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Zero419
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:52 am    Post subject: camp lighting Reply with quote

I'm looking for ideas for camp lighting.
I was thinking a string of lighting around the canopy would be cool.

What do you do?
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I use a string or two of LED christmas lights strung around my canopy. White and/or blue make for some cool lighting. They are extremely low current draw. I have a small 150w inverter that powers them from a 12v outlet. I use those small black metal binder clips to hold the lights to the canopy. Easy and energy efficient. I used to use standard christmas lights but the power draw was tremendous. LED's ar the way to go.

This is an older picture with colored lights. Now I use white for more light.

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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've also wanted to try some solar LED lights and see how they'd work.

http://www.amazon.com/Solar-102-String-Garden-Outd...mp;sr=8-22

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=solar+string+lights

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There are lots to chose from.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=solar+led+lights
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1621
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

There are also these 12v LED christmas lights available. Haven't used them before, but have thought about trying them.

http://www.christmas-light-source.com/12-Volt-LED-Light-Set-Warm-White-Green-Wire_p_1566.html
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RGS Paul
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 10:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

One of these:

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Uses batteries so it doesn't drain the one on the van, everyone can have one, and it goes to the pit toilet with you. Other then that I have a fluorescent lantern somewhere that I might get out if I feel social. Camp fires make good light too.

Paul
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I string various types of outdoor party lights up to my awning and plug them into my handy Eliminator power pack. It can power 12V, 120V, can jump start my van, and can be charged from the lighter, solar panel, or at home. It has an AM/FM radio and emergency light. Best camping accessory ever!

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bjrogers86auto
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:25 am    Post subject: lights Reply with quote

I just bought a Coleman magnetic tent light last week before our weekend excursion. The magnet is cool because you can attach it so many places in the van. It even works in the back on the vinyl (obviously steel underneath) and made for a great reading light for the adults.

I know some people prefer the LED light for brightness but I find them a bit too bright for reading. This is a nice soft light.

I like the LED lights strung around the awning...but I know for a fact the idea would fly like a bag of snakes here.hehehehehehe.

Brian.
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Zero419
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

how long do the lights last runing on you booster pack?
Good idea by the way.
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randywebb
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

the moon works well for me

BTW - your eyes will not fully adjust (biochemically) to low light levels until about an hour... Every time you use a bright light you "mess up" that adjustment.

BUT - check this out for those of you who have warm nights where you camp...

http://www.rei.com/product/753427
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

randywebb wrote:
Check this out for those of you who have warm nights where you camp...

http://www.rei.com/product/753427


Sweet. A fart fan and light combo. Cannot tell you how many times that could have come in handy Razz great idea.

I get about 4-5 hours of light out of my portable power pack with rope lights. I can only assume if I were to get lower draw LED strings that it could last much longer.
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Zero419
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was thinking about hooking it up to a spare car battery I have laying around.

That is, if it is still chargable.....
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've done that many times before - haul a spare car battery along just to power some lights. Then I decided to just install three batteries in my van.
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hero419 wrote:
how long do the lights last runing on you booster pack?
Good idea by the way.


Using the Eliminator to power the lights, iPod system and a few other gadgets, I've gone a good five days without running it down.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/Solar...52B800.jsp
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Vanagon Nut
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 1:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

photogdave wrote:
I string various types of outdoor party lights up to my awning and plug them into my handy Eliminator power pack. It can power 12V, 120V, can jump start my van, and can be charged from the lighter, solar panel, or at home. It has an AM/FM radio and emergency light. Best camping accessory ever!



Hey Photodave.

Sounds like a great thing.

Is it this one?

http://tinyurl.com/ycv663s

Do you use this along with an aux. battery or in place of it?

Sounds cool!

Neil.
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Vanagon Nut
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 1:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Vanagon Nut wrote:
photogdave wrote:
I string various types of outdoor party lights up to my awning and plug them into my handy Eliminator power pack. It can power 12V, 120V, can jump start my van, and can be charged from the lighter, solar panel, or at home. It has an AM/FM radio and emergency light. Best camping accessory ever!



Hey Photodave.

Sounds like a great thing.

Is it this one?

http://tinyurl.com/ycv663s

Do you use this along with an aux. battery or in place of it?

Sounds cool!

Neil.


Never mind. You must've posted while I was conjuring up a response.

Thanks,

Neil.
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regis101
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 2:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just a glimpse of how we roll.

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CurtisS
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Christmas lights are what we use. We just hang them from our Quik Shade. Interesting thing is that bugs do not seem attracted to them and this is in some pretty heavy bug country (summer camping at Banks Lake, Eastern Wash.). They swarm a single light but leave the Christmas lights alone. Maybe the poor things are just confused and don't know where to go (like me after a few...).

Ciao!!

Curt
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For lighting outside the van i usually hang one of these lanterns.
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Its the dual fuel model that will use straight gas or coleman fuel.
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love the collapsible camping candle lanterns.

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Steelhead
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I ran switched 12v through my roof (weatherproof/marine outlet). I then clip a light onto that rack/bar or the popped top with a 12v CFL (which can be ordered on the web, or purchased at some marine supply stores).

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