Caravan Lighting
Hi All,
I hope this isn't a silly question, we are off on our maiden voyage in our first caravan soon, and we thought that it would be handy to have a few spare bulbs for the lights just in case one stops working whilst away.
I've searched through the manual but was unable to find the bulb model that fits other than it saying not to put standard bayonet bulbs in, I'm reluctant to take out an existing bulb in case I break it. But I just wondered if all caravan bulbs were a standard fit? The bulbs in the van look like this https://www.caravanaccessoryshop.co.uk/product/halogen-bulb-g4-12v-10w/446 but I'm not sure if they are exactly the same, is a 2007 model van
Thanks
Laura
Comments
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I agree with X-Trailman. My experience also. I had my previous van for 7 years.I replaced one bulb internally. I had spares for the previous van and gave them away after I changed the van as this one is LED.
Fuses! I carry at least 4 of each. I blew one using an electric air pump for the tyres. Had used it half a dozen times with no problem and so I replaced the fuse. It blew again. So that used two fuses. When I investigated one of the sockets that I normally used for the pump had a higher rating.
Christmas break 2015. Went to use the gas rings and ignition not working. Was not sure what else was affected and so lit the grill with a match. As it heated up fan did not come on. Without the fan I would not be able to use my oven. I was not sure where the problem was and so I checked fuse and replaced. Tried igniter and fuse blue so that I knew that to be the problem. Solution simple do not use igniter button - but as oven fan is on same fuse replace fuse. two spare fuses down. Next day using the gas I hit the igniter button again part way through cooking (automatic hand movement when I turned on another ring). Now 3 fuses down.
Solved the problem until next service by taping a bottle top over the button.
My advice always have plenty of spare fuses.
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In our first van I did carry a spare but more because the pack I bought, when one went, had two in it. Most vans have alternative lights you can use while you source a spare. However, over a period of a year, as they are reasonably expensive, I replaced all of ours with LED's.
The main reason I did it, was not power saving but heat. The halogen were damaging the fittings as they get so hot. I had to replace 3 of the mini spots as the switches failed.
The link will take you to the G4 LED equivalent that you mention but if you look round the site you will see Aten do the full range. I can thoroughly recommend them.
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G4 seems to be the common base for 12volt caravan fittings, I am in the process of changing mine to 1.5w LED's. My van also has a couple of 240v fittings with SES bases so the two types cannot be confused.
As other have said I wouldn't bother with spare lamps but I have brought a box of spare fuses. I have a brought the type with a small LED in them that is supposed to light up when the fuses blow so it should be easier to see where the fault is.
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In the more modern caravans there seem to be so many bulbs that you could borrow one from another fitting probably as said fuses are more used. If you are going off grid at all you might start with replacing with lower energy LEDs - slowly. I find I hardly use the lights in summertime.
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Thank you everyone! I never even thought I needed spare fuses, it didn't even enter my head.
I think I may get a LED bulb 'just in case'
Laura
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