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Topic: Stringing lights around coach (Read 727 times) previous topic - next topic

Stringing lights around coach

We're seeing more and more RVs stringing lights around their units. Does this keep animals from being a nuisance or..? We just think it's a nuisance when they're on all night every night.
Bill & Jan Velting
1998 U320 36'    2014 Xtreme facelift
build #5339  MC#17207
current toad: 2014 Cadillac SRX

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #1 –
I think most of it is just a fad, altho some do say it repels critters.
I do admit to having  a LED light string high up under the lift up bed platform in the engine compartment.
Out of consideration for others I placed my "add on" lights where they do NOT shine directly or are visible to other campers. What they might see is only the indirect light glow.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #2 –
This can be, for some, a touchy subject.  Tread carefully, lest you offend the sensitive.

Those who believe in the the efficacy of lights strewn under and around their RV will defend the practice with vigor.

Unbelievers think the practice is at best laughable, and at worst a infringement on their right to a "artificial light free" camping environment.

I was told, early in our coach ownership, to put some bright lights in the engine compartment.  We were advised to turn them on if we suspected marauding rodents in the vicinity might try to invade our space.  So I installed them, and I do turn them on at night (if deemed appropriate).

We have not been invaded by vermin since I installed the lights.  This proves that they are effective, right?  :thumbsup:

Note to readers: Do not fall for this type of reasoning.  It is known as argumentum ad ignorantiam.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #3 –
A " light free" camping environment, what's next a smell free camping environment.    People are becoming sooooo  sensitive.  Would our founding fathers be laughing at us ?

  I can imagine a flood of regulations coming  our way. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #4 –

I want to put these in the engine compartment so as they only shine forward and you can only see indirect lighting thru the louvers. DW said no!
Amazon.com: Omicoo LED Flame Effect Light Bulb (2 Pack), Purple Fire Bulb,4...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #5 –
Quote from: dsd –
I want to put these in the engine compartment...
I think I would go for the green flame bulbs.  Tell curious people your coach is powered by "ALIEN" technology.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #6 –
Chuck, didn't you mean: "Tread carefully, lest you offend the offensive."? >:D
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #7 –
Quote from: dsd –
I want to put these in the engine compartment so as they only shine forward and you can only see indirect lighting thru the louvers. DW said no!
Amazon.com: Omicoo LED Flame Effect Light Bulb (2 Pack), Purple Fire Bulb,4...

Those belong in the boudoir not in the engine bay. :giggle:  :giggle:
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Jerry & Nona and Kimeru the cat that thinks she's a dog
1998 36' WTFE U320  #5314 Motorcade #17711
USAF 1975-1995
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 'toad'
2003 Subaru Legacy touring car
jerry Fincher | Flickr

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #8 –
Quote from: dsd –
I want to put these in the engine compartment so as they only shine forward and you can only see indirect lighting thru the louvers. DW said no!
Amazon.com: Omicoo LED Flame Effect Light Bulb (2 Pack), Purple Fire Bulb,4...

Whoa... That bulb even has a "Breathing Mode" ! :o
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #9 –
I like lights but seldom string any just lazy I suppose.. Could keep one from stepping in the middle of a snake late at night.. I'm not one to complain about my lit up neighbors, day night shades does away with that.. Personally I think those that whine about lights must just sit and stare at them so they can get worked up over something.. Personally I wish such butt heads would stay at home and whine to each other.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Stringing lights around coach

Reply #10 –
We have close friends (yes, ex-Foretravelers) in Green Valley, AZ.  When we parked at their home for a visit, before dark, a string of LED lights was around the perimeter of our coach.  Kept the pack rats away according to him.  BTW, he has a masters in biology.

The look-- not our thing.  But more our thing than adopting rodents.

AND, a digression:  We did some archeological work on a ranch in S Texas-- 8 miles from the nearest paved road.  LOTS of mice.  I set 10 traps a night and usually caught 5-6.  "Met" the resident barn owl-- a BIG one.  Decided he was my new friend, so for the first couple of evening I would put 2-3 fresh mice on a post near the coach (hoping he would get the idea that there was fresh grazings nearby).  NOPE.  What he learned is that there was a free meal every evening.  10 days latter when we had deleted the supply of fresh mice, he was PISSED.  Landed on the roof with a THUD and "hooted" for half an hour.  I don't speak "owl", but absolutely know he was discussing my lack of providing the proper nutrition for him and his family.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020