Night Light Alternative

[Carluvr]

This may have been mentioned elsewhere in the past but I haven't seen it: We have four young children and often dry camp with our travel trailer. The kids don't like to go to sleep in total darkness for obvious reasons so we've discovered that using the Costco LED Flameless Pillar Candles work great as a nightlight alternative. They flicker like a natural flame would and let off a nice low level light that isn't too bright but bright enough that the kids are happy. Just an idea for someone who might be in a similar situation.

[John_Wayne]

Harbor freight has a motion sensor battery powered led light that I use by entry door out side and inside by steps with light sensor (only works when sun goes down). So they are off till someone gets up and moves.

[Carb_Cleaner]

Many years ago, the scuba industry used glow sticks for all kinds of activities. Around 2002, or sooner, word started to spread about using alternatives that may be less harmful to the environment. Glow sticks can't be recycled because of the chemical cocktail that produces the glow. Phenol is the by-product of said cocktail. Phenol is poisonous, but there's a very small quantity in the glow sticks. People break 'em open and rub it on their skin intentionally, and I haven't noticed anyone dropping dead from it, but still.
We switched to tank marker lights for a substitute in our diving endeavors. Small, about ten bucks, battery operated and some resemble a glow stick, like these:
http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/laser-stik-marker-light-constant/



Or, these. Shorter, less Star Wars appeal:
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ITorchBuddySignalLight



I used to have a couple glow sticks around for emergencies, but I find that between camping gear, work tools, the kitchen drawer and the trucks' glove boxes, I pretty much always have at least two flashlights on hand no matter where I am. So, I haven't bought a glow stick in 8 or nine years. Lots of batteries, though.
I like the flicker LED idea.
Do what you gotta do. Happy camping!

[Gdlow]

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
You could also use one of those garden solar lights. Put outside during the day and bring in at night. Should work. Never need batteries.

Most if not all solar lights have batteries...need some place to store the solar...

[Need-A-Vacation]

We put up a couple of the led "puck" lights (run on 2 or 3 AA batteries) with a couple command strips. One by the boys bunks, and one in the bathroom.

[Katdaddy]

I rigged up a night light for dry camping with a medicine bottle. I mounted two led lights in the top with an on/off switch. 9 volt battery in the bottle to power it. It lasts for a very long time and puts out just enough light to be useful.

[Ole_Man_Dan]

ddndoug wrote:
Good idea!

What we've done... Our daughter likes the chemical "glow-sticks" that light up, so we let her have them as they are playing outside before hitting the sack. Then they get hung on a cabinet door or some other strategically placed location to help light the way if a potty break is needed.

Doug

I plug in a single LED Nite Light beside the Bathroom Door.
I can get by with the light off the Power button for the TV, but my wife can't...

[LangsRV2]

We always give the kids glow stick bracelets and necklaces to wear around dark when camping. The kids think it's a fun toy, however we can instantly see exactly where they are around camp even if it's pitch dark. That way we don't have to worry that anyone could get lost.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
You could also use one of those garden solar lights. Put outside during the day and bring in at night. Should work. Never need batteries.

I have completely given up on solar lights at my home. They need new batteries every 9 to 12 months and the batteries are expensive.

Finally went to a AC/DC low power system.

I do use a couple solar lights around the trailer when we are out, and I throw them away every December and buy new ones. Cheaper than buying new batteries.

[goducks10]

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
You could also use one of those garden solar lights. Put outside during the day and bring in at night. Should work. Never need batteries.

We do the same thing. No kids just the two of us. We have some solar lights that we put out when boon docking. We bring one in to put in the bathroom for those late night trips. It will usually stay on the whole night. You can get a cheap one for $2.50-4.00.

[stuplich]

skipnchar wrote:
Once the lights do out there is still enough light from LED indicators on TV, stereo, water pump etc. to navigate pretty easily.

If LEDs on TVs and stereo are ON the electronics in those components MAY be un-necessarily depleting your batteries.
When camping without shore power I unplug/disconnect ALL electronic
equipment when they are not being used.

Mel
'96 Safari

[opnspaces]

I also use the glow sticks when dry camping. But I like the flameless candle idea. I might just have to get one and turn it on after everyone is asleep and see who wakes up at night and panics about the lit candle. :B

[Peg_Leg]

I use a DC volt meter it puts out quite a bit of light. I see about one tenth of a volt drop after a month if I leave it on. I also have it mounted with a AC volt meter just inside my entrance door near the steps inside my 5er. Plenty of light at night if you have to make a trip to the loo.

[phenrichs]

We put a small LED nighlight in the bunk room so they could find their way out of the room. The bathroom has a small LED light in the light switch which is conveniently located directly above the toilet so you can see well enough to do your business and find your way.

[mrquacker]

We also use the glow sticks.