Are LED Lights Better For An RV?

LEDs are a great option for RV and camper lighting because LED bulbs and fixtures draw less power and last longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs. This is ideal for campers who spend a lot of time between campsites and have to rely on their vehicle's power for light.

How long do fairy lights last?

LED fairy lights last up to 50,000 hours. This is the equivalent of almost 6 years.

How Do You Replace RV Lights with LEDs?

To install RV LED replacement bulbs into your existing fixture, choose an LED retrofit bulb that matches the base type of your current light bulb and matches the voltage of your RV’s electrical system (most likely 12V). Installation can be different depending on the type of LED bulb or light you choose. Some LED bulbs screw in like a traditional bulb would, while other LED lights like bi-pin bulbs are pushed in.

Can You Use Regular Light Fixtures In An RV?

Depending on the voltage of your RV, you may or may not be able to use regular light fixtures in your RV. Voltage adapters are available to convert higher voltage light fixtures to match that of your RV. RVs will experience bumps and jolts while on the road, so keep this in mind before choosing any nonpermanent light fixtures like lamps or hanging lights that may move around on uneven terrain.

How Do You Remove RV Interior Light Covers?

To remove interior light covers in your RV, look for any screws or clips that may be holding the cover in place. Use a screwdriver or your fingers to loosen or remove them. Gently pull the cover off the fixture, being careful not to break it or damage the surrounding area. If the cover is stuck, try gently twisting it back and forth to loosen it. Once the cover is removed, replace it with a new one if necessary, or clean it thoroughly before reattaching it.

Two RVs next to each other at a campsite, one with warm interior lights and one with purple interior lights

April 19, 2023 15 min read

Upgrade Your RV Lighting With RV LED Light Bulbs

Lighting is an important decorative and safety feature of your RV, and upgrading your current RV lighting is easier than you think. Retrofit LED bulbs install directly into your existing RV light fixtures. For spaces needing additional lighting, custom fixtures can be mounted to ceilings, walls, and under cabinets to fulfill a particular lighting design. This RV light bulb guide outlines the different ways you can install retrofit and custom LED RV lighting.

Commonly Asked Questions

Are LED Lights Better For An RV? LEDs are a great option for RV and camper lighting because LED bulbs and fixtures draw less power and last longer than incandescent or halogen bulbs. This is ideal for campers who spend a lot of time between campsites and have to rely on their vehicle's power for light.
How Do You Replace RV Lights with LEDs? To install RV LED replacement bulbs into your existing fixture, choose an LED retrofit bulb that matches the base type of your current light bulb and matches the voltage of your RV’s electrical system (most likely 12V). Installation can be different depending on the type of LED bulb or light you choose. Some LED bulbs screw in like a traditional bulb would, while other LED lights like bi-pin bulbs are pushed in.
Can You Use Regular Light Fixtures In An RV? Depending on the voltage of your RV, you may or may not be able to use regular light fixtures in your RV. Voltage adapters are available to convert higher voltage light fixtures to match that of your RV. RVs will experience bumps and jolts while on the road, so keep this in mind before choosing any nonpermanent light fixtures like lamps or hanging lights that may move around on uneven terrain.
How Do You Remove RV Interior Light Covers? To remove interior light covers in your RV, look for any screws or clips that may be holding the cover in place. Use a screwdriver or your fingers to loosen or remove them. Gently pull the cover off the fixture, being careful not to break it or damage the surrounding area. If the cover is stuck, try gently twisting it back and forth to loosen it. Once the cover is removed, replace it with a new one if necessary, or clean it thoroughly before reattaching it.

Interior RV Retrofit Bulb Replacements

Interior RV lighting plays an important role in the comfort and functionality of your RV space. Use interior RV light bulbs to brighten up your kitchen, living area, and bedroom. Most RVs and campers use 12V power systems, but newer and larger models may use 24V. Select a retrofit bulb that matches the base type of your current bulb and the voltage of your electrical system.

Bi-Pin Bulbs

Replace old or dim incandescent dome lights in your vehicle’s cabin with a Bi-Pin bulb. Bi-Pin bulbs are made with a back or side pin design and come in a variety of bulb styles. Installation is easy: line up the two pins with the socket holes and push in.

Bayonet (Single and Double Contact)

Use a bayonet LED to replace BA15S, BA15D-1142, BA15D-1157, single, or double filament incandescent bulbs. Bayonet bulbs have twist-lock bases and are easily installed.

Wedge Bulb

Replace traditional 194, 168, and 912 type incandescent bulbs with a 921 miniature wedge base bulb. These bulbs are commonly found in RV kitchens, living areas, and bathrooms.

Festoon Bulb

For older RVs, consider using a festoon bulb base. Festoon bulbs vary in length, so make sure that the length and width of your RV LED replacement bulb match that of the bulb you are replacing.

Off-Grid Bulbs

For a traditional light bulb appearance, use the 12V Low Wattage A19 Filament LED Light Bulb or the ST18 LED Filament 60W Equivalent Vintage Light Bulb to replace incandescent or halogen bulbs.

Custom Interior RV Lights

In addition to replacing your existing RV bulbs with LEDs, add custom fixtures to better fit your lighting needs. Custom RV lights allow greater flexibility with the location and look of your lighting, so you can get the desired effect you want. Similar to retrofit bulbs, your custom lights must match the voltage of your vehicle’s power system. Hook up your new light fixtures by connecting the wires on your new LED fixtures to the existing wires with wire connectors. Choose from a variety of lights that install into RV ceilings, walls, and under-cabinets.

Dome Lights

Dome lights are ideal for kitchen, cabinet, or shower stall lighting. Single or double fixtures are available for additional interior lighting in these locations. View our full range of dome lights here.

Recessed Downlights

Install recessed downlights in your RV kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area. The 2" LED Recessed Light Fixture is perfect for RV lighting and is available in multiple color temperatures to best suit your lighting design. View similar recessed downlights here.

Diagram showing where you can install LEDs in an RV interior

Exterior RV Retrofit Bulb Replacements

Increase safety and driving visibility with exterior LED RV lights. Retrofit headlights and tail lights offer a powerful, long-lasting alternative to incandescent bulbs. To find the bulb that fits your vehicle, look at the base type, wattage, and measurements of the bulb you are replacing.

RV Headlights

Replace old RV incandescent headlights with powerful LEDs to safely illuminate the road while traveling. Pick a headlight that is compatible with your vehicle’s make, model, and year.

RV Taillights

Select a taillight that is compatible with your RV or camper’s make, model, and year. View our full selection of RV taillights here.

Brake Lights, Running Lights, and Front Signal

Certain dual-function bulbs can be used as a brake, running, or front signal light. The Dual Function 1157 LED Bulb with a BAY15D base displays a natural white, cool white, amber, or red light to fit whichever application you need.

Side Marker Bulbs

Install retrofit side marker bulbs to make your RV or camper more visible to surrounding vehicles on the road. The 921 Miniature Wedge Base is a versatile side marker, turn, or utility retrofit bulb.

Custom Exterior RV Lights

Add LED lights around your RV’s slide-out section, awning, or exterior to provide ample lighting at night and while on the road. Improve the feel of your camper's awning and slide-out space by installing porch and awning lights or outdoor strip lights. Or, add marker lights around your RV to help other drivers see your vehicle while driving.

Marker Lights

Install side marker and clearance lights to make your RV or camper more visible to other drivers. These lights can be mounted in a variety of ways, so make sure to buy exterior lights that fit your needs and mounting capabilities.

Oval shape orange and clear porch and awning lights for RV

Rectangular black and white porch and awning light for RV

Porch and Awning Lights

Porch and awning lights improve the visibility outside of your RV and help you safely enjoy your exterior space. Choose from oval or rectangular-shaped awning lights to add additional comfort to your motorhome exterior.

Diagram showing where you can install LEDs in an RV exterior

With LED Lighting for Everything, Super Bright LEDs offers lighting solutions for any vehicle application. Shop all Vehicle Lighting here. For technical questions, call us toll-free at 866-590-3533. Our customer service and technical support teams are available from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Friday.

Why Choose Super Bright LEDs?

When you shop Super Bright LEDs, you can feel confident in knowing you’re getting the highest-quality LED lights on the market. Our in-house test lab rigorously tests all of the products we carry. Additionally, we provide all of our customers with before and after sales support from our call center located at our headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. And we do all of this while still offering some of the best prices in the industry.

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Elizabeth Schlaker

Lead SEO Specialist

Elizabeth loves writing about all the creative ways you can use strip lights and landscape lights. In her free time, you can catch her trying out new DIY projects, reading books, and traveling.