Porch Light Installation.

[CPASPARKS]

I bought my porchlights last week to install on my td.
I bought the porchlight that has interchangeable lens (amber or clear). Probably will use the amber most to ward off insects.
Those of you that have installed porchlights on your tears, do you prefer them above the door or to the side of the door?
My concern is that if I am sitting on the edge of the tear, getting in or getting out, that if the porchlight is installed above the door, my body will block the light. Another question is if the porchlight is installed above the door, is it a distraction if you are inside the tear and the porch light is on.
I am leaning toward the installation to the side of the door.
Can I get an opinion?

[Sonetpro]

I'm putting mine on the side of the door up high. Where the rear cabinets are. I don't want the glare in my eyes when getting in.

[Ira]

I'm putting mine on the side of the door up high. Where the rear cabinets are. I don't want the glare in my eyes when getting in.

Same here. On your driver's side, way up high, above the door opening, to the right of the door.

[Gage]

I put mine up and to the side. Just because I felt that is where it looked the best. The one on the left hand side acts as a room light. You'll find that no matter where you put it, you'll still be able to see what you want to see and the camper next door may just yell at you to turn it off.



Have a good day.

[Ken A Hood]

You should hook them up temp. to your battery, and when it gets dark go out and hold them in several different locations. Above the door, to the side etc...and see;
1) how much light they actually give off and 2) how much area they illuminate.

[Gerdo]

High and to the side. The other side is a mirror image.

[sunny16]

So, if I understand everyone here.........should I put a light on the other side even if I only have the one door? (THe door is on the passenger side of the trailer.) I would think one only need the porch light on the side that has the porch! I know, I know, whatever I want to do. It's my trailer.......

Good question though. I will mount my light high and to the side of the door.

[sunny16]

An after thought.... I am putting a light swith inside next to the door so I don't forget to turn it off and so someone doesn't turn it on in the night and run the battery down. Got to see the bears!!!!

[Chris C]

I've not built yet..................but it is my thought that it would be better to have the light(s) underneath the trailer, just under the door. Maybe something like a strip of LEDs. My reasoning is all I'm really interested in is seeing to it I don't step into/onto something objectionable when getting out of the trailer. I really don't care for the thought of attracting light-seeking insects right at the opening of the trailer. Just my thought on the subject.

[Gage]

So, if I understand everyone here.........should I put a light on the other side even if I only have the one door? (THe door is on the passenger side of the trailer.) I would think one only need the porch light on the side that has the porch! I know, I know, whatever I want to do. It's my trailer.......
Good question though. I will mount my light high and to the side of the door.

Nope, you don't understand anyone. We all have two doors so we have two lights and common sense would also tell you that you put the switch on the inside. But beings how you only have one door. You really only need one light if you want a light. Save yourself some time and money and don't install a light. Just use a lantern.

Have a good day.

[Gerdo]

Chris C
You could pick up some "Ground Effects" lights that the "Tunner" kids use on their little cars. All sorts of colors.

[sunny16]

I see the light now, Gage!!

I just hope it's not an 18 wheeler!

Seriously, it took me a while to find a porch light that didn't have the switch attached here locally. I foinally found one, the last one on the shelf so I bought it. It had the clear lens so I had to buy the amber one to boot. So I think I'm set!

Thanks.....

[Gerdo]

Sunny 16

Yes I do have 2 doors. Yes it is twice the chance for leaks and yes it is twice the work, but it is easier to make the bed and you don't have to climb over your sleeping partner. It also gives you an escape route, just in case.

Yes, I mistakenly bought porch lights with out switches so I did mount a switch on each side for each light. I think it works well because if you need to look out to see what is making noise in camp you don't have to open your door.

If I only had one door I still would put a light on the other side so you could see around in the night. Keep them switched seperatlly to minimize power usage. If you don't need light on both sides then don't turn them both on.

I even thought of puting a light on the front so I could hitch up at night if I needed to. I haven't yet.

[48Rob]

Ken A Hood wrote;

You should hook them up temp. to your battery, and when it gets dark go out and hold them in several different locations. Above the door, to the side etc...and see;
1) how much light they actually give off and 2) how much area they illuminate.

Ken, very good advice!!

[Gadget Man]

Kevin
I bought lights with switches and mounted then on the sides of my doors.
just a bit higher than the door handle.
I wanted lights with amber lenses and a switch so I didn't have to mess with an inside switch, so it made for an easier install.
I then mounted a grab handle right next to them to protect the lights from tree branches if I ever get to close to some brush .
They are meant to be a porch light, not a yard light, So I don't care how bright they are.
I figure the amber lens will keep away some of the Minnesota mosquitoes.
And if I ever need to look out to investigate a bump in the night
my 1 million candle power spotlight should do the job just fine.

One of these days I'll post some pictures.
Gadget Man