General Boards > Redecorating and Updating your Motorhome
Replacing Indirect Lighting under ceiling accent wood panel - 05 Patriot
Mike Shumack:
I need to replace the accent lighting in my Living room ceiling panel.I read a couple of threads on this but did not see the answer to my specific questions.
I have a 2005 Patriot. I believe this panel does not swing down like the 06 and above models. The panel looks to be very heavy. I plan to buy a "drywall lift" to hold the panel and lower/raise it. The drywall lift can handle 150 lbs.
1) Any idea how much the ceiling panel weighs? I assume under 150 lbs if two people can manually handle it.
2) While the panel is down, can it be updated to "swing down setup" used in newer model Beavers. I believe this was referred to as J-hook (hinges) in another thread.
3) Does anyone have photos or a drawing of how this swing down hinge system looks/works?
4) What is the candlepower or lumens that the factory installed lights put out? I don't want to buy a light strip that is too bright.
I am lookign at this LED kit https://www.ledsupply.com/led-strips/led-flex-strip-kit-rgb-with-remote-control the color changing feature migth be nice.
It says it is 27 Watts. What does that translate to in lumens or candela (is that equivalent to the factory light output)?
Pat Long:
Mike, I would start by calling Beaver Caoch Sales at (541) 322-2184 and talk to Matt or Mike in parts for the correct lighting element and then talk to the service dept for the instructions on how to remove the ceiling panel. They are very good at helping owners repairing their coaches with parts and procedures
Jerry Carr:
Mike this looks just like the panel we had in our 06 that did swing down I did have a lighting issue but was able to fix it with a repair. It was heavy 75-100LBS A one man job with swing down unit. the lighting on the 06 was a rope light and the panel had a pin to remove.
Mike Shumack:
When I first bought my 05, the ceiling panel felt a little loose and I was able to locate and tighten some 5/16" hex bolts/screws around the perimeter (I think there were four screws on each side). I'm pretty sure there is no hinge setup on mine. But before I try to lower it, I'm going to set a drywall lift under it - then remove the bolts and let it down slowly.
I can call BCS, but I don't want to replace the lights with the same thing.
I might as well upgrade to LED lights (i'm not sure what the originals are, but I've read they are not LED) - and if I'm going to upgrade, I might as well upgrade further to color changing, dimmable LED lights. I cost is insignificant. It's the labor/effort to drop the ceiling panel that is the hard part I think.
I contacted the company were I bought my entry step LED light strips. LEDsupply.com They think this would be a good setup for my coach.
https://www.ledsupply.com/led-strips/non-waterproof-12v-led-strips - the "RGB" color changing ones, and this https://www.ledsupply.com/led-drivers/rgb-rf-dimmer-remote-control
Roy Warren Co-Admin:
Mike,
There are 6 "J" hooks on your ceiling panels. Each set is held secure by either allen screws for hex bolts. It takes 2 people to lift it down once the allen screws are loosened. In order to change the intake air filter, you must take this down. Also, the indirect lighting is up here. I had a panel made of walnut, like my cabinets, made. It is hinged on one side and has a locking mechanism on the other side, similar to the metal one by your refrigerator. It is much more difficult to put back up because it is hard to get the "J" hooks aligned. Same thing in the bedroom.
Roy Warren
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