Running lights on when camping, use a fuse & dimmer?

We have done this many times to let late arrivers find us easier when camping out in the desert. Now that everyone knows this trick we won't know which flashing trailer to go to.

Doesn't happen very often but if we go for a night ride we will also leave the running lights to one of the trailers on. Just makes finding camp a little easier.

I just wonder why you would want to light off your running lights?

RoyB wrote:
The only positive thing I ever thought this to be good for would be to FLASH to alert authorities coming to your trailer for an emergency...

I built a trailer lights dongle that would flash ALL the trailer lights when backing off the street on to our driveway.







Hard to imagine but apparently even a travel trailer isn't big enough to alert dummies racing down the street that they might have to slow down a bit and pause while I complete this process. :S

on a side note;

The last private campground I stayed at, which was way out in the sticks, must be owned by someone who is either afraid of the dark or homesick for the light pollution of a big city.

The CG had high power metal-halide and LED street lights installed along every camping row, maybe 70-100 feet apart. Every building on the property had high power LED flood lights on all four sides.

Needless to say, I won't be returning to that zoo.

Maybe it is just me, but, I go camping to get away from all of the lights and to enjoy the dark nights. I try to park away from the big RV's and stay near the tents because they usually don't try to bring the city with them. It is your decision what you do, but remember that all of your lights do affect other people.

The controller for my awning light strip died, so until I get it replaced, I put a fuse in to turn my running lights on. Of course, I only do it to fit in with neighbors who leave various lights on all night "for safety."

If you can't beat em, join em!

I use the flasher when I'm getting a pizza delivery.

Yea, in our younger days and new experiences camping with an RV, we did the same thing, jumping the two pins with a flasher and thought we were being really "cool". After a while, even my own flashing machine annoyed me. Gave it up pretty quick. I kept the flasher in the camper in the event of mechanical breakdown on the side of the road ever since. Fortunate, I've never had to use it.

When I see someone leaving their lights on at night like that, or their running lights flashing, I just think back when I did the same thing, and just have to smile and say, ... "Newbies".... they'll wise up some day!

This is the Running Lights 'TRICK' the OP is referring too...


Google Image

The JUMPER WIRE can be replaced with an ATC FUSE or the FLASHER if you want the running lights to flash...

I have seen one person replaced the 'jumper wire' with a couple of wires that ran up into the trailer and used a SWITCH to turn the running lights ON or OFF from inside the trailer.

The only positive thing I ever thought this to be good for would be to FLASH to alert authorities coming to your trailer for an emergency...

Roy Ken

But your next door neighbor may not like you.