Endless Voyages

Updated 2018 salon lights obtained from Tiffin’s parts store and inserted the silver LED 3000k pucks. The under cabinet reading lights were replaced with the silver puck lights at 4000k.

During the past three years, I’ve queried numerous RVers about what they’d like to change in their home on wheels. Comments like, “I didn’t know you could do that, or I’d like to replace the couch but don’t know what to replace it with.”

LED replacement bulbs, silver and white puck lights are more energy efficient than incandescent lights/bulbs.

So where do you go if you want to give your traveling home a facelift? Three years ago, my spouse and I were introduced to an extensive cottage industry for all-things interior located around Red Bay, Alabama. In a recent interview with Bob Tiffin, CEO of Tiffin Motorhomes, he reiterated how important experienced folks are in making customization to your motorhome, 5^th wheel or trailer a reality. It makes no difference what make or model, Bob mentioned at least ten facilities, started by experienced Tiffin employees, all within 30 minutes of Red Bay, Alabama.

**Bob said, “If you need something done for your home on wheels, you’ll find it within 30 minutes of Red Bay.”**

Nathan’s 3000k LED custom ceiling lights that replace the square lights with fluorescent bulbs.

This is the first in a series of minor to major customizing projects showcasing many RVers’ dreams, some may inspire you. The first in this series deals with lighting and ceiling upgrades. The ensuing articles address custom cabinetry, installing televators, flooring and RV bling.

Why LED over incandescent or fluorescent lighting?

LED lighting/bulbs are substantially more energy efficient than standard incandescent and fluorescent lighting that remain in RVs today. Changing to LEDs in your home on wheels requires less amperage when operating.

The Kelvin scale of light = low number is yellow/high number is blue white.

Choose the right LED bulb or fixture for the ambiance

How do you choose the right LED light to fit the area of living space you desire more or less light. When choosing bulbs or light fixtures containing LED bulbs, here’s a quick chart to gauge the color and brightness you may be seeking. You choose the bulb based on Kelvin numbers (sometimes abbreviated with a “K” in the specification) describing the color temperature or luminescence.

These are bright 5000k lights in the bathroom where you need more light.

We chose slim torchiere lights at 4000k bright white lights for the bedroom.

Comparison Chart | EnvironFocus Three examples in this comparison chart reports LED bulbs as compared to a 60 watt light bulb uses approximately 1/10 of the electricity wattage, annual kilo-watt hours used, and annual cost. LEDs lifespan is exponentially longer than incandescent and CFL fluorescent.

Here are some customizations that actually will be energy efficient for your home on wheels.

Nathan showcases his LED replacement lights mounted into a stained wood surrounded by decorative trim. You can also get the same LED ceiling lights either two or three per panel in a painted base to match the ceiling color if you prefer plain. We prefer the decorative molding, where the ornamental metal adds character.

This picture does not give this ceiling justice. The two-part lights are 3000k LED lights.

Decorative ceiling vents, lights and molding require a special mastic, not typically available in box stores so unless you’re very handy, this is not a DIY project. Nathan reiterates ceilings are difficult and not a common upgrade.

Note the two new front cabinets that match identically have replaced the space where the television previously was positioned, greatly increasing storage capacity. This picture doesn’t do this ceiling justice as you can barely see the intricate design of its metal accents.

Read the edited article published June 25, 2021 here:

Customize your RV: Start with the lighting – RV Travel

Kate Doherty has been writing for more than 30 years in technical and general media. In her previous business, she and her spouse dealt with special projects within the military/government sector. Recently she published “Masquerade: A Logan Scott Novel” under the pen name Bryan Alexander, a thriller now available in eBook and paperback on Amazon. It’s a page-turner!