Functional Outside Lighting Needs

[dmaerz]

My PUP does not have an outside light or outlet. Are there any suggestions for an outside clip/hanging/surface mount light I could use for occassional work/cooking under my awning?

 

[rose]

We always use one of those clip on lights. Just a silver round thing that has like tongs on the back for clipping anywhere. Sorry dont know the technical name.

 

[Grim54]

I just hang my lantern near where I'm working, then when I'm done its turned off. I hate a bright campsite, can't see the stars.

 

[Unstable_Tripod]

If I need a lot of light I put on the propane lantern. But usually I leave the campsite dark for the same reason as Grim54. I like to look at the stars, watch for satellites and meteors, etc. If I need temporary light to move around the campsite or to to the toilet I have my hand flashlight. When DW is along we have a fire and that generates a lot of light.

 

[silvermickey2002]

I tie a piece of rope to the awning rafter and hang our rechargeable lantern there to cook by. We also (sometimes) install our rope lighting on the awning. Gives us plenty of light to cook by. After we are done we will unplug it to watch the stars as well.

 

[Raycfe]

After your eyes adjust to the darkest of the outdoors a little light goes a long way. Bright lights seem so out of place to us when camping.

 

[northernohioguy]

We don't use outside lights a lot, but saw a very bright inexpensive outside light recently. A camping neighbor took a 5 gallon plastic pail he bought at Walmert, drilled a hole in the lid and fastened an inexpensive bulb fixture on the inside of the lid with cord coming thru the lid. Then put a screw in type incandescent bulb in fixture, put lid back on and hung it from the pail handle. Surprising amount of light as the whole pail just glowed.
The electrical cord was an extension cord he just cut one end off and wired into fixture. He didn't have switch (said just unplug), but would be easy to wire one in.

 

[bud121156]

I have seen one of those 5 gallon plastic pail lights too. It was really bright!

 

[perterra]

Lantern for me. Got a few and the hiss is comforting. Propane is easiest to use but I've settled in on Coleman kerosene for myself. It requires alcohol to preheat it and kerosene to run it. Squirt about half of the preheater cup full of alky and light it off, just before it burns out turn the valve and you got light.

 

[Mrs_P]

On our last trip, the site was a bit dark for me.. So the twins and I ran into town and went to walmart.. Automotive section an picked up 2 of the clip on mechanic lights.. They were about $7.00 each and I also purchased a 4 pack of 90 wat bulbs..

It lit up the campground just fine...

Sheila

 

[rabidcoyote97]

We have a battery operated lantern, as well as a Coleman propane lantern. Personally, I like the propane lantern better as I can make it brighter or dimmer by simply twisting the knob.

 

[Xolthrax]

I have some folding LED battery powered lanterns that I picked up at Target on clearance for about $3. I very rarely use porch light because it's too bright.

 

[Flyfisherman]

Most of our activities are outside and campside means cooking and eating at the C/G picnic table (and doing the dishes), and this means a lot of light right about dark. Here the Coleman gas lantern works best, it puts out the most light. But after all these things are done, and especially if there's going to be a campfire, softer lighting is much better and there we use an old timey Dietz kerosene lantern, it gives just enough light to prevent stubling over something or somebody! In case there's going to be not outside activities after dark and somebody needs to go outside and find their way back, the camper amber lens "patio light" just outside the door will provide enough light.

 

[Full Circle]

You could always add the porch light and a socket. It was pretty easy to wire mine in. Before i did this I would hang a lantern with a bungee from the awning.
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[dmaerz]

Thanks for all the ideas. I am using a clip desk light now. I am only worried about it if it rains.

 

[arffch]

I added two "porch lights" to the top just under the awning at the ends. the yellow isn't as hard on the eyes. it gives plenty of light for most tasks. found the ones without switches at a discount trailer place for 5and a half each.

If the lights are two bright go to sylviana's auto lighting web page and look at the lighting specifications. I found lower wattage bulbs that would fit the base.

 

[Chewie48]

I have a set of the Coleman lantern string lights that are battery powered and are LED. These suckers are bright!
I picked them up at Walmart for about $15.00