LED rope lights on ground under RV

[Homebrew]

Does it have to be a light on the ground or can it be mounted under the trailer.

[fobagbob]

We have been camping in the AZ desert for 13 years. I would find seeds and small sticks in the engine and once found the insulation wrap around the battery chewed up. Started putting a light under the engine about 8 years ago and no more activity, also keeps elephants away.

[DogFather]

Originally Posted by Homebrew

Does it have to be a light on the ground or can it be mounted under the trailer.

My understanding from the old-timers is that the critters don't like well-lit places; they prefer the dark areas.

We have been camping in MT and AZ for years and it's commonplace to see hoods up (at least partially) for that reason. I think the bright light adds another dimension to the deterrent.

[Comanchecreek]

One of the most common places I've had problems with them has been the under hood sound insulation pad. They trashed my motorhomes years ago, and they trashed my pick ups just recently.

[HikerBob]

If I wanted to see rope lights, I'd go to Disneyland, not camping. What did people do before those darned things were invented? Enough already.

[Jenga Jack]

I agree with HikerBob. I can understand not wanting critters to get into your TT or chew your wires, but try a solution that doesn't involve lights. Especially the obnoxiously bright LEDs and those who leave them on all night while sitting inside.



Those have got to be near the top of the 10 pet peeves of camping, right next to pressing the key fob to lock your TV at night. Camping is about enjoying the outdoors, moon & stars, and sounds of nature. Not city lights & city sounds. A little courtesy, pleeeeze.

[Johnfort]

Bob, I'll be your straight man...

But, there's no elephants within 5000 miles of here?

Originally Posted by fobagbob

We have been camping in the AZ desert for 13 years. I would find seeds and small sticks in the engine and once found the insulation wrap around the battery chewed up. Started putting a light under the engine about 8 years ago and no more activity, also keeps elephants away.

[AtTheLake]

Originally Posted by wwestman

We have noticed a number of RV's (we are in Arizona) have long strings (ropes) of LED lights laying under their rigs. Most seem to be laying around the perimeter of the rig.

Being in AZ with the issue of packrats getting into the unit, are these lights a fashion statement or an attempt to discourage rodents?

If I see the owners outside I will ask them, but with the current climate about getting close to strangers I figured someone here would know.

I was headed into the 5th wheel one night... as I lifted my foot to step onto the step a huge black/red snake was passing between me and the step. I froze... he kept moving on. (proved to be a king snake/rat snake whatever..he had no interest in humans....I had significant issue in his presence...) after that we have always tossed lights under the trailer so we know what is happening.

It did not affect the bob cat that creeped up to the trailer one night...while we were sitting on the Toyhauler deck.... but at least I won't step on a snake. It is all about priorities!

[Homebrew]

Originally Posted by Jenga Jack

I agree with HikerBob. I can understand not wanting critters to get into your TT or chew your wires, but try a solution that doesn't involve lights. Especially the obnoxiously bright LEDs and those who leave them on all night while sitting inside.



Those have got to be near the top of the 10 pet peeves of camping, right next to pressing the key fob to lock your TV at night. Camping is about enjoying the outdoors, moon & stars, and sounds of nature. Not city lights & city sounds. A little courtesy, pleeeeze.

Lol! I hate it when people lock there TV with the key fob and the horn beeps. I reprogrammed my TV so the horn doesn’t beep when locking with fob.
As for the lights under the trailer, I don’t see any issues. It’s the awning lights that shine in the windows of other RVs. I’ve also heard complaints from some regarding the blue front cap lights.

I was just looking at a 100 foot spool to install under my rig. The plan was to install blue lights to match the cap and step lights to give the camp site a nice glow in hopes to keep the critters away, then my dog won’t bark in the middle of the night when the raccoons tear up the neighbors trash they left out.

[RobinDella]

Originally Posted by johnlochbuie

Just to make the site look better and since when are squirrels out at night ?

That's why their lights work so good.

[koko 3052]

Originally Posted by fobagbob

We have been camping in the AZ desert for 13 years. I would find seeds and small sticks in the engine and once found the insulation wrap around the battery chewed up. Started putting a light under the engine about 8 years ago and no more activity, also keeps elephants away.

Damned good thought....don't want any damn elephants under my hood!

[suzieshome]

For those who have lights on to keep critters away when camping, do you have them under your trailer and truck when you’re home?

[HikerBob]

Originally Posted by suzieshome

For those who have lights on to keep critters away when camping, do you have them under your trailer and truck when you’re home?

Not a problem as my trailer is in my attached garage/workshop to avoid all the problems talked about here, i.e. rodents, water damage, sun damage, freezing, etc., ad nauseum.

[JSolomon]

Rope lights are nice to illuminate.around.the campsite. Keeping packrats away and out of.the engine compartment....peppermint oil. They HATE it. Squirrels, rats, skunks. We routinely spray the engine compartments on our vehicles, all around the 5th wheel. Smells great too.

[JohnandRobin]

Originally Posted by tgold

Fashion statement in Texas

RV'rs in Texas use them to keep folks from hiding under rigs that have crossed the border illegally.
It works.

[timfromma]

If you are going to use these, please turn them off before going in for the night. I had this guy keep his on ALL NIGHT. I almost paid him a visit with a pair of wire cutters.

[JohnandRobin]

Those are CRAZY lights! Mine are dim, I promise.

[Homebrew]

Originally Posted by timfromma

If you are going to use these, please turn them off before going in for the night. I had this guy keep his on ALL NIGHT. I almost paid him a visit with a pair of wire cutters.


Attachment 248927

SMH, very sad when people resort to vandalism.
How about talking to the guy ?

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by Homebrew

SMH, very sad when people resort to vandalism.
How about talking to the guy ?

Apparently you missed the word "almost" in my post.

[Homebrew]

It’s the thought that counts.