12V DC Lighting in bathroom

[Steve Adams]

Hi all,

We are in the process of de-winterizing our 2001 40' Contessa.

The main ovehead light in the bathroom will not turn on regardless of switch positions. We move the bulbs to a working light in the galley and they work fine. My only other thought is the ballast for the fluorescent lights. All other lights and electrical items in the coach work normally.

We bought a replacement unit as I could not figure out how to get to the ballast other than removing about 8 pop rivets, and then I'm not even sure I could find one due to the ominous note on the back of the unit listing it as 114 of 400.

Has anyone else had this type of failure? Were you able to find a replacement ballast or is this possibly some other issue?

Any info would be appreciated. The new unit is very similar and looks to be a snap to install and since it's alone in the bath I don't think anyone else will even notice a difference.

Thanks, Steve

[Keith Cooper]

Steve, ran across a possible alternative on youtube a few weeks ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlDGW2lPUkU

[Joel Weiss]

Assuming this is a 12" fixture, we had exactly the same failure a few months ago.  Rather than replace fixture or ballast I replaced the bulbs with LED's.  Here's what I purchased:  http://www.rvledbulbs.com/product-p/18-0577.htm  The LED tubes sit in the tube holders, but electrical connection is via wires from the side of the tube, not the pins.  I didn't have to remove the old ballast, but did so without needing to break any rivets.

We are very pleased with the result--more light and a nice clean look

[Joel Ashley]

Our coach uses a multiplex system, and does have some fuses involved.  Yours may not be multiplex, but regardless I assume you looked for a blown fuse in a central 12v house box?

Joel

[Tim Bentley Co-Admin]

Shop Amazon for LED light replacements and support the BAC.

12V DC LED tube available at

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E4KG5U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=beaverambaclub-20picks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006E4KG5U

[Joel Weiss]

This appears to be the same item for $16.88 apiece (I haven't calculated shipping).  Assuming this place doesn't gouge too badly for shipping, it would be the best price by far; my loyalty to BAC does not extend to overpaying for stuff:  http://www.makariosrv.com/LED-12-Tube-Replacement-for-Fluorescent-3528102.html

[Steve Adams]

Installed the new light yesterday and it works like a champ, must have been the ballast. The newer light, though larger than the stock light is much narrower where it mounts. Had to do some funky engineering to get it installed but it works and looks great.

Thanks everyone for their help.

Steve & Cathy