T@b Outdoor light

j_ntabowners

While camping this summer we left our night light on so we could find out way back a friend's campsite after a night of playing cards.  The next day I noticed that the housing had discolored (looks like from the bulb being to hot).   Has anyone else experienced having the housing of their outdoor light discolor after use

JandJ92010

Not yet, but we don't use it much. Even after tinting it yellow, it still attracts too many bugs, so we use lights on the canopy.

j_ntabowners

I hear you..  We usually only use it for a land mark in an RV park when making quick trips to the shower house and back in the dark. I have a set of lights we use with our t@b side tent, but on this particular trip we didn't set the tent up

Nomad

Saw a new Outback today and it had a very slim led outside light fixture. I rarely use mine as it is a power hog.

Ratkity

I consider that light brighter than most functioning lighthouse lights. I don't use it. That discoloration *does* look like it got too hot, which is odd since most LEDs don't put out as much heat as incandescents. 

wizard1880

Mine looks like that.  But from the sun shining on it.

I found the original bulb took over 2A of power (that's almost more than the Alde!) so I replaced it with an LED bulb when it burned out (just from leaving it on overnight once!)

Nomad

Mine is quite that barren but over half the silver is now weathered off - same with the T@B logo.

j_ntabowners

Thank you for satisfying my curiosity.  Wizard, you are probably right about it possibly being tied to a product of too much Sun, I just may not have noticed prior to leaving the light on for an extended period of time.

larrygon

Unfortunately this is a issue with these fixtures. It is caused by the plastic not being UV resistant not heat. If you search the site, there is a good tutorial on removing the fixture and replacing/painting it.

LauraRey

Ratkity said:

I consider that light brighter than most functioning lighthouse lights.

I was amused how bright it was.  I doubt I'll be leaving mine on much at a campground.  It is indeed on par with functioning lighthouse lights.

TabberJohn

Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

Verna

TabberJohn said:

Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

I found a double dimmer switch on EBay, but I haven't installed it yet. I need to fire up the Alde so I can work in the T@B. 

TabberJohn

Double would be great so you can also adjust the overhead light.

Verna

That's why I ordered it, @TabberJohn. It overhead light is rather bright for morning eyes

JandJ92010

I'm not sure that 12 volt LED lights are dimmable, unless they are made to be.

Verna

@JandJ92010, then EBay is making a killing with all of the dimmable 12V LED switches they have

trainwrecked

TabberJohn said:

Has anyone tried to add a dimmer switch? Do they make them for 12v switches?
Or a 3 position rocker switch (off, low, high).

I installed this dimmer on the outside light (I have the slimmer version of the light which is reported to be dimmable).  Light was way to bright for my taste most of the time, but I can crank it up when I need it.  Works great, just don't hook it up wrong the first time - bricks the switch, found out the hard way...

wizard1880

The LED bulb I replaced it with is only 70% as bright as original.  No dimmer needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DSIZAKK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YHYuyb92SDCH2

Seems it's only sold in a 6 pack now...

SweetlyHome

I've read several threads on replacing this bulb.  Getting that cover off makes me real nervous.  Any hints?  Which side do you start on?

wizard1880

Use a tiny flathead screwdriver, and work your way around the top trim piece.  Before you know it, it will pop right off.  Then, use Philips head to remove the 4 screws holding on the lens piece.  That's about it.  Install is reverse of removal.

Estancio

I just replaced the entire unit with an LED version of the same fixture. Works great. From E-Trailer. 

LED RV Porch/Utility Light - Aero Style - 6 Diodes - Oval - Amber Lens - White Housing

wizard1880

Sweet, that works too!

larrygon

SweetlyHome said:

I've read several threads on replacing this bulb.  Getting that cover off makes me real nervous.  Any hints?  Which side do you start on?

Here is a link with instructions
http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/838/install-amber-led-sidelight-on-trailer/p1

SweetlyHome

Thanks, starting at the top seems to be the key.

TabberJohn

Verna said:

I found a double dimmer switch on EBay, but I haven't installed it yet. 

Did this turn out to be a bust because the stock bulbs for the inside/outside lights aren't dimmable?

Verna

@TabberJohn, I just didn't get "round tuit"!  I found it again Sunday as I was packing to come back home. I'm still going to try it, but I intend to leave slack in the wiring, just in case it doesn't work. 

RollingBnB

I put two layers of taillight repair tape over the LED light, changed it to amber and toned it down quite a bit.