Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-13-2015, 06:39 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
HeyJude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 232
What kind of light?

As you walk into our 2011 29rl there is a black square with all the switches and buttons for things. My problem is I cannot see it. I'm really short and even when I put my glasses on I can't see what the buttons say. I'm thinking of putting some kind of light strip above it? But, when I search I'm getting all the wrong kinds of lights. Any suggestions? I thought of a puck light, but that would be just too ugly. I'd like to find a light like the ones you put on the steps, but how to power it? I know many of you guys do lots of mods, what would you suggest?
HeyJude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 06:46 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: West Jordan, UT
Posts: 877
Just wire in an led light or light strip on a rocker switch, or just find out witch one turns on the internal lights and flip that on, just take a mental note which one it is and flip that one first. After you use you camper you will remember exactly what switches are what without giving it a second thought.
__________________
2018 XLR Nitro 36T15
2015 GMC 3500 6.6/Allison

Nights Camped (2018-16) (2017-16) (2016-13) (2015-13)
SuicideSaints is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 07:32 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
HeyJude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 232
Thanks. I am thinking the main rocker switch for the overhead lights. I don't use them much, but the switch is right there. The main panel has the lights for the outside steps and the water heater on it.
HeyJude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 07:52 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Oakman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Jefferson County, MO
Posts: 5,449
When you walk in, why not just turn the lights on with these two switches? That should provide you with plenty of light to see the panel.

Click image for larger version

Name:	SAM_2221 - Copy.jpg
Views:	215
Size:	264.9 KB
ID:	76884
__________________


Bob and Joyce
2013 CC Silverback 29RL
2010 Ford F250 XL Crew Cab 6.4 liter diesel
ATU Local 788
Oakman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 11:46 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
HeyJude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 232
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oakman View Post
When you walk in, why not just turn the lights on with these two switches? That should provide you with plenty of light to see the panel.

Attachment 76884
I'm talking about a bank of switches just inside the door. It is a black background with black switches. I have to use a flashlight and stool to see them. DH is going to install a 12v strip light and connect it to the main rocker switch.
HeyJude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-13-2015, 11:47 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
HeyJude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 232
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oakman View Post
When you walk in, why not just turn the lights on with these two switches? That should provide you with plenty of light to see the panel.

Attachment 76884
Also, my 2011 is not the same as your 5er.
HeyJude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 06:28 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Oakman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Jefferson County, MO
Posts: 5,449
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeyJude View Post
I'm talking about a bank of switches just inside the door. It is a black background with black switches. I have to use a flashlight and stool to see them. DH is going to install a 12v strip light and connect it to the main rocker switch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeyJude View Post
Also, my 2011 is not the same as your 5er.
Jeez, I was just trying to help. It was obvious that your 29RL is relatively new to you otherwise it would be second nature which rocker switch to push for the lights. By all means install a light if that helps.

FYI, I have exactly the same Silverback floor plan as you and I have that same black panel and black switches.

Click image for larger version

Name:	SAM_2201 - Copy.JPG
Views:	157
Size:	150.7 KB
ID:	76910
__________________


Bob and Joyce
2013 CC Silverback 29RL
2010 Ford F250 XL Crew Cab 6.4 liter diesel
ATU Local 788
Oakman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 06:36 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Stormrider151's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: South East
Posts: 996
Just a thought but a tag light mounted over the panel facing down would work if you can find one that looks nice. They are small and use a very small bulb.
__________________
Retired Fire Dept Battalion Chief
2016 Ever-Lite 232RBS
2012 F150 FX4 W/Max tow & Ecoboost (Best tv ever)
2018 F250 Lariat (ok but I miss my F150)

Getting old ain't for wimps!!!
Stormrider151 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 07:13 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
arpipeliner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Where the camper is
Posts: 598
Thought about putting in a light on that added on with the two front lights.

Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByForest River Forums1431605520.617064.jpg
Views:	142
Size:	45.5 KB
ID:	76913

It would look factory and everything is open above the counter.

I just know where the switches are and haven't messed with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
arpipeliner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 09:54 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
HeyJude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 232
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oakman View Post
Jeez, I was just trying to help. It was obvious that your 29RL is relatively new to you otherwise it would be second nature which rocker switch to push for the lights. By all means install a light if that helps.

FYI, I have exactly the same Silverback floor plan as you and I have that same black panel and black switches.

Attachment 76910
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude. The reason I am having problems with it is my height and bad eyesight. Even with my readers on I cannot see which switch is which. I have to have a flashlight and a stool to stand on. I thought with a light there it would be easier for me to find the correct switch. Eventually, I'm sure I'll be able to figure what is where, but in the meantime, without a good light, it is really frustrating.
HeyJude is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 10:17 AM   #11
Member
 
RETCHIEF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: O'Fallon, IL
Posts: 94
I see what you are dealing with. I'm tall and still have a hard time seeing which is which. I keep a flashlight by the panel. I have had my TT for almost a year and still haven't memorized the switches. Hope you find a solution.
__________________
Stu and Debbie
USAF CMSgt (RET)
2014 FR Super lite 27
2015 Ram Big Horn
RETCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 11:05 AM   #12
Site Team
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Northen IL
Posts: 8,288
What about something like this? It's battery operated and turns on by touching it.

Set of 3 Gemini Stick-on Warm White LED Battery Touch Lights - - Amazon.com
Iwritecode is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 12:30 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Chuck.C's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 168
I have kinda the same problem with my coach. Fortunately, there is a coach battery cutoff switch by the entry. I always leave some interior lights on, and switch this off as I leave. Not only solves the entry problem, but also makes sure I don't have anything running down the batteries in storage.
Chuck.C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 12:39 PM   #14
Boss Ox & Drovergirl
 
oxcamper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: N.E. Ohio Snow Belt
Posts: 1,340
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeyJude View Post
I'm talking about a bank of switches just inside the door. It is a black background with black switches. I have to use a flashlight and stool to see them. DH is going to install a 12v strip light and connect it to the main rocker switch.
How about "super glueing" some sort of bead or node to the rocker switch, like braille, you can find it just by touch.
__________________
Mark, Vicki, & Scout THE dog
2015 Hemisphere 282RK
2016 GMC 3500HD Duramax dually
1992 Goldwing Aspencade
oxcamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 01:05 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 106
I have the same unit and I just keep a small flashlight on the bottom shelf.
offduty11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 03:37 PM   #16
Junior Member
 
FloridaCouple's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 15
I have the same problem and use a flashlight. Even with lights on in The Roo I cannot read the switch labels.
FloridaCouple is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 03:55 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Liverpool NY
Posts: 967
Wish my panel was mounted higher. I was doing some work in the new camper when my wife let our 3 yr old grandson in for the first time to see what grampa was doing. Within 10 seconds he'd flipped every switch and was working on putting in the slides.
__________________
2015 Shamrock 23IKSS, Oyster shell
2019 Chev Silverado LT Z71 Ext. Cab, 4x4, 5.3L V/8
Reese Straight Line WDH, 2000W Honda Gen.
2 Old Town kayaks & 2 Boston Terriers - Zoey/Gonzo
Lar & Ruth
CNYCamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 04:06 PM   #18
Mod free 5er
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
Quote:
Originally Posted by oxcamper View Post
How about "super glueing" some sort of bead or node to the rocker switch, like braille, you can find it just by touch.
X2, good idea.

1 bead, 2 beads or 3 if you have multiple lights and multiple switches.
__________________
OldCoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 04:26 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
D_B Travelers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Watauga, Texas
Posts: 697
HeyJude, we had a similar issue with our panel as it was all black and black switches; and my wife also doesn't have to duck when going through doorways. I happen to own a P-touch machine, so I printed some white background labels with bigger print and stuck them to the panel where it would be easier to see. Yes, you will learn by second nature very quickly, but a white stick on label with big printing that you can remove later, will help for now.
__________________
D_B Travelers - 39 nights in 2018, 58 nights in 2017. [U]1st love: 2014 TT WJ3001w, now 2016 40' FW SOB, 2015 GMC 3500HD CC DRW Duramax, TST 507rv TPMS.
"Happiness? A good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle."
George Burns (1896 – 1996)
D_B Travelers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-14-2015, 05:15 PM   #20
Member
 
RETCHIEF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: O'Fallon, IL
Posts: 94
I did a label to warn about closing doors before slide operation, for the microwave stove vent flap, and the unmarked porch light. P-touch is great.
__________________
Stu and Debbie
USAF CMSgt (RET)
2014 FR Super lite 27
2015 Ram Big Horn
RETCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
light

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:35 AM.