Replacing light fixtures

[LindaCW]

I've been told that, due to the dismal lack in variety and style of 12 volt fixtures, you can actually replace fixtures with 110 fixtures from Lowes/Home Depot, etc. and use 12 volt light bulbs (the ones with the larger bulb bases). Is this so? Thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Linda

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Well, yes, for those that have incandescent 12v bulbs available.

There is actually a wide variety of 12v fixtures available, but few RV stores stock any but the most basic ones.

Here are a few sources for nice 12v fixtures (but hang on to your pocket book!).
http://www.sailorsams.com/lights_incnav.htm
http://www.beso.com/12-volts-fixtures/search?rf=gbs
http://www.backwoodssolar.com/catalog/lights.htm
http://tweetys.com/decorativelightsinteriorlights.aspx

 

[LindaCW]

Thanks for the links, Gary - you were right on two fronts - there ARE some nice looking 12-volt fixtures out there and they ARE expensive!!! Nice to know they are available, though. I think we may go the Home Depot route and stock up on 12-volt standard base bulbs!

 

[MrJones]

Actually, I have done this before. I was in a bit of a pickle, and needed a fixture immediately. I went to Lowes, and they did not have any 12 volt fixtures, so I bought a 110v, and I had some bulbs that I could use with it. It worked out pretty good for me.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I didn't know Depot carried 12v medium screw base bulbs. Most stores do not.

Here is a source for a variety of 12v, medium screw base bulbs.
http://www.sailboatstuff.com/lt_medscr.html
http://www.lightbulbemporium.com/search.asp?pg=1&stext=12v+bulb+medium&stype=&sortby=2&sprice=&sman=&x=0&y=0

Don't make the mistake of using a 120v bulb - you won't like the [brief] experience!

 

[boswells]

I asked a local rv renovators shop about this and they said everything was fine. They also said there would be no problem using the existing wiring.

I installed 110 fixtures with 12V bulbs in my RV last weekend. So far so good! I'll let you know if anything burns down

I attached a picture with the new lights in.

Jesse