[orton]

I did what you are proposing with the sold Sprinter build. Multiple ceiling lights.

The second build (Transit) I used a different (IMO better) approach.

Decided to install lights directly above the area that needed illumination with switches located where I would be standing when I wanted that illumination. Result was a much better lighting system.

Reused the 4 LED lights that Ford installed in the 148" WB cargo van and added two string LED lights. Disconnected the Ford LED lights from the Ford electrical system and powered them from the house battery.

What I ended up with that works much better than the Sprinter approach:

1. Single Ford LED light above the rear doors with switch next to it. Switch can be used from outside or from the bed platform.

2. Single Ford LED light above the shower with switch high on shower wall.

3. Two Ford LED lights above the sink counter with the switch on forward end of the sink cabinet. This switch can be operated from in front of sink or from outside the slider door.

4. A string of LED lights in the bottom slot of the rear overhead cabinet over the bed platform. Switch is located on bottom of the cabinet and can be reached from either the aisle or when in bed. String under both rear overhead cabinets with switch for each.

No automatic cargo lights when opening a cargo door.

Just a thought.

 

[orton]

Orton, I have keenly followed your posts and your blog/build site, thanks for all your input. I do have questions for you re your water heating setup, will hit you up on those further down the road... or you may just get to that part of your build and blog about it

Conversion is almost complete. The friend that built the web site decided not to continue. Site was not done using a site building program that I could continue updating. So now starting over using WIX site builder so I can add to site and update it. Should even have pictures that can be expanded! Will replace existing web site with the new one when new one has more information than the old. Might even have a video.

 

[orton]

Would be thrilled to be able to expand your good photos! Go Orton.

Been spending a lot of time building a new web site. Spending some money to revise it so hope it will be useful.

Revising the menus, adding a page for each subject instead of grouping them and may even have a video. Pictures will be expandable. Site should be easier to use. Will add a cost log and supplier list.

Do not need to make it a money making site. Only purpose is try and pass along some of the things I have learned.

 

[orton]

Big dollar investment:

https://www.harborfreight.com/144-lumen-led-portable-worklightflashlight-63878.html

Regularly free with other purchase. Have 3 of them in the van. One in front beverage holder and two hanging from rear door jam. The hook in back fits in a punched slot in the rear door jam and the magnet on the back holds it in place.

 

[orton]

Its weird, because we really don't use our lights that much, even....

Most conversions have excessive numbers of lights and many do not put the light switches where a person would be standing when they want the light turned on. Also found no need to have multiple lights on at the same time.

One advantage to doing a second conversion was reducing the number of lights and revising where the switches were located.