UPDATE! We're upgrading our LED conversion with high-end LED tubes. See how we did it here:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 3...  

M4 LED Products is offering a special discount for RVgeeks viewers. Visit their website at http://M4Products.com and enter the discount code "RVgeeks5" at checkout to receive a 5% discount on your entire order!

FEATURED & RELATED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON:
LED Strip Lights (Warm White - waterproof): https://amzn.to/2Q0WWU2
LED Strip Lights (Cool White): http://amzn.to/2GKcZ3l
Strip Connectors: http://amzn.to/2EBStBo

Watch the other videos in our LED Your RV series:
Part 1 - Incandescent & Halogen:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 1...  
Part 2 - LED Color & Brightness:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 2...  
Part 3 - 18" Fluorescent Tubes:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 3...  
Part 4 - 12" Fluorescent Tubes:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 4...  
Part 5 - Docking & Patio Lights:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 5...  
Part 6 - Security, Entry & Reading:    • Converting RV Lights to LEDs — PART 6...  

Our complete playlist of LED conversion videos:
   • LED Your RV!  

Being frequent boondockers (for the uninitiated, that's camping without hook-ups), we're always looking for ways to conserve resources. Even though our RV came equipped with some fairly energy efficient fluorescent lighting, LED lights are the reigning champs of miserly power consumption, using about a third the power of a fluorescent. Today we show you how to convert a 12-volt fluorescent fixture into low-power LED lighting.

Before we start, please remember that electrical projects aren't for everyone. Even 12-volt power requires extra caution in this case, since the capacitor in a fluorescent light ballast stores energy even after the power has been disconnected. If you're not comfortable working with electricity, hire a professional!

There are LOTS of ways to convert RV lights from incandescent (halogen is most common) or fluorescent to LED. The simplest is for incandescent lights, where you can purchase a direct plug-in replacement for an existing bulb. You can also replace entire fixtures with LED equivalents. But since these solutions can be a lot more expensive, we prefer to look for other alternatives. LED strip lights are an inexpensive replacement for fluorescent tubes, and really versatile too, since they're designed to be cut to length. They just take a little extra effort.

LEDs are available in a range of colors from cool to warm, which are listed as "K" ratings, which refers to the color temperature in degrees Kelvin. We suggest skewing toward "warm" as very cool LED light is similar to very cool fluorescent light, in that it can make your RV seem like a laboratory. lol

The general range of color runs from about 6,000 to 7,000 K (very cold blue cast) to about 2,500 to 3,500 K, which is much warmer, with a yellow cast similar to an incandescent light. If you want something in between, 3,500 to 4,500 K has warmth, without being too yellow, although they can be hard to find.

It might take some trial and error to find exactly what you like best. We actually demonstrated this installation with lights that were too cool, so we ordered warmer lights to replace them. At only about $15 for a 5-meter (16.4 ft.) roll on Amazon, it was so inexpensive to try them out, we weren't too worried about it!

The piano music is my own performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.

WONDERING WHAT'S THE BEST GEAR TO USE ON YOUR RV?
Here's all of our favorite equipment that we use ourselves and recommend to friends:
http://thervgeeks.com/our-favorite-gear/

Join us at http://TheRVgeeks.com for more great RVing content!

Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.

Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.

We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.

We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.

Comments welcome! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to subscribe!