Exterior Lighting?

[GeoDrop]

I'm trying to plan ahead on the electrical system and thinking about where I need lights. I've seen teardrops that have exterior lights above the doors and some have "flood" lights on the sides.

I'm curious from those completed and camping... what did you do and would you have done it different? Where did you install the switches to control the exterior lights?

I'm thinking that lights above the doors might attract bugs... and if the door is open, you'll spend all night swatting things. Flood lights on the side of a camper might not be aesthetically pleasing but more useful?

Welcome input... spending to much time fretting over decisions like this. :-)

[bobhenry]

It not a hard science but I laid down (we sleep head to galley wall) and placed my hand on the wall. That is where the interior switches went. I matched his and her side for seperate lights inside. By accident I mounted my little lanterns on a small shelf and the light bounces up without shining down in your eyes. For the door light switch I sat in the door and placed my hand on the wall at the latch side. I then went outside and reached in on the latch side inside wall and placed my hand They were just slightly above one another so I split the difference. Our outside lights are not on for any length of time. I will flick them on for a moment to get my bearings, and/or put on my shoes but they are never left on for long durations so bugs are not normally a big problem. A little battery of white gas lantern at the table is the camping illumination of choice. The galley switch was the same I stood center of galley and leaned forward with my hand outstretched where it landed is where the switch was installed for the hatch mounted galley light. There is a lot to be said for Redneck ergonomics.

[planovet]

I put exterior "porch lights" on each side. I used 12V deck lights. They are SS and flush mount. I didn't want it directly above the door so I moved it back a little. They put out just the right amount of light. Also, it points down so it doesn't shine in your eyes when you are standing by the tear. I put the switches on the ceiling because I had already finished the sides.

[Dean_A]

We have a standard RV porch light on ours. It's more of an area flood to illuminate the campsite. We put the switch just inside the door so you can just open the door a bit and reach in. You're right about it attracting bugs, but we don't really use it with the door open. It's mostly just used for short durations at night to get the camp organized for bedtime, and sometimes in the middle of the night if you hear a strange noise in the campsite and want to see if there are any critters about.

[TPMcGinty]

I have the same type of light that Dean has but my switch is located outside on the light itself.

[CJflyer]

We have a basic, inexpensive RV porch light that has a built in switch plus I mounted a switch inside the cabin. The "inside" switch will be good for those nights when I think I heard something strange going on in the camp area. I can peer through the window and pop the light on just in time to see big foot making off with the last beverage from my cooler .....and the inside switch also allows for when I get tucked into bed just in time to remember I forgot to shut the porch light off.

The outside switch allows for a quick switch on with out inviting bugs into the cabin. I have mounted another such light in the galley. The built in switch saved some wiring in that case. Both lights came with interchangeable lenses, one clear and one yellow(anti-bug). The case is paint-able as many have done here.

I know what you are thinking. But CJflyer, What if Big Foot sneaks up and turns the light off from the outside after you turned it on from the inside. The solution is simple.... You say the word "Click". The Big foot will think that you have flipped the "inside" switch back on and he will unknowingly flip the "outside" switch back to the "on" position.

[48Rob]

Matthew & Sandi,

CJflyer has it right!

As long as you can control it (switch it on and off) from inside OR outside, a porch light is very handy to have.

If you can only control it from the inside, or outside, opening the door to switch it will, in most parts of the country, let in enough bugs to make you wish you didn't have a light...

Rob

[Dean_A]

Matthew & Sandi,

CJflyer has it right!

As long as you can control it (switch it on and off) from inside OR outside, a porch light is very handy to have.

If you can only control it from the inside, or outside, opening the door to switch it will, in most parts of the country, let in enough bugs to make you wish you didn't have a light...

Rob

Rob,
I really hadn't thought of that, but you have a good point. I'm lucky enough to live in bug-free Southern California. They're too afraid of the earthquakes to come this far West.

[GeoDrop]

Here is a "door" light I was thinking about using..

http://www.delcity.net/store/License-Il ... _59757.a_1


Thanks for the input all! I'll have to think about having a switch on the outside so it can be turned off before getting in. Living in the Midwest, we have all sorts of flying menaces....

[Shadow Catcher]

We went with the yellow camper porch light and I stuffed in an amber LED array (if you use white all but the yellow is lost). If you want really Cool lights (pun intended) marine courtesy lights look fantastic e.g. http://www.yachtlights.com/cat--Courtesy-Lights--11

[Karl]

If cost is no object, there is always the $75 "Motion Activated Security Light" at http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-lights/motion-security-light.htm.
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The webpage says:
"Added Security for Overnighting in Walmart Parking Lots, Truck Stops, or Roadside Parks.

At Last!! RVer's now have a Motion Detecting Security Light that comes on automatically when someone comes near. Not only will intruders reconsider approaching your rig, but you will enjoy the convenience of having the porch light come on when you come in at night. The sensitivity can be adjusted from 10 - 25 feet and is not activated by small animals.

These lights are simple to install replacements for your existing porch light, usually using the same wiring and hole pattern. Known as the Smart Light®, it can function as a normal entryway light, but its functions expand to include motion detection, battery low detection, and daylight automatic shut off.

The Battery Monitor function features a blinking red LED light when battery voltage drops below a predetermined level and will turn off the unit if in the 'motion detection' mode. The battery monitor light blinks blue if the unit is in the motion detection mode, and the battery has an adequate charge."
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I am also searching for exterior lighting options and while this looks interesting if you want to automatically scare the raccoons away as they pass by your trailer at night, $75 is quite a bit of money if all you really need is a basic light.

[Juneaudave]

Our porch light ended up in a different place than I originally thought. I had planned on putting it behind the door originally, but after looking at it one evening, decided it looked better ahead of the door. Something about the aesthetics. Go figure.

[bledsoe3]

I used LED strips and mounted them under the trailer below the doors. I bought water proof switches off e-bay and mounted them on the inside edge of the fender.

[doris s.]

We found it hard to find attractive lighting for our teardrop.

We wanted a light that had a switch on it, so no extra wiring was needed. We ended up buying an oval rv light and I spray painted the plastic housing to match the trim of our camper.

We bought a Grote round truck lights for the galley and sleeping area but they did not last through the build. My husband had to replace the switches that were on them, because they wouldn't work after being switched on and off a few times. Hubby bought the new switches at Radio shack.

Doris

[mikeschn]

I'm curious from those completed and camping... what did you do and would you have done it different? Where did you install the switches to control the exterior lights?

Exterior lighting...



Oh, yea, the switch on ours is built in...



Mike...