RV NOW
Sign up for a feed and get posts automatically.rss


Monday, March 19, 2007

My Porch Light Needs Help!

The porch light that came with my 5th wheel is almost as bright as a birthday candle. I would like more light available near the entry, but haven’t decided what to do. I don’t want to attract bugs, but I also want some light. I’m still mulling it over in the laboratory of my brain. Speaking of my brain, my doctor told me I really shouldn't go in there alone! In the meantime, my friend Larry Ellert came up with the idea for this porch/entry light. He used a Regent 13 watt fluorescent light with photo cell. You can pick this unit up a Lowe’s for under $25. Larry used pvc pipe (available at any hardware store) as a stand. He used a 5 way pvc connector for the base with four pvc legs (capped) extend at right angles holding the center pole vertical. If you can’t find a 5 way connector at you local hardware store you can order one here http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml

An electric cord was run through the inside of the verticle pole and up to the light and electric outlet. He uses this electrical outlet for party lights or the vacuum cleaner, radio or whatever other electric appliance he needs it for. Since the light is on a photo cell, it’s not on during the day, but there is still power at the electric receptacle. This is a good way to use that extra 110 hook-up in your campsite electric box. This unit provides so much light that Larry masked part of the light off with tape to reduce the amount of available light. Also, since it is top heavy, he tucks it under the wheel of his coach to prevent the wind from blowing it over. I’m thinking of an amber light to help cut down on the bugs. Once I decide what to do, you can be sure I’ll write an article on it. In the meantime, this will give all you tinkerers out there something to think about. If you have a brighter idea leave a comment, I’ll keep the light on for you. Jim

Labels: , ,

1 Comments:

  • Now this is right up my alley. I also have been tinkering with ideas for extra outside light. Our electric awning is too high to easily connect & disconnect awning lights. Additional light for cooking or sitting at the picnic table in the evening is needed. This design looks a little low for me, but there are a couple of clamps availabe that this pole might fit into. They are made for tiki lights, and are designed to clamp onto a deck rail or picnic table top.

    By Anonymous DaveB, at March 24, 2007 9:12:00 AM PDT  

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home


 

free web hit counter