How to install underbody LED lights on a Berkshire XLT

[HabsOnTheRoad]

I installed some underbody LED lighting, as I'm tired of not being able to see around the RV at night, and also to help with parking in an RV site at night since we don't have docking lights. I did a full write-up on our blog:

https://habsontheroad.com/2017/04/20...erbody-lights/

I hope this will help anyone attempting to do the same.

-Vernon

[Scrub175]

Looks great. Thank you for the blog as well.

[HabsOnTheRoad]

Thank you! No problem!

[BamaBob]

Vernon,


You forgot to mention another useful feature: no additional outdoor lighting required


NICE Job! This is on my must do soon list

[bob caldwell]

They make an aluminum track with clear or fluted lense......then all you need to do if string burns out, is slide a new one in...

[HabsOnTheRoad]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Vernon,


You forgot to mention another useful feature: no additional outdoor lighting required


NICE Job! This is on my must do soon list

Hey good point! . Thanks!!

[HabsOnTheRoad]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

They make an aluminum track with clear or fluted lense......then all you need to do if string burns out, is slide a new one in...

No kidding? That sounds really cool! I'll have to search for that. Thanks!

[bob caldwell]

I have the track up on side under awning....But I've found that if one cuts the lense into foot long pieces, and leave a couple inches in between pieces, as you slide light string in, the end wants to curl a little, so with the space one can fish the end through easier

[bob caldwell]

Into lights! There are also RF controllers, extension cords, splice connectors....tons of stuff...and not expensive...

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

I have the track up on side under awning....But I've found that if one cuts the lense into foot long pieces, and leave a couple inches in between pieces, as you slide light string in, the end wants to curl a little, so with the space one can fish the end through easier

Bob,

Can you provide a link where you got the aluminum track?

THANKS!

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by HabsOnTheRoad

Hey good point! . Thanks!!

Vernon,

Follow-up question.

The LEDs are in 16.4' strands
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...2RQ5B0M3GX1HK]

If I wanted to run LEDs along the whole basement sides of our XLT *and* light under the generator compartment & engine compartment, how many strands do you think I would need?

I was thinking of beginning and ending the LED system in the generator compartment because there are channels in there to attach to the 12V system and (I think) I would not have to do any drilling to run the wiring

Your Thoughts?

[bob caldwell]

I can't.....Just Google aluminum channel for led lights.....

[bob caldwell]

Some controllers can only power 2 strings........I found a RF controller with enough power to light up 4...…..Supernight brand has a lot of stuff, but not a controller that I'd use.....

[HabsOnTheRoad]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Vernon,

Follow-up question.

The LEDs are in 16.4' strands
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...2RQ5B0M3GX1HK]

If I wanted to run LEDs along the whole basement sides of our XLT *and* light under the generator compartment & engine compartment, how many strands do you think I would need?

I was thinking of beginning and ending the LED system in the generator compartment because there are channels in there to attach to the 12V system and (I think) I would not have to do any drilling to run the wiring

Your Thoughts?

I'm really not sure how many you would need to cover that distance. I would guess you would need a total of five, maybe six. From what I can remember looking under there, it would appear that the hard part would be going from the generator to the rear side of the front wheels. The jacks and the area around them are the difficult part it seems.

The kit I bought can power up to four total strands (I think), although the controller can control a lot more than that if you inject power to the LED light strips as needed. You basically tell the controller how many lights are in your strand. You can press the plus or minus button and you can watch it take away lights (turns them off) or add lights (turns them on). Each strip has its own power connector in addition to the four conductor power/signal connector. I believe the extra power connector is there in case you need to inject power when using many strips. I never use that connector. Mine are getting their power through the main four conductor wire that also controls the pattern of the lights.

I ordered a third strand that will be here tomorrow and I'm going to try daisychaining three of them together on one of the outputs. I can let you know how that works, but you will need a few more strips that I am using.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

I can't.....Just Google aluminum channel for led lights.....

Got It Bob!...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ADKC2I5KR5588

[silver]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Bob,

Can you provide a link where you got the aluminum track?

THANKS!

Hi Bob,

The aluminum channel is a little pricey and I was not impressed with how the clear cover snaps on to the channel. I have it as I hope to run a set of LEDs under the slide topper on the passenger side of the coach this summer.

For under the coach I think I would go to a box store and purchase 1/2 inch clear plastic tubing. Attach to the bracing with tie wraps and it should work just fine. A dab of silicone on each end to seal it from weather.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[bob caldwell]

Was just an option....Mine's worked fine for 4 years

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by silver

Hi Bob,

The aluminum channel is a little pricey and I was not impressed with how the clear cover snaps on to the channel. I have it as I hope to run a set of LEDs under the slide topper on the passenger side of the coach this summer.

For under the coach I think I would go to a box store and purchase 1/2 inch clear plastic tubing. Attach to the bracing with tie wraps and it should work just fine. A dab of silicone on each end to seal it from weather.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Now Jim, THAT is a GREAT Solution!

Wait...wondering...Heat issues with LEDs?

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Was just an option....Mine's worked fine for 4 years

Bob... you have a great idea for your Awnings (and for Jim's Slide Toppers)

The problem that Jim is addressing is valid (and why I was concerned in the first place with putting in LED "Puddle Lighting") because puddle Lighting versus under slide lighting is a more challenging issue.

Although puddle lighting is much more dramatic than under slide lighting, there are big issues because your lights are 1-2' from the road surface (rather than tucked safely away when the slides are retracted).

It would be nice to find some material that could deflect road debris and protect the LED light strips,

[bob caldwell]

Channel pricey?..... This is a Berk thread!.....lol
None, or minamal heat from light strips

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Channel pricey?..... This is a Berk thread!.....lol
None, or minamal heat from light strips

Vernon mentioned that there was heat buildup without adequate ventilations - that was my concern.

I think what Jim was speaking of was build quality versus price paid: "The aluminum channel is a little pricey and I was not impressed with how the clear cover snaps on to the channel"

I took that to mean that the clear cover may not stay secured.