Forum Discussion

riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Feb 20, 2016

opinions on best awning lights

We have been using some clip on awning lights that look kind of like little lanterns, two sets hooked together for about 15-16 feet ( 16 foot awning ). Well, one set quit working so we thought we would switch to an led string. The existing ones were cheap lights and hardly worth figuring out the problem with them.

New led options:

There are some that are mounted on the side of the TT under the awning ( permanent mount ). Wondering if anyone has this type, if you like them, and what length you have or would recommend for a 16' awning. You can buy them in strips starting at 6'. Some can be dimmed or even change the color.

I guess the other choice is to buy a led string and hang them as before on the awning flap after it is opened. Opinions on that option?

Any other suggestions? We don't want to light up the world. 16' led string at the max.

Let me say I DID do a search, but I have specific questions. Also, not to be rude, but if you don't like awning lights just hit the delete key or start your own thread. I already know everyone does not love them. I have seen some obnoxious ones myself. We only use them when we are sitting out and do not leave them on all night and try to respect others if things are really tight.

thanks in advance

17 Replies

  • I like the led strips for general use, but I think the hanging lights are decorative, and make a statement- they can be elegant, retro, (purposely) tacky, whimsical, sometimes all at the same time.
    Both are not overkill, IMHO.
  • Our new fifth wheel came with LED strip lights mounted under the awning. The are bright to say the least but not annoying. I just wish I could dim them like after market lights. My dealer did replace the first set after they started coming off but no problem since.
  • I installed 16' LED strip lights multi colored programmable. I love the fact that I can set color and most of all I can dim them way down. The stock LED lights under the awning are like daylight or spot light. The multi color can be set for a soft white or my favorite soft blue works well for no bugs. They also can be set to do different things witch are flash fade strobe ect. all the things people think are obnoxious but fun for the grandkids every once and awhile. Over all I get many complements on how nice they look when we are sitting outside with them set on a soft dim color!!!!!!

    LED Amazon




  • "Best" is always subjective, depending on one's point of view. I actually have both, the little lanterns (flamingos and 50's trailers) that I hang from the roll out awning channel, as well as the LED lights under the awning attachment. The advantage of the LED lights is that they can be used when the awning is rolled up and not in use.
    H E R E is a link to a prior post that shows how I did it and the end result. Really isn't difficult to do. Mine do change colours and are also dimable.

    ETA: The picture in the link of the lights on are in red; chose that colour for the picture, as to be more visible in the photo. Usually like to have a muted blue or green light, it's very subtle when dimmed. Not the best for reading, but great for quiet conversation or an evening drink or two. Also, like you, we don't leave the lights on to disturb others, generally on only when we are sitting outside and not on when in tight quarters. A previous suggestion of a table light is a good one as well, we also use some free standing solar lights, like one sees around yards at home, that put up a subtle light as well.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    well we currently have two strings of nice looking cage lights. Fabric hangers in the roller end of the awning takes about 10 minutes to setup and take down.

  • I have a power awning. After clipping lights to the awning, and taking them down to roll it in so many times, we just went with a small table lamp on the picnic table.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    We drilled some hanging 10-32 holes in the awning frame and put up two 12-foot ROPE LIGHTS (LOWES) together that goes around the inside of our awning. Love the rope lights as they don't draw bugs. They give off just the right amount of soft light under the awning.

    I have these plugged into 120VAC (Inverter when camping OFF-ROAD) that is using a FOB pocket control. Can turn these on from inside the trailer or when walking back from the Bath Room building.

    I use tie wraps to hold them up in place and a $6 plastic bucket of those last a long time. I have to snip these tie wraps out with a side-cutting pliers from tool box before pulling in the awning on my OFF-ROAD POPUP.

    Sometimes I don't get all of the sniped tie wraps picked up so if you happen on a site with a few plastic tie wraps laying on the ground it was probably me there the night before hehe...

    Roy Ken