Replacing Rv Interior Light Covers How To Do It Right Away

Replacing RV Interior Light Covers: How to Do It Right Away

RV interior light covers, often made from plastic or acrylic, can become dull, scratched, or even cracked over time. This can diminish the aesthetic appeal of your RV's interior and reduce the amount of light emitted from your fixtures. Fortunately, replacing those covers is a relatively straightforward task that can be done with basic tools and a little bit of patience. This article will guide you through the process, explaining the necessary steps and providing helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful replacement.

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before embarking on the replacement process, you'll need to gather the appropriate tools and materials. These include:

New light covers: Ensure they are compatible with your existing fixtures.
Screwdriver: Choose a size that matches the screws used on the existing light covers.
Philips screwdriver: Oftentimes, the screws holding the light covers in place are Phillips-head screws.
Small flat-head screwdriver: This can be helpful for prying off the old light covers if they are stubborn.
New screws: It is recommended to use new screws when installing new covers, as old screws can become stripped or worn.
Optional: A small flashlight to illuminate the work are better, especially if you are working in a tight space.

2. Remove the Old Light Covers

The process of removing the old light covers can vary depending on the specific design of your RV's light fixtures. However, the general steps remain consistent:

Locate the screws: Carefully inspect the exterior of the light cover to locate the screws holding it in place. These screws are typically located on the edges or bottom of the cover.
Remove the screws: Utilize the appropriate screwdriver to carefully loosen and remove the screws securing the light cover. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surrounding area.
Detachable covers: If the covers are designed to be detached without screws, try gently prying them off with a flat-head screwdriver. Start at a corner or edge and slowly work your way around.
Disconnect wires: If the light cover is connected to wiring, you may need to disconnect the wires before removing it. In this case, ensure that power to the fixture is switched off before working with the wiring. Use a wire stripper to expose the wire ends if necessary.
Remove the old light cover: Once the screws are removed or the cover is detached, gently lift the old cover off the fixture.

3. Install the New Light Covers

Now that the old light cover has been removed, you can begin installing the new one. Follow these steps:

Align the new cover: Position the new light cover over the existing fixture, ensuring it is centered and aligned properly.
Connect the wiring: If your new cover requires wiring, carefully reconnect the wires, matching the positive and negative terminals. It might be helpful to take a picture of the wiring setup of the old cover before removing it.
Secure the new cover: Using the new screws or the existing screws if they are in good condition, fasten the new cover to the fixture. Tighten them securely, but avoid over-tightening, which can potentially damage the cover or fixture.
Test the light fixture: Turn on the power to the fixture and check that the light works correctly. If the light does not work, ensure the wiring is properly connected, and the bulb is functioning.

Replacing RV interior light covers is a simple yet effective way to upgrade the look and feel of your RV's interior. By following these steps, you can confidently tackle this task and enjoy a brighter and more visually appealing living space.