Home Depot sells a motor/transformer that monitors energy consumption of electrical devices so they do not draw more current than they need. It is marketed as a way to save energy, but it will also reduce heat. You should use one of those instead of change the voltage. Low voltage lights get just as hot. MOREOVER, the transformers to drop the voltage down to 12 volts get rather hot, themselves, which I would consider more of a safety hazard than mere light bulbs. (You do not have a transformer in your car/camper because the system runs at 12 volts already). I frankly think you are over-thinking the problem. Heat from normal light bulbs or fans really is not a problem, even if you are away. Also, reading lights should be BRIGHTER than normal lights, not dimmer (the "dim but enough to read by" comment). Reading under low lighting conditions strains your eyes and adds to any eye problems. Thus, specially-marketed "reading" bulbs/lamps are brighter, not dimmer. The only advantage I can think of with low voltage lights is that they just have fewer Code restrictions (because of the lower voltage) and are thus more flexible than full voltage lighting; that's the only benefit. They also can use smaller filaments, and thus smaller bulbs, thereby creating a different "look:" pinpoint halogen lights instead of big honkin' incandescents. I plan to install them in my Kitchen to create a more contemporary look.
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