LED light strips

[brbeel]

Hi there,
Has anyone installed an LED light strip under their awning? I really want to do this, but not sure how to wire it into 12V DC power. I'm looking into the RGB strip lights with a remote and a little controller box. There's an option to buy a power supply, but from some of the research I've done, people are saying just to wire it directly to the 12V DC power in the trailer. My question is, since the controller box needs some sort of DC adapter to get the power to it, how would I power the controller box? I was thinking of buying the power supply and just cutting the plug off that goes into the controller box and wiring that to the trailer DC power. Does that sound right? Has anybody done this?
Sorry if this post is confusing.
Heres a link to what I was looking at:
LED light kit

[coondog]

The trailer (23J) we just bought came with a LED light strip (similar to the above link) affixed to the awning roller. Didn't even know it was there until we asked the seller what the IF remote box/ converter was for that we found in the trailer. The light strip is flat and is fastened to the roller via clear wide tape. We fired up the lights one night and were amazed by how bright it was. It changes colour using the remote and has various intensities. Will have to run a extension cord up to the connection but so far, it looks like something i would recommend.

[mcfarmall]

Lee Valley has half a catalog full of all kinds of LED strip lighting stuff.

[ncooper96]

On my X17Z I tapped into the power outlet ( 12V ) for the rear bunk end. I removed some of the trim pieces, ran some wire, installed a switch inline with the RGB LED controller, drilled a small hole through the side of the trailer, and mounted the LED strip under the awning. I did solder some connections and used some heat shrink tubing along with silicone to make sure it was all water tight. The LED controller I used has an RF remote so it could be mounted out of sight behind the trim piece where the switch is mounted. The controller also remembers the last setting when power is disconnected, so you can set it up on the remote and just use the hardwired switch if you like. The controller allows me to select any color or intensity and has a series of patterns it can rotate through. I have the remote mounted above the door with some velcro so I don't lose it. I've been able to use the remote from about 40' from the trailer. Had this setup for over a year now with no issues. Here are some links.

Edit: I missed the part about wiring the controller. I went to radio shack and purchased the correct size power plug for the controller and soldered my own wires to it and used T taps to tie into the trailer power.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[brbeel]

Thank you everybody for the helpful information! I think I'm gonna do what ncooper did. I have a 2013 X23b and i think wiring into the bunk end power is gonna allow for the cleanest install. Unfortunately, the kit I ordered came with an IR remote, but I may go ahead and order an RF controller. I should get the lights in a few days, I'm excited!

[fmichaels]

I'm getting ready to install LED’s on our 23B. I have a separate clear and blue strip which I’m running under the awning. Good point about the 120VAC power supply to 12VDC. If you can find a spot to pick up the 12VDC, then it's a no brainer (fused of course). I have the 12VDC power supply but since I'm installing everything from the cabinet where the radio is installed I'll have 12VDC already there. I also have the remote dimmer. You can really dial in the right amount of light as needed. I'll try to post some pics once I have mine installed.

[Ryetye]

I ran plenum rated thermostat wire down my fridge vent and put piggy back connectors on the 12v at the control board. I cut the wire leaving the power adapter so it couldbe hooked up either way! Also i foundthat temp change willcause the double sided tape to release so i used clear silicon on it and so far thats holding without any issuses!

[fmichaels]

ryetye, how did you apply the silicon sealer? Right on the strip adhesive? Did the strip stick initially with the sealant or did you have to tape it down until dry? thanks

[ncooper96]

I used rubbing alcohol to clean the mounting surface for the LED strip and just relied on the sticky backing to hold it in place. Going on 14 months now with no issues.

[fmichaels]

That's what I plan on doing (just using the adhesive already on the strip). I live in PA where the temps can change drastically over the period of a year. If someone used silicon RTV, I'd like to know how they applied it. Thanks

[Ryetye]

The double sided tape came started coming loose when we had a drastitic change in weather! The tape was coming off as I unrolled the light strip from the package, however most adhesive products have to be at a certain temp during application for them to adhere properly for 24 hours which I did not have dropping into 20's at night! I also cleaned with rubbing alcohol

[Seann45]

So far I have done 2 strips one on the inside of the slideout room Inside the RV and one on the awning roller tube. Since the draw is very minimal I used small speaker wire going out the awning arm and a power plug under the aluminum valance of the RV.

[brbeel]

Originally Posted by Seann45

So far I have done 2 strips one on the inside of the slideout room Inside the RV and one on the awning roller tube. Since the draw is very minimal I used small speaker wire going out the awning arm and a power plug under the aluminum valance of the RV.

Ooooh, I like those ones over the slide out! Nice work!

[fmichaels]

Nice. I'm doing mine this weekend.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by brbeel

Ooooh, I like those ones over the slide out! Nice work!

Thanks...

[sarg246]

I have a Jay Flight 19BH and I am going to attempt to install the LED strip on the bottom of the gutter rail. I am thinking of going thru the side to tap into power. I will try and take some pics as I go to post later. I hope it will be easy, but you know murphy's law....

Ive searched around from other sites and videos and I hope to get it right without damaging my trailer. We will see.

More to come

[fmichaels]

I just finished first strip under gutter. Install was very easy. Make sure you clean surface before installing. I used paint prep to clean surface. I drilled hole into trailer just under rear gutter. This goes into a panel inside trailer where I connected into the bed light socket. I also installed an RF remote which works great. The lights look awesome. Next step is a strip of blue on the awning tube. Good luck.

[clutch]

Seann, I see you have a awning room. Is your awning electric or manual?

[Rocket15]

Just bought a set for my X17Z. A mechanic who installs these every day was at the register and he gave me a few tips: The most important thing to do is to make sure the area is clean before you tape up the strip. He also recommended that you replace the tape that comes with it with 3m auto molding two sided tape available at any auto parts store. It works much better. He said there is no problem drilling through the camper to run the wire, just make sure you seal it with silicone.

[fmichaels]

Good tip on the tape. The strip I installed looks like it adhered nicely to the gutter. If it starts detacting, then I'll go with the auto molding tape which I know is very durable. Since the wiring is very low current, I used small guage which cuts down on the size of the hole drilled.