Step-Well Light Upgrade
The original step-well light was a halogen bulb and fixture with a fresnel lens in front. It worked, but it was never particularly bright, the kind of light that technically illuminates the steps without really lighting them up.
The Replacement Fixture
I went with an IBLLIGHT LED In-Ground Step Light, half-moon, anti-glare, 3W, 12V–24V DC. There are plenty of similar options out there, some at lower price points, so it’s worth shopping around. I chose this particular one primarily for the flange size: a larger overlap means it would hide most of the carpet indentation left behind by the original fixture. It also has a metal housing and bezel, which I preferred.
A couple of things worth noting when selecting a fixture for this application:
- The back of the fixture is exposed to the wheel well, just like the original, so waterproof construction is a must.
- If your coach has tile or hard flooring rather than carpet, you have more flexibility and could go with a smaller flange without worrying about hiding any impression.
Installation
The new fixture is slightly larger than the original cutout, so I needed to open it up a bit. A sanding drum on the Dremel made quick work of it, just a few minutes. Once the opening was the right size, the fixture pressed right into place and is held there by spring clips on the sides. No fasteners needed.
Results
The difference is immediately obvious, the steps actually light up now. A small upgrade, but a satisfying one.
