How to Install RV Awning Lights

Your RV awnings keep you shaded from the sunlight during the day, but what do they do for you at night? If you add some lights to them, they can provide light for you and your family when it gets dark so you can still enjoy meals, games and other activities without having to go inside the RV. RV awning lights are inexpensive and aren't difficult to install.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Awning lights
Plastic light clips (ask for them at your RV store, or find them online)
Tape measure
Screwdriver
Masking tape

Step 1

Measure your awning, and plan out the distance you will have between each light. This spacing will determine the number of lights you will need to buy, which in turn will affect how bright things will be. If you don't plan on having many lights, you may want to buy more powerful bulbs.

Step 2

Decide what types of lights you'd like. Consult with an RV store salesman to discuss bulb strength and size. You don't want to be flooded with light on a nice evening, but you don't want to be caught with too little light, either.

Step 3

Measure and mark with masking tape the spots on your awning pole where you will place your lights. Take care to mark the spots at even distances, so you will have a uniform look to your light setup.

Step 4

Attach the plastic clips to the masking tape spots you have marked. One end of the clip is designed for attaching to the awning pole, and the other end is designed to hold the light. Use the screwdriver and screws to attach the plastic clips to the awning pole. Make sure the clips are securely fastened, so they lights won't fall on you and your family or friends.

Step 5

Once the clips are in place, attach the lights to the empty end of the plastic clips.

Step 6

Run the light chord to your camper's power supply, and plug them in. If the chord will not reach the power supply, consider buying an extension chord. For extra safety, it's not a bad idea to cover the electrical chord with a waterproof material. You may want to use additional clips to make the light chord more taught, and not hanging down from the awning.

Tips & Warnings

Beware of buying cheap, novelty-type lights. While they may be inexpensive, they often provide little light, and in the end may leave you unsatisfied.

Article Written By Kelsey Childress

Kelsey Childress runs a freelance creative business called Awen Creative that specializes in SEO Web content, social media marketing and blogging. She has been writing for online and in-print publications for over six years, and has a bachelor's degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State University.

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