Converting a Camper or RV Dome Lights to LED Lights

In addition to a his power boat, Chip has a camper, a Toyota Tundra, and was very interested in mounting a pair of our Kalokalo LED lights inside the camper shell. We had corresponded about it, and concluded that using all 50 degree LEDs (instead of two rings of 30 degree and one ring of 50 degree LEDs) would be a better 'fit' for his application. Being a small company gave us the flexibility to modify our basic designs to fit his needs.

This is what he had to say about the project:

Hello Michael, I hope this email finds you and your family doing well. These past few months have been very hectic for me and I've been working in fits and starts on installing your LED lights in the back of my truck. First I had to figure out how I was going to mount them to the fiberglass shell without damaging (or holing through) the fiberglass.

I finally came upon a solution. I fabricated disks from a thick sheet of Masonite and covered on side with 3M's Dual-Lock material. It's kind of like Velcro, but better in that it creates a positive lock and can't vibrate loose over time. Basically, it stays attached until you detach it.

I applied Dual-Lock to the base of the LED lights and mounted the disks to the interior ceiling of the truck shell. I discovered that there is a plywood layer laminated into part of the shell roof. Just what I needed to secure the screws.

I threaded the LED wires under the headliner material and tapped into the switched 12V DC that powered the existing interior lamp. After seeing the results, I may very well remove the bulb from the factory lamp. The LED's put out much more light. And I know they draw far less power.

As for the anchor light I also purchased, until I mount it for its intended use, I have connected it to a cigarette lighter plug and use it as a convenient light source on overnight trips on the boat.
{Ed. note: Chip also purchased an Lulu Kaukaua anchor light to fit on top of the Perko Anchor Light, which you can see just aft and above the radome in the above photo.}

		I have taken some pictures of the LED installation in my truck and would be glad to send them to you. Just let me know if you'd like them. Wishing you all the best, Chip
Yes, we did, and that's what you (the reader) are seeing. In keeping with our policy, we are sending Chip a free Rinorino LED cabin light as our thank you.

^*Kalokalo is Fijian for 'star' as in Southern Cross, not as in Mel Gibson, who owns an island here. Bebi (pronounced mbambi is, of course, our mascot who is dazzeLED by our LED lights.