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Awning Lighting
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Eastern Pennsylvania
3894 Posts
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1
December 8, 2014 - 12:10 am
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I'm looking for some ideas or suggestions for a mod.  I'd like to permanently install an LED or similar light strip under the pop-up awning, similar to many new hybrid camper?  One thing to consider is that I have a bag awning so I need to make sure the bag won't be in the way when open.

Maybe I could attach something to the outer edge of the awning rather than the camper side?  Then I'd have to address getting power out there.

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706 Posts
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December 9, 2014 - 12:11 pm
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What about a permanently mounted LED light strip on the outside of the awning, and a quick disconnect for when it's rolled up? (like my backup camera on my TV)

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33 Posts
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December 11, 2014 - 1:55 am
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[img width=640 height=480]http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3kPz2zVDlsQ/VHUSIgtpGGI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/HUPB26AlDmQ/s800/NCM_0180.JPG[/img]

Just did this a couple weeks ago. The 3M sticky on the back adheres like nobody's business if you clean the surface well with isopropyl alcohol

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121 Posts
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4
December 14, 2014 - 8:17 am
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Yes we install those LEDs all the time. Just remember. Buy the strip at Wally for $20 (approx). for a 16' lenght. If you buy that strip at some RV shops, you might pay $200. and despite what the general public says. Those LED strips do not last long.

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33 Posts
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December 14, 2014 - 10:56 am
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Current draw on the lower priced led strips can be prohibitive. They dont use regulation so a lot of voltage is wasted.

You get what you pay for I guess. Although I've never seen a $200 strip! Mine was only $65.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
3894 Posts
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6
December 20, 2014 - 5:16 pm
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ROO,
where did you buy yours?

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33 Posts
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December 20, 2014 - 6:29 pm
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I paid the devil...

Clearance rack at Camping World lol.

The actual manufacturer is @ http://www.dg-usa.com

It's a 3' foot strip with another 3' extension, so they were cheaper than the longer lengths. You can run them 110v or 12v. This particular strip is cool white only, another reason it's cheaper than a lot of other brands that have different color and animation options. All I wanted was to upgrade from the weak porch light.

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33 Posts
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8
December 20, 2014 - 6:32 pm
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I would really like to see one of their light bars up close. I'd love the 54w one for a backup light on the trailer

http://images-cdn.ecwid.com/images/288062/124481609.jpgImage Enlarger

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33 Posts
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December 20, 2014 - 9:38 pm
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Also, as you can see, I don't have a bag awning. The Dometic Catalina is a spring loaded awning that retracts back into that aluminum tube above the light strip. I don't know how it would handle a bag awning flapping against it.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
3894 Posts
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April 30, 2015 - 10:43 pm
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I'd like to install LED lights on both side of my awning, facing each other.  Being able to dim them and change colors will allow me to use them as a night light, a social area and brightening things up for some late cooking.

The week after Christmas, like every store, Target had all their lights on sale.  They sold a Phillips RGB (multi color) outdoor 12' flat rope LED lights.  Regularly, $88, on sale for $44, they rang up at the register for $22.
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The nice part is that they are sealed in silicone, the bad part of attaching them to the camper is that they are in silicone.
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I purchased 1/2" cheap plastic track on amazon and the lighting fits great.
psc=1
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I also purchased 3M tape to attach it to the camper.
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I have been waiting most of the winter but will be attaching them in the next few days and figuring out the best way to plug them in.  More photos coming soon.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
3894 Posts
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11
May 4, 2015 - 7:25 pm
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I attached the track to the side of the camper just below the awning bag so we can use the lighting with or without the awning opened.  (the awning is rolled up on the roof temporarily)
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I added the lights in the track. I was able to just push them in with my finger and they are a tight fit.
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Here is the bag lowered.
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Her is what they look like turned on.  They change colors, dim and also have a few automatic changing options.
[smg id=3304]

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33 Posts
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12
May 4, 2015 - 8:29 pm
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Had to look at it on my desktop, this sites images dont show in TaT for some reason.

It looks good! How did you wire it? Permanent connection or run a plug every time.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
3894 Posts
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13
May 4, 2015 - 8:43 pm
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I haven't worked out the permanent power, that's the next step.  I want to put a set at the other end of the awning and have them face in also.

I can drill thru the side and caulk. Velcro the power inside and feed a cord down the lift pole?

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33 Posts
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14
May 4, 2015 - 9:43 pm
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I did semi-permanent. I didn.t want hanging wire since our trailer goes through a lot of brush. So I ran 12v to that corner and put the remote receiver there and mounted that. Now I just plug a cord inside and run it out the canvas to the strip.

Bonus, added another 12v socket above the receiver so wife can charge her kindle

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33 Posts
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15
May 4, 2015 - 9:44 pm
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Should have said, I mounted the power box inside under the counter

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