My solution to awning lights

[RVChick]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I don't mention the sink cause we don't use it as such.
I've installed a pony keg oph coors light in the rear bunk and its plumbed to my beer dispenser. Ie the thing you called sink.
Just sayin

Niiiice!!!

[Tonk Mom]

Originally Posted by RVChick

Hey Tonk Mom! Congrats on your new to you Coachman!! We just sold our 99 Class C Coachman....I LOVED that rig!

Thank you. We are going to be driving across the Country back to LA and live in a while until we find a place to live cause we are losing our house. Will be different.

[RVChick]

Originally Posted by Tonk Mom

Thank you. We are going to be driving across the Country back to LA and live in a while until we find a place to live cause we are losing our house. Will be different.

Oh I am sorry to hear about loosing your home. I do pray it all works out. Living in an RV is not quite like a stick home, but if you have full hook up services, you will be much more comfortable! Try to see it as an adventure....camping full time while you find your next home!

[Tonk Mom]

I have a bunch of kitties and worry about how they will be in such small quarters. I will be afraid to leave them in the motor home without me. An adventurer definitely.

[RVChick]

Originally Posted by Tonk Mom

I have a bunch of kitties and worry about how they will be in such small quarters. I will be afraid to leave them in the motor home without me. An adventurer definitely.

Oh I know what you mean!

[Tonk Mom]

The Chinese seller said I can change the lights to the 5050. Should I? I just don't know which is better since I have no experience.

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by Tonk Mom

The Chinese seller said I can change the lights to the 5050. Should I? I just don't know which is better since I have no experience.

Hi Tonk Mom,
Yes, switch the light set to the 5050's. Also see if you can get the 44 key remote instead of the 24 key remote. You should be under $30.00 with the changes. Gotta watch some of the dealers, I have seen up to $200 for the same lights.
crunchman

The pic is of mine with the 5050 waterproof on the blue setting. Very bright.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Tonk Mom

Very nice. I've never seen a camper with a huge cut out so you can see the kitchen like that. Cool!

Seems outside kitchen campers have become popular recently. I believe the fridge used in the outside area is 120 VAC (shore power) only though. The inside one is still DC/propane and shore power dual source.

This is the light from a single strand of 5050 LEDs at full brightness.
I have since doubled the install to two strands and can read (or work) after dark if needed. I normally run the lights dimmed.

[Tonk Mom]

Thanks guys, those photos are wonderful. I was able to change to the 5050 with the 44 remote. The cost was $22 and change. They asked if I needed the DC converter which I didn't know if I needed. After all the posts in this thread, was it ever decided which is the best way to set up the lights?

Jill

[ChooChooMan74]

My lights should be in within the hour Fed>USPS. Still looking for suggestions on wiring. I got a manual awning, so there is no hole for the awning power. Any suggestions on putting a hole in the side of my camper to run this wire inside? I have the spot where I am thinking. Would pictures help?

[jtstromsburg]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

My lights should be in within the hour Fed>USPS. Still looking for suggestions on wiring. I got a manual awning, so there is no hole for the awning power. Any suggestions on putting a hole in the side of my camper to run this wire inside? I have the spot where I am thinking. Would pictures help?

I would simply drill a clean hole, big enough for a rubber grommet, to protect the wire, and seal the whole thing, grommet with wire thru it, with a good clear silicone product. I prefer lexan or another alternative to silicone, but either is fine.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Tonk Mom

Thanks guys, those photos are wonderful. I was able to change to the 5050 with the 44 remote. The cost was $22 and change. They asked if I needed the DC converter which I didn't know if I needed. After all the posts in this thread, was it ever decided which is the best way to set up the lights?

Jill

"Best" is highly subjective. There seem to be 2 basic installs:

1) Installing it onto the camper, just under the awning rail
- pros: possibly simpler wiring; doesn't have to be plugged in each time; leaves the awning slot open
- cons: maybe not as cool looking (I'm biased- this is my plan)
2) Installing the LED lights onto the awning tube or into the awning slot
- pros: again, I'm biased to the other way.. it looks cooler?
- cons: you have to plug and unplug the wires each time

The biggest challenge in all of the installs is finding/fishing a power source.

[grayfox]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Seems outside kitchen campers have become popular recently. I believe the fridge used in the outside area is 120 VAC (shore power) only though. The inside one is still DC/propane and shore power dual source.

This is the light from a single strand of 5050 LEDs at full brightness.
I have since doubled the install to two strands and can read (or work) after dark if needed. I normally run the lights dimmed.

Nice job Herk. Your overall outdoor set up looks great and we Know who did the exterior decor , furniture arrangement and color coordination.

[ChooChooMan74]

Ugh. This is where my nerves are getting shot. Drilling the hole....

[SYE]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

Ugh. This is where my nerves are getting shot. Drilling the hole....

I hear ya, my DW told my find another way, no holes allowed. Kinda makes me rethink how I am going to redo everything.

[ChooChooMan74]

Originally Posted by syencer

I hear ya, my DW told my find another way, no holes allowed. Kinda makes me rethink how I am going to redo everything.

I should have a blog on it tonight. But I decided to cut the connectors and splice the controller to the LEDs inside. Gonna grab some telephone splices

[Tonk Mom]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

I should have a blog on it tonight. But I decided to cut the connectors and splice the controller to the LEDs inside. Gonna grab some telephone splices

Thank you.

[ChooChooMan74]

Success. I will try and blog with pictures tonight. Packing up the camper!

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

Success. I will try and blog with pictures tonight. Packing up the camper!

Excellent. Looking forward to the pics. Have fun!
crunchman

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by syencer

I hear ya, my DW told my find another way, no holes allowed. Kinda makes me rethink how I am going to redo everything.

I used existing hole for motor power wiring.