LEDs And RV Lighting
Q: Now that we are seeing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in taillights and interior lights on service panels, when do you anticipate that LEDs will begin to overtake incandescent 12-volt lightbulbs on RVs? It seems that would be the natural progression, and we all would benefit from the lower power consumption.
Peter Jordan
Via e-mail
A: I don’t really foresee LEDs replacing either the incandescent or fluorescent lights found inside motorhomes in the near future, other than those that are already used as accent lighting on the ceilings and along floors. At present LEDs are very expensive, and a main concern for coach manufacturers is the bottom line. LEDs make sense for taillights and stoplights because of their enhanced visibility and increased safety, but it’s hard to justify replacing the fairly inexpensive interior lights used now with costlier LEDs. However, keep an eye on our “RV Products” column. It’s likely that you’ll see LED interior lights showing up as replacements before they become standard equipment in new coaches.
Crossfire Connection
Q: Your answer to Dick Morris’ letter (“Tire Troubles,” page 20) in the March 2005 column was outstanding. The inside rear tires on motorhomes do get hot from the road crown and can cause the tire to blow out. I do NOT believe the remedy is proper tire pressure and correct loading, although the advice you gave is truly good advice in general. The inside rear tires still will take the increased weight of the coach due to road crown. I have found a product that really will cure this problem: the Crossfire dual-tire pressure equalization system by Dual Dynamics. This product was created primarily for tractor-trailers but works equally well on any vehicle with dual wheels.
The Crossfire system includes a set of tubes that connect the valve stems of the rear dual-mounted tires to a pressure equalization valve that equalizes the tires’ pressures when on uneven pavement. Additionally, the product provides information at a glance if the tires are overinflated or underinflated and works as air-valve extenders with a central inflation Schrader valve. Over the years I have tried numerous tire valve extenders for 22.5-inch tires, but they all have malfunctioned. The Crossfire will not leak, provided it is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I do recommend that you drive the motorhome for five to 10 miles after installation and torque the valves again. Visit the company’s Web site at www.dualdynamics.com for more information about this product.
Dennis Schantz, F355079
Cleveland, Georgia
A: Thanks for your suggestion. Many members use the Crossfire connector; however, the jury is still out on it according to the three tire manufacturers that attend FMCA’s semiannual international conventions (Goodyear, Michelin, and Toyo). All three do suggest extenders, though. Incidentally, the Crossfire system is designed to maintain equal air pressure in both tires of a dual setup at all times, not just on uneven surfaces.