Hi, we bought our 1st caravan (traded up from cabanon statos trailer tent!) earlier this year We have had some great weekends in it but have only used a nylon porch awning up to now. We are going to Cornwall for 2 weeks and want to put up the full size awning but I was wondering ,what do people use for lighting? We have the standard light above the caravan door but I don't think that will be sufficient. We have a socket located in one of the outside lockers that we can use. Any suggestions greatfully received! Thank you
we use 2 Campingaz lanterns since we spend lots of time in the awning as like you we have only recently moved up from a tent to a van. I am thinking of purchasing a set of the gazebo globe lights and plugging them into the external socket.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle
Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
How bright do you want it in your awning, I only ever used the over door awning light, if it has the clouded/coloured cover over it you can change it to a clear cover and change the bulb to a new one of the same rating(it will be brighter than the current bulb). Those awning/door lights are brighter than what you think once you have an awning up.
I still only use the awning light now when i put the awning up.Ok you maybe couldnt thread a needle with that light unless you were near to it but i have read a book or two using that light.
We use 4 gazebo globes when on EHU and they are brilliant. Good spread of light. Not particularly bright inside, but from outside it looks like we are the brightest on site.
Only a total of 160watts (4x40) but the fact that it is pread out across the whole awning is very good.
I have a single tesco 12v rechargeable lantern for when off EHU, and it is pretty good to, and easily lasts a couple of evenings but does leave some dark corners.
I have the gazebo globe lights that Nigel has put a link to and they are really good. The bowl does not get hot so will not scorch the awning and they do light up the awning a treat.
------------- Kia Sorento XS Auto pulling a Lunar Delta RS.
okay i just have a wee awning but the awning light on the side of the van is sound, usually have a citronella candle or 2 and it gives the awning a nice glow
Hi, we just use our awning light but have changed the bulb to an LED bright white light, this illuminates the whole awning but you could not read at night by it, i have an LED clip on light from Ikea which clips onto the back of my chair and over my shoulder for this purpose. LED lamps are worth thinking about changing to especially if you, like us, do a lot of camping in fields with no EHU.
I bought a length of electric cable, a plug and a bulb holder (only a few quid)and thread it around the awning roof pole. I use the low energy light bulbs as they don't get hot. We haven't got an outside socket so just pass it through the side window and use the inside socket. Works very well.
We use the awning light generally and a table lamp during the warner months. But dont use the big awning this time of year as it takes ages to dry out, and you run the risk then of it getting mouldy etc.