This should be so easy. . . but?

Str8shooter · 12-22-2012, 01:29 PM

Okay, how hard can it be to change a light bulb in our fifth wheel? Apparently not very easy - so far. The picture shows the main globe/fixture over the couch and the bulb(s) are burnt out.

The problem is I can't figure out how to remove the globe or fixture to get to the 12v light bulb(s). I have tried to turn the glass globe without success but this would be the logical (hmmmm?) access point. Also, there are no slots around the metal fixture along the edge at the ceiling to pop the fixture away.

I even tried removing the plywood ceiling piece to see if I could gain access. Nope, didn't work. Besides the screws the plywood is attached with adhesive so I was careful not to pull to hard. I have the trailer at CW and they had no idea how to open the light.

Any help or ideas will be appreciated.

hankaye · 12-22-2012, 02:11 PM

Str8shooter, Howdy;

Have you tried unscrewing the whole unit?
It may just take a 1/4 turn or slightly more...

just a thought.

hankaye

justlkn · 12-22-2012, 02:19 PM

Subscribed! I have the same issue! I just gave up.

f6bits · 12-22-2012, 04:03 PM

When I look at descriptions for that type of light, they talk about a "twist-on dome." There's just no other choice, as it's a surface-mount fixture.

Jay D · 12-22-2012, 05:34 PM

I have 3 small fixtures like that above my couch, I also have one burnt out. 2 of the lights I can twist the glass off by turning it a 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Of coarse the one with the burnt bulb I can not get the glass off, the whole fixture spins like nothing holding in place on top. When I open her up in the spring I was thinking of using a thin screwdriver or something to pry very- very easy between the glass and the frame

trucker LOU · 12-22-2012, 07:59 PM

On my Springdale the glass turns about 1/4 turn ccw and comes off. the first time I did it had to put on non slip gloves to get enough grip to turn it.when I replaced it just a very little film of vasoline on glass threads made it easier to work.

Str8shooter · 12-22-2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trucker LOU

On my Springdale the glass turns about 1/4 turn ccw and comes off. the first time I did it had to put on non slip gloves to get enough grip to turn it.when I replaced it just a very little film of vasoline on glass threads made it easier to work.

That certainly makes sense to me. I did have difficultly getting a grip on the globe to make it turn.

Thanks Lou and for the others that replied.

Brantlaker · 12-23-2012, 08:01 AM

When I have a fixture cover or a bulb that will not turn I use Package Sealing Tape. Just put the ends on and tape the center like a tee and twist it off.

Str8shooter · 12-23-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brantlaker

When I have a fixture cover or a bulb that will not turn I use Package Sealing Tape. Just put the ends on and tape the center like a tee and twist it off.

Wow, that sounds easy and I appreciate your response however, I'm not sure I understand.

Anyway, I tried once again today using all the strength I could muster without success. The shape of the globe only allows upward pressure while trying to twist it. I made certain my hands would not slip on the glass as I turned it both counter clockwise and clockwise. I gently tapped all around the metal fixture making sure not be bend anything and still no luck! That sucker is really on there. My next step may be to warm the fixture with a heat gun and use some heavy rubber gloves to loosen it.

Again, thanks for the help.

Little Guy · 12-23-2012, 06:11 PM

The last time this happened to me, I found that a hammer will get the job done.
After the easy uninstall, I bought a new fixture. Just saying!

Str8shooter · 12-23-2012, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little Guy

The last time this happened to me, I found that a hammer will get the job done.
After the easy uninstall, I bought a new fixture. Just saying!

Yup, that will likely be the next move if the heat gun doesn't do the job.

hankaye · 12-23-2012, 10:09 PM

Str8shooter, Howdy;

'That Stolfitz kid' must have found the SuperGlue ...

hankaye

Str8shooter · 12-23-2012, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankaye

Str8shooter, Howdy;

'That Stolfitz kid' must have found the SuperGlue ...

hankaye

I'm certainly thinkin' so hankaye!!! Jokes on me. LOL. Like Little Guy, a good wack with a hammer (with a good measure of duct tape over the globe first) may need to be employed.

Merry Christmas all!

Str8shooter · 01-03-2013, 07:33 PM

After emailing back and forth with Keystone about the light fixture and getting no help from them - we're done!

Keystone's method of helping me determine how to remove the glass globe was to send a picture of a similar light fixture with the globe and fixture separated. Really!!!! They were also good about reminding me our warranty period had expired about a year previous.

No comments were provided that would suggest simply twisting if off or any other suggestion. I finally had to pry the globe down and away which broke the inside rim.

We're in the market to replace our Raptor with a conventional fifth wheel trailer so Keystone's only help was to make our search a bit shorter. Like they say, vote with you dollars. Keystone could have voted with their dollars to the tune of a new $30 to $40 (retail) fixture.

Take care forum members - you've been a great group.

You may also like: