UPDATE: Also see Fluorescent LED conversion and Closet LED conversion.
I’ve done this in the past with my other motorhomes, and this was high on the list of upgrades to do to our Southwind.
Why the LED upgrade? Three reasons
1) LEDs use less power
2) LEDs last a long time
3) LEDs generates less heat
In the past, I’ve used the flat type LED panels that glued to the fixture. However, I ran across these that plugged directly into the bulb socket. After testing a couple of them, I’m completely satisfied with their color and brightness. The “white” light that LEDs produce can come in different color ranges, its usually stated as cool white or warm white. I prefer warm white, 3000k to 3500k, this is about the same color as an incandescent bulb. Cool white is more of a bluish, white light found in many fluorescent bulbs.
For the 1141 bulbs, I ordered a pack of 20 LEDs on e-bay for $26.50, Thats about $1.30 each. you may also try these from Amazon, Warm white 68 SMD.
For the 921 bulbs, UPDATED Aug 2021 – The link to the original ebay item no longer exists, you may try these from Amazon, Warm white / 42 SMD.
These LEDs consume about 1/4th the power of a 1141 bulb. I hooked up my ammeter, the 1141 bulb drew 1.3 amps, the LED drew 0.3 amps. This is particularly important when boondocking, and trying to conserve battery power.
Heat from the LEDs is also much reduced. this is important, especially when running the Air Conditioner..
The above photos show the LEDs is direct replacement for a 1141 bulb
In these two photos, the 1141 bulb is in the left light and the LED is in the right light. The first photo shows the color is almost identical. If you look carefully at the second photo, you can see that the LED is slightly brighter than the 1141.
COLOR TEMPERATURE
This is the color of the light emitted. Its usually stated in “degrees Kelvin” I like warm white, 3,000k to 3,500k, its about the same color as an incandescent bulb.
A light that simulates direct sunlight will be 5,000k – 6,500k These are usually called “Cool White”
Good info on LED conversion. Also like the fluorescent light change over.
Have you switched your outside lights (brake, turn, backup, clearance) to LEDs?
Yes. I replaced exterior bulbs with LEDs, Turn, brake, and some of the running/marker lights
I was wondering if you had the numbers for swapping the incandescent for the LEDs? I was thinking about doing this, and possibly swapping the headlights to LED headlights.
On mine, they are mostly 1141s and 921s I believe the numbers and some other info are in the article. I never did the headlights,