Undercarriage bling...LED

[advdave]

Installed some $29 LED lights under the 17B; getting ready for Quartzsite.
Amazon description is:
Xprite RGB LED Truck Bed Lights Kit w/Wireless Remote Control,8 PC Multi-Color Rock Rail Light Neon Lighting Pod for Trucks RV Boat Cargo Pickup Bed Underbody System.

With the remote control, no wires go into the trailer, everything is external. Added bonus is you get to do a close up inspection of the underside of your trailer while stringing and zip tying the LED pods. With the remote, you can change colors, flashing or fade modes, even has 4 modes that react to noise, er, I mean music.

Makes it easier to find your trailer after happy hour!

[cpaharley2008]

Nice ambient light, I assume you did not get the foam option? If you did, any pictures of your install? Thanks

[advdave]

No foam, that would probably complicate things. I zip tied to things that are probably covered if foam was applied.. No install pics. There are 4 pods on each string, spaced 2' apart...there's a connection on each pod, so you don't have to string the entire length through tight spots, but the connectors need to be wrapped in tape, they are not waterproof.

There is a lot of excess wire, to be bundled it up. The small control/reciever box I wrapped in electrical tape, then wrapped the box and excess wire in cling wrap, and zip tied to a cross member. The power supply cord goes to the battery box on the rear bumper with an inline fuse. Reverse the setup if the battery is on the front of the trailer.

[John in Santa Cruz]

for a foamed trailer, I'd probably try and poke some bailing wire into the foam to make loops to secure the very light LED strips to.

[advdave]

I think foamy Gorilla glue would do the job. Use it to secure the wires also. tape to hold in place until glue sets up.

This thread has the potential to go sideways, you never know where these will end up.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by advdave

This thread has the potential to go sideways, you never know where these will end up.

You mean with someone commenting on how much they don't like the proliferation of exterior lights and the diminishing of dark skies?

Ron

[BRietkerk]

I have noticed these lights on trailers, cars and trucks.
I wondered if they would prevent rodents from getting into the engine bay at night.
While camping in September we have had nests built over the skid plate and also next to the valve cover. Material used to make the nest was gnawed from the insulation on the firewall.
I plan to leave the hood open to make things less cosy for chipmunks, squirrels and rats.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

You mean with someone commenting on how much they don't like the proliferation of exterior lights and the diminishing of dark skies?

Ron

Can I say it? Please, can I, can I?

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Can I say it? Please, can I, can I?

He said it nicer then I would Pat

[Rossue]

Mmmember that Beatles song from Let It Be- I Me Mine?
That was awesome!

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Mmmember that Beatles song from Let It Be- I Me Mine?
That was awesome!

Love the Beatles Ross even was there at their first concert in America at the Hollywood Bowl ! Have all their music . Ok I will be nice ! Pat

[Jack L]

Originally Posted by advdave

I think foamy Gorilla glue would do the job. Use it to secure the wires also. tape to hold in place until glue sets up.

This thread has the potential to go sideways, you never know where these will end up.

I tried some Gorilla glue on some foam insulation in the door of a trailer and it dissolved (melted) the foam. Be sure to try it in a small test area first.

[Doug2000]

Originally Posted by BRietkerk

I have noticed these lights on trailers, cars and trucks.
I wondered if they would prevent rodents from getting into the engine bay at night.
While camping in September we have had nests built over the skid plate and also next to the valve cover. Material used to make the nest was gnawed from the insulation on the firewall.
I plan to leave the hood open to make things less cosy for chipmunks, squirrels and rats.

Here in Ontario, many people oil spray or undercoat their vehicles. It doesn’t just stop the rust, it protects wiring, suspension, and the chipmunks don’t like it. A chipmunk chewed my neighbors wiring harness as manufacturers are now using soy as opposed to petroleum based wire insulation. I guess soy wire insulation tastes better.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

You mean with someone commenting on how much they don't like the proliferation of exterior lights and the diminishing of dark skies?

Ron

No I was thinking about pack rat control. And then a recipe drift.
Iowa Dave

[EscapeBoulder]

Originally Posted by BRietkerk

I have noticed these lights on trailers, cars and trucks.
I wondered if they would prevent rodents from getting into the engine bay at night.
While camping in September we have had nests built over the skid plate and also next to the valve cover. Material used to make the nest was gnawed from the insulation on the firewall.
I plan to leave the hood open to make things less cosy for chipmunks, squirrels and rats.

We live in the urban / wildlife interface - basically a mountain meadow - in Colorado and over the years have spend >$3,000 having our vehicles re-wired due to rodent damage. That is, until a friend recommended Rid-A-Rat flashing LED light. (https://www.rid-a-rat.com) So... All three of our vehicles (including our Escape trailer) have Rid-A-Rats, and since then, we haven't had a problem. Cheap rodent "insurance".

Disclaimer: We also occasionally throw mothballs on the ground where the vehicles park. But also go many months without that additional deterrent so I'm pretty confident the Rid-A-Rat is doing its job.

[advdave]

A friend's car stored here has Rid-A-Rat installed. So far, so good. Rope lights around vehicles and trailers seems to be standard at Arizona campgrounds we've visited. Hoods open common as well.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

You mean with someone commenting on how much they don't like the proliferation of exterior lights and the diminishing of dark skies?

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Can I say it? Please, can I, can I?

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

He said it nicer then I would Pat

Aren’t we being a little quick to judge here? I understand the importance of dark skies but this installation is a very low level light pointed towards the ground. Especially if one is prudent with dimming and avoids the white or blue spectrums this seems to follow the guidelines to reduce light pollution. Much better than an unshielded porch light. It is also likely that most trailers have more light emanating out their windows than these LED strips underneath are producing.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Aren’t we being a little quick to judge here? I understand the importance of dark skies but this installation is a very low level light pointed towards the ground. Especially if one is prudent with dimming and avoids the white or blue spectrums this seems to follow the guidelines to reduce light pollution. Much better than an unshielded porch light. It is also likely that most trailers have more light emanating out their windows than these LED strips underneath are producing.

Dave you are right . I guess the problem is some will not use dimmers and not use blue or white lights to reduce light pollution . Many will love to light up their trailers and not care about their neighbors . Some will not be prudent in their use . Pat

[cpaharley2008]

I have always moved the standard curb side light below the belly band on my last 2 Escapes in order to light up the step area, not the cg when using. Also use amber lenses on all exterior lights.

[Viajante]

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ight=Underglow

All the rat problems were covered here. Underglow be good.