Yahoo Message Number: 83386 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83386)
I have a ceiling light that needs (I believe) a new ballast. However, I do not see how to remove the cover over the ballast. I have a 04' Inspire.
Yahoo Message Number: 83387 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83387)
Doc Flynn,
After you take the Lens off you should see a metal cover in the middle of the assembly that is held in place by 2 metal clips on each side.
Squeeze the Metal Cover together until one side of the cover releases from the 2 metal clips. It should then come out into your hands.
Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898
Yahoo Message Number: 83388 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83388)
Mike,
I tried that but did not see any clips. I'll try again later with more force. Thanks, Steve
Yahoo Message Number: 83389 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83389)
On my light fixture, I had to drill out the rivets to get to the ballast. Be careful to use the right size drill because you will have to rivet the fixture back together.
If you decide you don't want to do that you might try these guys to get a new fixture or maybe a new ballast: www.parkin-acc.com or 1-800-637-8938.
Good luck,
Jim
2005 Inspire #51225
Yahoo Message Number: 83390 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83390)
Jim, I have replaced 7 Ballasts in my 03 Allure and used short sheet metal screws in replacing the new Ballast rather than trying to re-rivet.
Since Steve doesn't see the Metal Clips that hold the Ballast cover on I wonder if I have a different Thin-Lite model than he does?
Thanks, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898
Yahoo Message Number: 83414 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/83414)
In my 2004 Allure there are rivets rather than clips attaching the ballast cover.
You might want to consider another direction: We do a fair bit of boondocking. I replaced the fluorescent tubes in a couple of fixtures with LED tubes of the same size and shape as the OEM tubes. To install the LEDs you bypass the ballast and provide 12VDC directly to the connecters in the fixture. I seem to get the same light output from a single LED tube as I did from a pair of fluorescent tubes. The LEDs are a little pricey, but you save the cost of replacing the ballast. I didn't convert all my fixtures, just a few key ones that allow us to read and get around the coach comfortably when off the grid.
I bought my LEDs at a rally, and I don't recall the make or cost, but they seem to be fairly common.
Myron
2004 Allure 33' 31040