Turning on exterior lights while camping

[Genr8rs]

I have seen many rv's with their exterior/running lights on while they are camping connected to shore power. How are you turning these on? It does help illuminate around the camper but are you using a jumper in the towing power cord?

[Bookemdanno]

Put a fuse or a jumper in the top of the 7 way connector and you'll have your RV running light on.

[Jagiven]

You can buy a gizmo to do it. But I just use a fuse or a heavy duty flasher.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=opcFkdeWCII

[Midnightmoon]

Here is what I have. If I had to do it over again, I would just have made a short jumper to do the same thing and save $10. But, here it is if you are interested. It works well for what it is.

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-0...a-568069456289

[TCNashville]

Here is the where the 20 amp fuse needs to be located for having the trailer lights on while parked and connected.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/190840102934380839/

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by TCNashville

Here is the where the 20 amp fuse needs to be located for having the trailer lights on while parked and connected.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/190840102934380839/

I would recommend a 15 amp or smaller fuse. The wire ar only rated for a max of 15 amps.

[TxLoser]

I see a trailer where I currently am with the marker lights on and I don’t get it. Whats the purpose aside from maybe being able to do a light check without plugging into the tow vehicle? Mine has these LED’s on the front cap I don’t fully understand either.

[TaftCoach]

Any lights seem strange to me. I remember one night with a full moon we were in our campsite and it was like daylight. Someone two campsites over fired up their string lights and a couple lanterns. To each their own, but when I'm outside I use minimum lighting.

[Mopar_Earl]

Best way to disturb wildlife and neighbors. Hope you turn them off and not leave lights on all night.


Earl

[JaycoMLOK]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

Mine has these LED’s on the front cap I don’t fully understand either.

I do like those on while traveling especially during low light or night.
We jokingly call them ' hey look at me lights'. LOL

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

I see a trailer where I currently am with the marker lights on and I don’t get it. Whats the purpose aside from maybe being able to do a light check without plugging into the tow vehicle? Mine has these LED’s on the front cap I don’t fully understand either.

The only time I use those lights is when I know we won’t be back until after dark. Turn it on when we leave and off when we get back. Other than that, that’s the only time we use them.

[norty1]

Some use the flasher as a emergency light.

If you are in a rv park and have to call 911 to a white trailer, it kind of sets it off from all the other white trailers.

We have had this happen.

[TxLoser]

Originally Posted by norty1

Some use the flasher as a emergency light.

If you are in a rv park and have to call 911 to a white trailer, it kind of sets it off from all the other white trailers.

We have had this happen.

I can see that. Funny story... well sort of. Not two minutes after I posted that I went outside to get something on the other side of trailer. Dang near whacked my head because my eyes hadn’t adjusted to the dark yet. Marker lights could help that too I suppose.

Actually the ones I saw on were the scenario of people being away and back after dark. To each there own as they say. I’m in the min noise, min light camp.

[norty1]

Those little head mounted flashlights are part of my camper.
We have 3 of them. They are great for walking around at night, walking dogs and seeing when you need both hands.

[easevado]

Originally Posted by Genr8rs

I have seen many rv's with their exterior/running lights on while they are camping connected to shore power. How are you turning these on? It does help illuminate around the camper but are you using a jumper in the towing power cord?

I bought a 7way plug, the kind that goes on your tow vehicle, I made a jumper wit t fuse and added a flasher. Now when I plug it into the camper all my light flash.

[videoarizona]

This is a good idea at times. Just remember, if your trailer marker lights have not been changed to LEDs.... Having all those lights on will drain your battery quickly. Each light draws 1 amp, 10watts. Most people running 1 12 volt rv battery only have 50 to 60 amps available (@20hr rate) and you are supposed not draw down more than 50%....
That means 25 to 30 amps. 10 outside lights (example) is 10amps per hr. In 2 hrs your battery is down closer to 50% than not. Remember also that your trailer is drawing a tad just keeping fridge running, etc..
This is important if boondocking... Not so if plugged in. But it could be a bad habit to get into on the night you are not plugged in and turn your exterior lights on.
Just thinking out loud here....

[viking42]

Please don't leave outside lights on. Some of us really enjoy looking at the moon and stars but not your neighbors lights.

[JDug66]

Just last week I saw two TTs side by side with their marker lights on while camping. First time I’ve noticed this. Initially thought they were leaving, albeit an odd time to pack up. Was wondering aloud to my partner on how they did that. According to my partner I don’t need to do this. ��