1/2" rope will fit but the connectors are too big.
Thx! Steve

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Finally got the rope lights installed. Had to return the first rope as it had 6 bad LEDs. Couple of things to watch if you are going to install them yourself. I recommend 3/8" rope rather than 1/2". The 1/2 ' rope will fit but the connector is oversize. There is no difference in brightness, just in rope diameter.The LEDs are directional. For max light, make sure they are facing toward the outside gap. I wanted max brightness so I also applied aluminum backed tape to the inner rib on the ceiling panel to help reflect light. I used 3/8" plastic clamps I got at Ace to hold the rope in place. There are plastic clamps made for rope lights but they are 1/2"+ in height and will interfere with the ceiling when you tighten down the panel. The clamps work fine as long as you are careful not to cover an LED.
I selected the white LED for the bath as I wanted to improve the lighting. Although the light in the picture looks a bit harsh, it's not but does improve the lighting so that the bath can be used w/o bothering someone sleeping (normally me) in the bedroom.
Source was Platinum Lighting in Las Vegas. They have a number of other colors if you are looking for a warmer color. I took a shot of the bedroom which has the original incandescent for comparison.
Steve

[Tom and Pam Brown]

Steve, I have a strange question.  Where did you get the simulated wood stickers to cover the screw holes?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Tom,
Assuming you mean the wood plugs that cover the 6 holes for the screws that hold the panel to the ceiling, they are the same plugs that are used throughout the coach and are available at Home Depot, Lowes etc. You just have to stain them to match the panel.  The screws for the plastic clamps that hold the rope in place are #6x3/8" pan head wood screws.
Not sure if I answered your question though...
Steve

[Tom and Pam Brown]

Steve, mine had some sort of veneer tape on the holes not plugs.......so yes you answered.

[Edward Buker]

Nice job on the Led lights. Your experience will help greatly with what is needed for this job if Led lights are to be added.

Later Ed