How to have clearance lights on while camped

[hbillsmith]

We all had a great time at the FROG 'Autumn in the Ozarks' rally last week and in addition to all the fun times we were fortunate to have Forest River's senior electrical specialist, Brian Moran on site for a couple of really informative seminars. Thanks Brian. In addition to the many service and maintenance tips, Brian taught everyone how you can have your trailer's clearance lights turned on while camping. These are those small lights all around your trailer that typically only turn on when you are attached to your tow vehicle.

I hope Brian doesn't mind but I took a few pictures to explain how and what and I am attaching them here:

[D W]

This practice has really caught-on in the last year or two, but be advised some private CG's will make you turn them off at a certain hour and restrict you to awning lights only. While it does have a nice effect, when you get 30-40 RV's in a CG, all with their marker and taillights on, the CG takes on the appearance of a truck stop.

[TnB]

You can also use a two prong blinker/flasher capacitor for emergency situations. This would be useful if you needed to leave your unit on the roadside, as you drive off to get repair parts.

[marinerjoe]

Originally Posted by TnB

You can also use a two prong blinker/flasher capacitor for emergency situations. This would be useful if you needed to leave your unit on the roadside, as you drive off to get repair parts.

That is one GREAT idea! Thanks. I'll have to pick up one next time I go to an auto parts store.

[Asrabbit]

I know everyone enjoys camping different ways. For me, I love being away from all the lights. Normally not much of an issue, but when I have camped at some state parks I see sites that look like a Christmas display. I know I would never want to have my marker lights on. I guess it could be that if I were walking away from my campsite and needing to return, I might think of leaving a light on. I normally carry a flashlight in that case.

Years ago I was tent camping in CO. I was with a buddy and we had been hiking and camped out a a campground just so we could get a shower. I woke up about 3:00 in the morning with a stomach ache. I looked out and could see the bathhouse with a big light on it. I did not want to wake my buddy looking for my flashlight, so I just walked down to the bath house navigating by the light on the side of the building. All was well until I started back. At that point, it was so dark I could not find our tent. So, as bad as I hated to do it, at 3:15 in the morning I was standing out there calling my friends name so he could navigate me back to t he tent. After that, I started always having a flashlight within reach when camping at night. So, could be there is a reason someone might want so lighting at their campsite.

[aeblank]

I plan to do this to activate my backup camera. I use my tractor for manuvering the TT at home, and having the backup camera would be nice.

[hondo]

I have them on so other friends know the drinking lights are on :-)