Community Forums

StevieG · 04-02-2013, 06:13 PM

Hi there! Being a newb, I've been watching a lot of RV shows on the Travel Channel over the winter... In looking at a lot of RVs parked at the site, it would seem that most fun looking RVs have party lanterns attached to the awning. Having been on this site now for several months, it seems that there is the "IRV2 best standard"

for just about everything to do with RVs... That is why I am asking here now... What is the best party lantern setup? Pics would be appreciated if you have them!

PyrateSilly · 04-02-2013, 07:03 PM

No one light that people use for decorations. For us we have been trying out solar LED lights so that we don't have to worry about more cords for plugging in but everyone has their own idea on what's best.

StevieG · 04-02-2013, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyrateSilly

No one light that people use for decorations. For us we have been trying out solar LED lights so that we don't have to worry about more cords for plugging in but everyone has their own idea on what's best.

Do they give off enough light?

CampDaven · 04-02-2013, 08:32 PM

Lots of folks have party lites, so many I dont need any.
I have a porch lite, when required.
But I prefer the glow of a campfire.
Still campin after all these years!

anewtoi · 04-02-2013, 09:29 PM

I found some decent string lights at lowes. Attached with clips. They are different colored paper globes with regular Christmas tree lights inside. 4 bucks each for a five foot section. 20 bucks covers my 21' awning. Just enough light to keep the party going and not bother the neighbors. Check them out

Razzman · 04-02-2013, 09:58 PM

If i want or need additional light I clip a string of white small bulb LED christmas lights to the awning and plug 'em in. Low power draw and just enough light without being obnoxious or taking away the mood.

greatlakes · 04-03-2013, 09:01 AM

Great topic: we use rope lighting for a couple reasons. 1 they are led and draw little power for the light given off. 2 they are durable and can be tossed into storage with little worry about breaking them. 3 they roll up nice and take little room.
We debated over the big bulb lights that run about $99 but looking at the size box they come in we passed.
Keep in mind the durability, storage space needed and amount of light when making your choice.

Tha_Rooster · 04-03-2013, 10:10 AM

Having a electric awning there would be no easy way to attach if I wanted them. I always put my awning up at night for a good night sleep especially at the beach. There are a lot of people who don't worry about theirs getting blown off attach everything including the kitchen sink.

RanCarr · 04-03-2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

That is why I am asking here now... What is the best party lantern setup? Pics would be appreciated if you have them!

Hard to answer. Whatever works best for you is the best set-up. Make sure whatever you choose wont be shining in people's eyes when at your campsite.

We use those rope lights. They work best for us.

greatlakes · 04-03-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Having a electric awning there would be no easy way to attach if I wanted them. I always put my awning up at night for a good night sleep especially at the beach. There are a lot of people who don't worry about theirs getting blown off attach everything including the kitchen sink.

Does your awning not have a groove running the length off the roll tube? CW as well as other RV stores sell tabs that slide into that groove and allow for just about anything to be attached to it. Its just a tab with a hole in it. I just zip tie a few tabs to my rope lights and easy to install and removal.

Razzman · 04-03-2013, 11:13 AM

I too have an electric awning, a Dometic WeatherPro. As said I use a string of 100 or so LED christmas lights, C6's I think and as they're 20' I believe and the awning is 18' it works out ok. I use small binder clips (as shown) to clip the strand on the awning flap and they hold them well. If i have to remove quickly due to wind or whatever i can simply pull the strand and the clips and all come right off if neccessary with the clips still attached to the light strand.

Razzman · 04-03-2013, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatlakes

Does your awning not have a groove running the length off the roll tube? CW as well as other RV stores sell tabs that slide into that groove and allow for just about anything to be attached to it. Its just a tab with a hole in it. I just zip tie a few tabs to my rope lights and easy to install and removal.

I know that my electric WeatherPro awning has closed ends and you cannot get anything into the groove hence the reason i do it the way I do. His may be the same

StevieG · 04-03-2013, 01:43 PM

Yes, I have the Electric Dometic Weatherpro. I'm glad you all said something about being considerate of your neighbors... So no rotating disco globes...

I'm now thinking about doing rope lighting instead of the paper globes ($20) or the plastic ones ($99). I have LED rope lighting on my boat. It's flat, comes in just about any color, 15 ft lengths, is 12 volt, and about $20 from China on Ebay. It attaches via very strong self stick tape to just about anything, so it doesnt need to be stored... something else I didn't initiallly think about! If I go that route, I have to either run a 12 volt wire to the awning or buy a transformer... the other option would be the typical rope lighting you can get at Lowes (that is 110v) and use clips like Razz... either way, sounds good! thanks!

PyrateSilly · 04-04-2013, 08:25 AM

Some of the solar put off very little light and some put off enough. So far the light we like is a puck type LED solar that clips on the awning. We can only find it at Lowe's.
But like I said everyone's needs are different. Some may only want a little coloured light to shine on them for ambiance and some may want enough to see by. We want enough to see by since Thom will sometimes bring out all his karaoke equipment to set up for S&G's at a park. Yes do we shut it down by lights out and try to not have it loud enough to upset anyone. Haven't any complaints yet for the play time on a Friday or Saturday.