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Totoro · 07-12-2014, 08:19 AM

If your camp sites are separated by trees, then I can't see that it would cause that much of a disturbance. Probably best to avoid camping close to people who have problems with lights at night- win-win for both parties.

m.hony · 07-12-2014, 10:41 AM

I've seen lots of other campers in the campground with the running lights on. That's where I got the idea. It didn't disturb me. I thought it was cool. I'm like, "Hey, how'd you do that?"

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RamblinManGa · 07-12-2014, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I love quoting myself :-)

Hi from AZ. . . at least you're honest

regards, Craig

m.hony · 07-12-2014, 11:46 AM

Not nearly as bright as the scare light and doesn't attract bugs...

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Jim Lee · 07-12-2014, 01:09 PM

I used to stick a wire in the hot side and then to the clearance lights. It took me awhile but I eventually remembered which socket to plug in. Then I got an extra truck end and fastend that under the propane tanks and wired from the hot to the clearance lights. Just plug it in, I tried the brake lights but too hot,

I got new lenses from NAPA for all the rear lights... under $30 bucks for 6--- the back up lights were most expensive.

Got the flag pole up also. Heading out tomorrow on our trip west! Wanderlust strikes!

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-12-2014, 01:53 PM

Hi, in other threads, I have pictures of the two control boxes that I made for turning on my running lights and brake/hazard lights. One is fairly simple and only flashes the running lights. [this one was built for emergency use] The other one has many more modes of operation. [this one was built for fun at rallies] They won't be used at regular camp grounds or state parks Etc. I originally built the first one with a 10 Amp fuse and it worked fine with my trailer that has LED tail lights. But after trying it on someone else's trailer with several incandescent light bulbs, we changed the fuse to a 20 Amp.

wahoonc · 07-12-2014, 03:22 PM

I have done this for years with a variety of RV's. It started when my kids were younger so it was easier for them to find our popup in the late evening when they were walking back from the bath house. I used to just use a jumper wire. Now I will build a fancy pants version with the plug cover, switch and fuse. Now it would probably help me find my unit in the dark.

We were staying at a large park in Myrtle Beach, SC when someone had an emergency. Happened to be an Airstream and they had the lights flashing so the EMT crew as well as the campground folks knew right where to head.

I also like the idea of having it available to use in an emergency roadside, though I hope I never have to abandoned any of my trailers on the roadside. So far in 30+ years of dragging trailers around I have never had to... knock on wood.

Aaron

BillB44 · 07-20-2014, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

Not sure where the idea of turning on the parking lights came from but I must say as far as disrespect for your fellow campers goes it is one step short of dumping your sewage on the ground.

It might have a place on Time Square but not in the woods.

This could probably be a whole side thread in itself but, anyway, the practice of leaving exterior lights on in a serene, natural setting seems kind of rude and self-serving. Maybe if you're in an urban, private CG or with a group at cocktail hour, etc. it's less obnoxious. The thing is, many folks camp to savor the outdoors, darkness and all. I've camped in spots where big motor homes are festooned with rope lights and neon signs. Yes, they eventually turn them off at 9 or 10, but that doesn't help if you just want to eat outside or sit and ponder the stars. Most Airstreamers we've met are of like mind and extremely considerate. Maybe I'm turning into a grumpy old man---as I re-read this, it sounds like it--but I'm really not; I like to party, drink and enjoy life too. But I would never do any of that if it came close to disturbing a neighbor camper. Leaving on all the running lights just to look cool, seems pretty shortsighted.

m.hony · 07-20-2014, 06:44 PM

No more rude or obnoxious than rope lights, awning lights, scare lights, or street lights...

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m.hony · 07-20-2014, 06:48 PM

There is definitely a coolness quotient to having the running lights on. They are a lot less bright than the scare light and attract 0 bugs. I generally only turn them on while sitting around the fire socializing. When I go in, they're turned off.

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arktos55343 · 07-20-2014, 07:20 PM

Let's face it, regardless of the serenity of the darkness and forest setting (which I am all for, btw), whenever you get a bunch of people together with cocktails...there will be a lot of raucous noise that often lasts well into the night. So, why not add a little festive lighting to go with it? I would never keep them on all night...or even late... but it sure helps find your rig when you are returning from brushing your teeth..... hehehe.

Oh, as I was rewiring my AS, I hooked up the running lights and the 'party' light to separate switches by the door....so I can be as discreet as necessary.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-20-2014, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arktos55343

Let's face it, regardless of the serenity of the darkness and forest setting (which I am all for, btw), whenever you get a bunch of people together with cocktails...there will be a lot of raucous noise that often lasts well into the night. So, why not add a little festive lighting to go with it? I would never keep them on all night...or even late... but it sure helps find your rig when you are returning from brushing your teeth..... hehehe.

Oh, as I was rewiring my AS, I hooked up the running lights and the 'party' light to separate switches by the door....so I can be as discreet as necessary.

Hi, I like your belt line light; Maybe you could show us how you installed it/them.

RamblinManGa · 07-20-2014, 07:43 PM

Hi from AZ. . . what he said. . .when it's my turn to host happy hour, I do the lights. when we break up, they go off. Several SOB people have asked if that's an exclusive feature of an Airstream

Regards, Craig

m.hony · 07-20-2014, 07:45 PM

I've seen sob's turn on the running lights, too.
I have also seen sob's with strips of led lights all along the bottom.

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arktos55343 · 07-20-2014, 08:13 PM

It was all an experiment... I have been working on the electrical...and changing all the lighting to LED...inside and out. I was hunting around on Amazon, and ran across lengths of LED strip lights in various colors and 16 foot lengths...which just happened to be the exact width of my belt line...and they were only about $12 each. So, since I was about to paint my belt line the original blue color, I figured "why not?"....just for fun.

I ordered a couple roles of the LED strips. As I said, they come in 16 foot lengths, and are waterproof with 3M double sided tape. They can be cut to length at every 3rd LED.

I drilled a small hole through my belt line where it meets under the rear window. I then fit a small tube with a flange end into the hole (with Tempro to seal), through which I threaded the strip light lead wires. I then peeled the 3M tape off the back of the strip and began applying it to the belt line. It just so happened that where I met the Trade Wind plate on the side of the trailer, was exactly where I could make a cut in the strip. It fit perfectly. I did the same on the other side of the trailer.

When I had the strips stuck, I joined the wires inside under the rear window... attached one set of wires to a ground point on one of the support 'studs' beneath the window, where my LED brake/turn/reverse lights are also grounded....and then ran the power lead to a switch by the door...and then to the 7-pin running light circuit.

It's a fun project....but I have to admit...there are issues with these cheap LED strips. They come from China....and the quality is not great. I've had issues with LEDs burning out too quickly. I will either find another supplier...or scrap the idea and paint the belt line blue....as god intended....LOL.

Smartstream · 07-20-2014, 09:18 PM

I find it interesting about people complaining about lights at 10 or 11 o'clock at night. Where we are in Alaska it's day light until nearly midnight. I guess they would have real problems getting to sleep. By the way I've always thought the clearance lights on was a neat idea.

arktos55343 · 07-20-2014, 09:32 PM

From a distance, they kind of look like fireflies through the woods.....

HowieE · 07-21-2014, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartstream

I find it interesting about people complaining about lights at 10 or 11 o'clock at night.

I don't speak for the others but my comment of it being "disrespect for your fellow campers" relates to those that leave lights on All Night.

The 40 ft. diesel pusher that is locked up and lite up on all sides like the state prison is over the top. I actually feel sorry for those that are that insecure of their surroundings and question why they are camping at all.

J. Morgan · 07-21-2014, 09:03 AM

I find it interesting how anymore every action by one is an affront to someone else.

Sorry, we have become a nation of bitter pansies.

While I am not set up to run my running lights at night, I can hardly imagine that such an action would be "intrusive" or disrespectful.

Pardon me, but if your window coverings are so poor that running lights are a distraction and a hinderance for sleep, then it is likely that your "inconsiderate" neighbors find your nakedness visible from your barely covered windows a distraction also.

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m.hony · 07-21-2014, 09:10 AM

I have not once had anyone in any campground express that they were offended by my running lights on...
They are not nearly as bright as the scare light and don't attract bugs, either.
Sure makes it easy to find the camper- look for the UFO-
It is so much easier to put a jumper wire in the umbilical plug than to string lights up in the trees or across the awning or run rope lights.
I can't help it that I was intrigued (not at all offended) when I first saw someone do this in a campground and I wanted to do it, too- so I did-
Coolness factor? Well, yeah.