wtb
idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 11/09/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
have searched unsuccessfully for a couple of years for a 12v night light I could plug into the cigarette lighter type outlets of my trailer when the grandkids are with us.
a search of this forum found several ideas, but they seemed to revolve around three themes, 1. 120 volts. 2. AAA battery power, and 3. hardwiring something (usually led) into existing light fixture.
none of these solutions was a good match for me, but I did finally have an idea for a simple and inexpensive light that others here may find useful if they have small kids, or lack the confidence to tear into the rv's permanent wiring system.
from the local auto parts store, I purchased a 4 led amber side marker light $12 (yeah, like those found on trailers)and a male 12 accessory adaptor, and wired them together.
now, for the price of a handful of AAA batteries I have
-a night light I can use any time without worrying about whether or not I have fresh batteries,
-portability. I left a few feet of wire between the light and adaptor, so it can be placed about anywhere
-a soft amber glow that will not disturb my sleep,
-led technology to insure low battery drain
-no worries about damage to rv from my inept electrical skills from hardwiring lights.
sorry no pictures, but my technical limitations also include that deficiency. nevertheless, I think most of you can picture in your mind an amber side marker light with a couple feet of wire, and then a cigarette plug thingy.
for those of you with the technical skills and confidence I lack, this side marker light would also work pretty slick hardwired next to your regular bathroom fixture, for example, as a permanent night light which could be mounted to look "factory"
|
UnclePokey
43° 23' 9.96
Full Member
Joined: 11/21/2004
View Profile
|
That's what I did.
Hardwired two fixtures in the wardrobe operated by a door switch and one red fixture in each of the under dinette seat cupboards.
Works great.
They'll last for days and days...
Ran one fixture from a 9.6v drill battery and it lasted about 100 hrs.
|
wtb
idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 11/09/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
UnclePokey,
glad to hear confirmation of the low electrical draw. maybe I will give some thought to getting a little help for permanent installation if I find these are being used more often than I expected.
|
dalehelman
Liberty Lake (Spokane) Wa.
Senior Member
Joined: 11/16/2003
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
You can find one of theseflex led 12 volt cigarette outlet lightAt most auto parts stores like Shucks or Auto Zone. They plug into the cigarette lighter outlet, use very little energy and stay cool.
Dale & Sandi
2006 Jeep TJ 4.0 w/33s and 4" lift
Stay In Play Toad braking system
2005 32S Terra Workhorse 8.1
2007 Yamaha powered dune buggy
Liberty Lake (Spokane) WA.
Air levelers(DIY for around $20)
Sewer solutionDIY under $50
|
camperbuds3
NE Pennsylvania
Senior Member
Joined: 08/23/2003
View Profile
|
Using LED lights is certainly a good idea, especially the low power drain.
What we have used a night light, was the light in the range hood over the stove. It has a lower wattage bulb in it than the rest of the 12V lights. Now you have me thinking of replacing the 12V bulb in the hood with a LED bulb(s).
|
|
|
UnclePokey
43° 23' 9.96
Full Member
Joined: 11/21/2004
View Profile
|
wtb your battery will probably last longer than our's. I used 10 diode clearance lamps.
When I replaced the clearance lamps I used three of the old 2 bulb fixtures in the wardrobe and it lit it up beautifully. Left the door ajar one afternoon and came in the morning to find the coach battery flat as a pancake.
|
wtb
idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 11/09/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
dalehelman,
yes, I think that would have worked if I had spotted it. but as I posted earlier, I just couldn't find anything 12v. probably if I had the imagination to search for "map light" and such, it would have done me some good, but I kept typing 12v night light into the search features.
anyway, now I have the problem solved, and can't wait to get the grandkids camping next summer to see if they pass the real world test.
|
wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
Senior Member
Joined: 07/04/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
INstead of looking for a 12 volt night light
Look for a plug in map light
Something like n-US fficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10582715679516818802&ei=ta71SsGxGNSY8AaOnZDzCQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCUQ8wIwBA#ps-sellers">THIS
NOTE: this is not a recommendation for this product or vendor. I know nothing about either of them.. But it's the concept I'm suggesting.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
|
