No ballast LED T8 replacement recommendations

[Falcon67]

We're looking at getting a new 34' race trailer. It'll come with 5 T8 duals as part of the standard interior light package. Rather than spending $110/fixture to put replace the T8s with LED panels inside I plan to just buy Direct Wire LED bulbs and remove the ballasts.

I looked at some 5000K bulbs at 1000bulbs, around $8.50 each which is not bad. Any recommendation of a decent bulb would be appreciated.

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/153510/PLT-10022.html

The trailer will have an upgrade to put LED panels on the outside instead of those bulky halogen jobs. That upgrade was a whopping $50. No brainer there.

We are upgrading to a new 6500w genny but anything that reduces the load on the genset increases run time and reduces the amount of extra fuel you have to carry to feed it. And momma wants a shower, microwave, dorm fridge and power to run the Keurig.

 

[dogdog]

I ordered 12 Hyperikon base on recommendations from members here on another thread. Will be here next week, supposedly still stuck in preparing shipping state since 2 days ago..... probably because I didn't get prime shipping. Just keep in mind those are wired differently between the Hyperikon and the tubes from 1000bulbs. I think the 1000bulbs ones you have to check your current socket and make sure it is non-shunted ones otherwise you'll have to order new ones.

 

[Falcon67]

Yes, the shunt/no shunt doesn't seem to be a big deal. The supplied fixtures will be low end items and all the "cheap" T8 fixtures I have use unshunted tombstones. So my guess is it's not going to be more than just twisting some wires around. Easy fix if not anyway. Even gutting the fixtures is cheaper than ordering the trailer with inside LEDs. Just not as "cool".

Plain Jane vs the cool kids LEDs:

 

[dogdog]

dam those custom fit lights looks a lot better than T8 Tubes ....

 

[CamarosRus]

Suggest you order L-track on interior walls if you can spec into your build.......

 

[Falcon67]

Thanks - I prefer to get what I need for tiedown from eTrailer and just place it where needed. Got to see how the dragster and all the other stuff will pack in first. No-show dove tail may require a special fixture to hold the front tires/chassis level and such. I used eTrack in the old trailer held down with 1/4" x 2" self tap heavy duty fasteners - no problem securing a 3000lb door car for the last couple of years. Pretty sure I can outfit the whole trailer for less than a pair of Mac's dragster rear tire tie downs LOL.

Lot of little stuff is way cheaper to piece meal. AC is $700 carry out, 1100 installed, electric jack about $150 from Amazon, $320 from the factory, etc, etc.

 

[theoldwizard1]

We're looking at getting a new 34' race trailer. It'll come with 5 T8 duals as part of the standard interior light package. Rather than spending $110/fixture ...

How much to just get them to run the wire and NOT INSTALL ANY FIXTURE ?

I bought 2 bulb LED "shop lights" at Costco before Christmas for $20 each.

 

[toplessHO]

just bought 5 of the ballast/no ballast convertible LEDs at Lowes for $10 each
brand was unitech and has a 5 yr warranty,havent a clue about quality of them.

 

[oilslick]

I have installed ebay $5 each, 75 bulbs in all so far. They are working great.

 

[Falcon67]

How much to just get them to run the wire and NOT INSTALL ANY FIXTURE ?

I bought 2 bulb LED "shop lights" at Costco before Christmas for $20 each.

It's part of a package (Super Stock Package) that includes other items, so it usually costs more to break up a package with special modification. About the only electrical mods are adding plugs ($40/each) and moving the generator outlet to the nose of the trailer. If I could deal directly with the Mfg it might be different but Cargo Craft only works through it's dealers. (which means the trailer goes from Corsicana to Oklahoma, then I pick it up in OK lol).

Also, if I'm paying $24,000 for a trailer I REALLY don't want to have to do much of anything when I get it, other than load my junk in it.