I recently added a strip of adhesive LED strip lights (with remote and multi color).What I needed:- a strip of Outdoor LED strip lights for about $30 on Amazon- an old 12v power brick (to cut off the brick and use the 12v adapter and wire) you can also use the brick that comes with the strip lights and just cut off the brick- a small strip of scrap stick on data conduitWhat I did:- installed the strip light on the outside of the trailer just above the door with the power connector on the door side- drilled a very small hole in the wall of the trailer (was very concerned about doing this but I went for it)- mounted the IR box beside the door with 2 sided tape- connected the strip light to the IR box- ran the power cable into the trailer- ran it over the door to the control box on the other side of the door- removed the control box and wired the power cable into the Porch Light switch- connected power cable to the IR box outside- added some conduit to clean up the cable- caulked around the IR box and holeModerator edit to re-size pictures to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.

Has anyone ever run into to DOD SAFETY LIGHTS INSPECTION problems for their trailers or motorhomes when they add things like side lights and lights under the frame and steps etc.I know some folks have got into trouble doing this with add-on lights for cars and trucks.Pretty sure it would be illegal to be runnig down the DOT public roads with the trailer sides all lit up with different lightning...I kinda know what would happen to me if I did that hehe... I would not pass my DOD safety lights inspection.I have added both temporary and permanant lights under the trailer awnings but the lights all go away when the awning is pulled back in for travel...Just wonderingRoy Ken

Few of us have to worry about the Department of Defense: DOD

Just an FYI my control box was not waterproof like it said it was. First rain it filled up with water and fried. Yours may be different but just thought I would throw it out there.

agesilaus wrote:Few of us have to worry about the Department of Defense: DODYou never know who might be camping next to you :-)

The work looks good. You have a couple great ideas there.Moderator edit to remove unnecessary quote.

LED Strip Light mod | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

grimmrlg
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
Here is a quick installation option for anyone adding an LED light strip under the awning, I installed mine but instead of drilling a hole into the side wall for the wires, fed them into the side porch light fixture. The small 12v control box fits inside the fixture just fine and the infrared receiver can be also installed in there behind the fixture lens. I added a small single pole double throw (SPDT) switch (3 terminals) so I could switch back to the outside light if I wanted. To make it really simple, you could just disconnect the exterior bulb or remove it and just solder or wire onto the socket to feed the led controller. Very simple, no holes through the side wall....
cmcdar
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015
Chandalen,

AGREED - AC on DC a plus. Traveling with 93yr old MIL this summer. Some in CG with no hook ups. I'm good with that EXCEPT keeping her cool if real hot. Will try fan over ice if needed.
Chandalen
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015
cmcdar: haha that makes more sense!

I also prefer the 12v for everything plan. All my lights are 12v LED, car chargers are 12v. Radio, amp, everything.

If only the AC would run on 12v... that would be neat.
cmcdar
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015
Chandalen,

Sorry, I misspoke. I am selling the big one (2000 watt) and am going to use only a 750 watt inverter. For the DVD player, blender and a mixer (ie little stuff). Everything I can use that is 12v, I do ( ie Fans, TV, Lights, vacuum cleaner,etc.)
Chandalen
Explorer
Jun 02, 2015
CMCDAR.. a 2500w inverter is not 'small.' Its also too large for your batteries to really support. Make sure its a PSW inverter too.

OP: I would suggest using additional adhesive on the LED strips. I used that type and the adhesive (for Holiday Decorations) does not stand up well to the elements.

I DO love the look and I think I may do this as well to mine!
cmcdar
Explorer
Jun 01, 2015
I used these - 10-inch LED Under Cabinet Light Strips to light up my entry steps.

I just cut the 12v converter box off and hard wired to a new switch I installed in the camper.

I attached the strips to the bottom of the stairs with GE Silicone II* Aluminum & Metal.

Since I installed a solar panel and 2- 6V Deep Cycle Golf Cart Batteries, I am trying to use LED lights and have most everything work on the 12v system.

I am installing a small 2500W inverter for small AC appliances.
jcoff541
Explorer
Jun 01, 2015
how did you wire into porch light? if I am hardwiring into my 12v and using a switch to turn off and on, do I need a 12v box or can I just splice it in?
austinjenna
Explorer
May 18, 2015
Toddupton wrote:

Just an FYI my control box was not waterproof like it said it was. First rain it filled up with water and fried. Yours may be different but just thought I would throw it out there.

Mine claimed waterproof, but I slathered it in silicone just in case.

Same with me, so far after a few years its still holding up fine.
rwbradley
Explorer
May 17, 2015
Toddupton wrote:
Just an FYI my control box was not waterproof like it said it was. First rain it filled up with water and fried. Yours may be different but just thought I would throw it out there.

Mine claimed waterproof, but I slathered it in silicone just in case.
PatrickA51
Explorer
May 17, 2015
The work looks good. You have a couple great ideas there.

Moderator edit to remove unnecessary quote.

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LED Strip Light mod

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