LED vs. Globe Lights for your Trailer
- ronel115
- Jun 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
The transformation from globe trailer lights to LED lights is fast pacing but is LED really better than globe lights?
Discover the ultimate trailer lighting solution: LED vs. Globe trailer lights
Hitting the open road with your caravan is an adventure and having the right lights can make all the difference. Lighting plays an integral part of our daily lives, and with advancements in technology, people have a choice of different lighting options. Two popular choices are LED and Globe lights.
Light-emitting diode (LED) is very different from other lighting types such as incandescent and CFL aka globe or bulb lights, let us explore the differences into which one is better.
LED lights are double the price of globe trailer lights. But why does this new technology come with such a high price?
Traditional Globe Lights (Incandescent/Halogen): A Familiar Glow
For years, globe lights have been the standard in many caravans. They offer a warm, familiar glow that some find comforting.
Pros:
* Warm Light: They produce a rich, often yellowish light that can create a cozy ambiance.
* Lower Initial Cost: Generally, the initial purchase price of globe fittings and bulbs can be lower than LED alternatives.
* Simple Technology: They are relatively simple to understand and replace.
Cons:
* High Energy Consumption: Globe lights are notoriously energy-hungry. This can quickly drain your caravan's battery, especially when you're off-grid.
* Significant Heat Generation: They produce a considerable amount of heat, which can make your caravan feel stuffy, especially during warmer months. It also poses a burn risk.
* Short Lifespan: Compared to LEDs, globe bulbs have a significantly shorter lifespan, meaning more frequent replacements.
* Fragile: The glass bulbs are susceptible to damage from vibrations and bumps during travel.
LED Lights: The Bright Future of Caravan Lighting
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized lighting in recent years, and their benefits are particularly well-suited for caravan life.
Pros:
* Exceptional Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume a fraction of the power compared to globe lights. This translates to longer battery life and greater self-sufficiency when camping off the grid.
* Minimal Heat Generation: LEDs produce very little heat, keeping your caravan cooler and safer.
* Incredibly Long Lifespan: LED bulbs can last for tens of thousands of hours, significantly reducing the need for replacements.
* Durability: LEDs are solid-state devices, making them much more resistant to shocks and vibrations – perfect for the bumps of the road.
* Variety of Light Temperatures and Colors: LEDs are available in a wide spectrum of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white, allowing you to customize the ambiance. Some even offer color-changing options.
* Compact Designs: LED technology allows for sleek and compact light fittings, maximizing space in your caravan.
Cons:
* Higher Initial Cost: The initial purchase price of LED fittings and bulbs can be higher than traditional globes. However, this cost is often offset by their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
* Can Emit Blue Light: Some cooler-toned LEDs can emit more blue light, which some individuals find less relaxing in the evenings. However, warm white LED options mitigate this.
Making the Right Choice for Your Caravan
When deciding between globe and LED lights for your caravan, consider the following:
* Your Camping Style: If you frequently camp off-grid, the energy efficiency of LEDs is a significant advantage.
* Battery Capacity: Upgrading to LEDs can drastically reduce the strain on your caravan's battery.
* Comfort: The lower heat output of LEDs contributes to a more comfortable interior, especially in hot climates.
* Long-Term Cost: While the initial investment might be higher, the longevity and energy savings of LEDs can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
* Environmental Impact: LEDs are a more environmentally friendly option due to their lower energy consumption and longer lifespan, reducing waste.
LED lights have become more popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency, durability and longevity. LED lights emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors. While globe lightsWith other types of lighting the light must be conducted to the right direction for the light to radiate. In other words LED lights shines brighter and in a wider radius. Compared to globe lights, LED lights convert more energy into light, producing brighter illumination.
LED lights are also much cooler than other lights and emit much less heat. This reduces the risk of combustion or burnt fingers. Unlike incandescent light bulbs, LEDs don't produce light using heat. This is part of what makes them so energy efficient, they require less power, running at a fraction of the energy compared to conventional globe lights. The downside is that LED light components can be sensitive to overheating, which can cause them to burn out prematurely.
LED lights are more durable and lasts longer than globe lights. A good quality LED light can last 3 to 5 times longer than an incandescent bulb. A typical single LED bulb will have a power draw of 20 mA (milliamps). This means that it can consume 20 mAh (milliamps-hour) in one hour. The typical lifespan of LED lights range from 10 000 to 30 000 hours. On the other hand, when using globe lights, you have to perform the tedious task of the replacing your bulbs on your trailer every 1000 to 15000 hours.
The other advantage is that LED battery consumption is less than globe lights when using solar power systems on your camper or caravan. LED lights use less battery power than other globe type lights. You can leave your LED lights on for a 8 to 10 hour cycle on a controlled charger when using a 450ah 12V battery.
At Trasiki Camping Acessories, we strongly recommend transitioning to LED lighting in your caravan. While the initial cost might seem higher, the long-term benefits in terms of energy efficiency, lifespan, durability and comfort are undeniable, especially for avid travelers. They are also easy installble, better looking and also brighter.
LEDs are the most energy-efficient lighting technology today and are really the way to go when it comes to trailer and camping lighting.
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