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Old 08-19-2015, 09:32 AM   #1
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Lights on Rear of Camper

Anyone ever add lighting to the backside of the camper? Our seasonal site has a nice area BEHIND our trailer that we like to relax in.

My thought was to basically use the LED lights that people typically put under awnings along the back of the camper but looking for any other ideas or mods that people have come up with.

Thanks!!
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Old 08-19-2015, 09:38 AM   #2
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Don't make it permanent. White light on the back of a vehicle on the road tends to annoy the cops.
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Old 08-19-2015, 11:20 AM   #3
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We like to keep it simple:

We plug an extension cord to the outside RV power outlet, and plug 2 IKEA light bulbs and clamp it to the rear bumper. (you can clamp it higher if you wish)
It is also very handy when you need to crawl under the trailer in the middle of the night (flat tires/bad springs/water lines/scare animals and etc)



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Old 08-19-2015, 11:36 AM   #4
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It is also very handy when you need to crawl under the trailer in the middle of the night (flat tires/bad springs/water lines/scare animals and etc)
LOL! I hope you don't need to scare many animals!
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Old 08-19-2015, 11:44 AM   #5
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Similar to what Dream Girl suggested, I would probably go with a shepherd's hook and a bucket light.

The buckets are simple enough to make for very little cost, and provide a nice diffused light. You can store extension cords in the bucket when not using it. If you wanted to go crazy, you could even get a remote control, color-changing light bulb so you can color it to your moods as well as brighten/dim/change colors from your chair.
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Old 08-19-2015, 11:48 AM   #6
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LOL! I hope you don't need to scare many animals!
Up here in Canada you will be surprised what you can find under the trailer at night!
in our past we encounter: Raccoons, Beavers and even a Bobcat once in BC...

A good stick and a flexible strong source of light can go a long way!!!
(ask me how I know LOL)
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Old 08-19-2015, 12:01 PM   #7
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I was just going to mention those pesky raccoon! Last year, we saw one sniffing around a neighbors trailer, and they were RIGHT OUTSIDE IT! Like 20 ft away at the fire pit, and that damn 'coon was sniffing around their trailer! I couldn't believe it!

Then a couple weekends ago (different trip, same park) we were camping with another couple. We shared meal duties, and they don't have an RV, so their share of food was in a cooler. Middle of the night, I hear a weird noise I can't identify, so I get up because I have to use the facilities anyway. I find a raccoon getting into their cooler! It's under the picnic table bench, so the lid barely opens enough to even see inside, and it's far too heavy for the little beast to push it, so he's got his arm in through that tiny crack and he's fishing our food out!!

Here's the kicker, I start making threatening noises at him and shooing him away with my arms, and the little sucker GROWLS back at me!! I just about went back for my pistol, but opted for the broom instead; didn't want to wake the whole campground. I've NEVER had one growl back at me! He apparently forgot who's bigger. He remembered real quick when I went after him though!

Anyway, sorry for the long story, but the "chasing away animals" comment is completely valid!

Edit: To address OP's lighting question: Why not try some rope lights wrapped around the bumper? I bet you could even get a dimmer for them for "mood" lighting?
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Old 08-19-2015, 12:08 PM   #8
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the little sucker growled at me! Classic.

That's funny. But not really - once they are tame, they get dangerous
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Old 08-19-2015, 12:48 PM   #9
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Raccoons, beavers? My wife would loose her mind. She screams when she sees a spider fifteen feet away. We were cleaning the gardens out the other day and I heard her scream like Jason was chasing her with 12 machetes. It was a baby rabbit in the bushes.
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Old 08-19-2015, 01:33 PM   #10
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The first question is what do you want to accomplish with the light? Just a little ambient light to see each other and not to trip over something? Do you want to be able to read a book? Security?

How you want to use the light will help determine the type of light to get.

I have been thinking about installing a couple LED fog lights to the back of my HTT, under the bumper next to the trailer hitch. Primary use to help back up at night. I also considered making a jumper so that I can turn them on via plugging in the jumper from the 7 pin for night lights. It is down low, so not terribly blinding in the eyes.

I have been out where people lay on the ground rope lighting that wrap three sides of the trailer. Others have done similar, but the rope lighting is out from the trailer and lights up more of the campsite. Seen a few different versions of trouble lights that are aimed up into the trees, lights the area, but not in your eyes. Even seen solar power yard lights modified in an opaque plastic disposable tub that just glow.

Lots of options.
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Old 08-19-2015, 03:02 PM   #11
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snip...

I have been out where people lay on the ground rope lighting that wrap three sides of the trailer.

...
I've seen this a lot too. I always assumed it was also for potential rodent control. I've heard they don't like lights and will stay away...
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Old 08-20-2015, 06:42 AM   #12
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I just use a clamp on light and attach it to the rear ladder - doesn't get any simpler than that!
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Old 08-20-2015, 03:58 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dream Girl View Post
We like to keep it simple:

We plug an extension cord to the outside RV power outlet, and plug 2 IKEA light bulbs and clamp it to the rear bumper. (you can clamp it higher if you wish)
It is also very handy when you need to crawl under the trailer in the middle of the night (flat tires/bad springs/water lines/scare animals and etc)


About as simple as it gets, solar rope lights $10 bucks harbor freight. Get a couple and leave them lay on the ground or wrap them where ever.
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