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Old 08-30-2016, 06:18 PM   #1
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Question Telescoping pole for camp locator LED light

Hi all

I’m thinking about buying (splurging on) a 12v TribalWhip 3’ Aurora R65 camp locator. Handy for places like the Quartzite rally when there are many trailers, the many paths sometimes look similar....

It can do various fun animations, and do occasional double duty as a durable 3’ LED area light. I could put a medium Command hook up high, on a side of the escape, and use it there on occasion.

My plan is to wire it with a 12v cigarette plug… as long as I get word back from ETI that their 12v exterior plug could handle 10 amps. (TribalWhip told me 10 amp draw max)

It can also do various solid colors.
White and amber (only) have a high and low brightness setting.
My research shows that amber light does not usually attract bugs, but white does.
The 3’ LED camp locator itself weighs 1 lb.

Not cheap - the 3' camp locator with the waterproof animator box + remote it is $116 USD.

so....

TribalWhip doesn’t sell telescoping poles, but they recommended these ones from a different company. I’d get the 16’ one probably. (seemingly the shortest they sell)

Poles and Holders :: Poles :: PNH-16- Deluxe (**NEW & VERY POPULAR**) Flag Pole - Your place for Flag Poles, Flags and Mountings

$50 for the pole, plus $25 for the mount that I’d likely stick on the rear bumper of our forthcoming 2017 21’

http://www.polesandholders.com/produ...9&cat=2&page=1

My question is - does anyone have any recommendations on a suitable yet slightly cheaper telescoping pole option to keep a 1 lb camp locator above an Escape?
Bonus points for included bumper or frame mount.
The $75 pole + mount combo seems like overkill, in both length and strength, somehow.


We tow using an SUV... so the camp locator pole does need to collapse to be out of the way when not in use.
On the floor of the Escape during transit days would not pass muster with my better half.

Here is a demo video here that someone took, complete with crazy sound effects they added in (the camp locator is silent)



thanks.
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Old 08-30-2016, 06:30 PM   #2
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On the rare occasion I feel that I might need help finding my car, trailer, or any other place I need to find again, I just use this free app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...?id=it.carfind
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Old 08-30-2016, 06:42 PM   #3
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These are much cheaper and less obtrusive https://buy.thetrackr.co/gu/special-offers/06/checkout
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Old 08-30-2016, 06:58 PM   #4
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well i guess i could go for a solar globe.....

less obtrusive, less to worry about, and turns itself on and off

and cheaper.

Poles and Holders :: Lights :: .Solar Powered Globe - Your place for Flag Poles, Flags and Mountings

the other option would be a 12v 2' LED light stick (camp locator) with a long cord on it and a cigarette plug on the end.

Does not do animations, but $33 total (no controller or remote needed or possible)

I'd get something like orange... then it could still do occasional double duty as a light that does not attract bugs.

http://www.tribalwhipsstore.com/2-Ni...mp-Locator.htm

Thanks for the cell phone based options, but when i'm camping i'm doing all I can to *not* be looking at my cell phone / email, as much as possible.

So.... back to the point of the thread.... any suggestions for a cheaper than $75 flag pole and mount for any of these things?

thanks,

:-)
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:22 PM   #5
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You could use a telescoping brush pole used for cleaning swimming pools. I rigged one with a wide squegee to pull snow off a fabric awning. FWIW ...
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:30 PM   #6
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I wouldn't buy any of this crap. I'm a Hot Rodder.. think the Quartzite Gathering at Dome Rock X 12, or the NASCAR inner circle group at Talladega.

Buy a cheap insert for the rear bumper receiver hitch.
Click image for larger version

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ID:	18581


A telescoping pole
Click image for larger version

Name:	flag.JPG
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ID:	18582

And a flag... maybe a HUGE Tomato? Really, how often do you need it?
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:39 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
I wouldn't buy any of this crap. I'm a Hot Rodder.. think the Quartzite Gathering at Dome Rock X 12, or the NASCAR inner circle group at Talladega.

Buy a cheap insert for the rear bumper receiver hitch.
Attachment 18581


A telescoping pole
Attachment 18582

And a flag... maybe a HUGE Tomato? Really, how often do you need it?
a flag is not visible at night, generally.

to answer your question.... i think we'll use it enough to be worth it.
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Old 08-30-2016, 07:52 PM   #8
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That answers that. Usually when the sun is going down so are my eyelids. I've just camped enough with huge groups, that blinking pole lights in red, white, blue, orange... become meaningless. I wish you success!
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Old 08-30-2016, 08:09 PM   #9
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How about a trail of bread crumbs?
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Old 08-30-2016, 10:05 PM   #10
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Lost in a CG?

I have depended on dead reckoning or a simple compass to get me back to home base for 67 years. No lights, no electronics and very little cost. I pay attention to details along the way, take a back shot going both ways and never panic. The North Pole never let me down on starry nights. Distant sounds that are permantly oriented (no coyotes) will save you sometimes too. Learn to pace distances. I've been turned around a couple times but home before I got too hungry. I have hunted coon in the Get Lost Timber but that's another story. YMMV according to Donna.
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Old 08-30-2016, 10:49 PM   #11
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Your story reminds me of a navigation exercise we did when I was in the military Dave. Simple chart and compass. It works.

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Old 08-30-2016, 10:52 PM   #12
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The North Pole never let me down on starry nights.
I hear you on that, Dave. The north star at night has lent me guidance many a night.

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Old 08-30-2016, 11:27 PM   #13
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Put one of these up on a pole and you can find your trailer at night with a flashlight.......

Disco Mirror Ball-12" | Windy City Novelties
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Old 08-30-2016, 11:29 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by rbryan4 View Post
Your story reminds me of a navigation exercise we did when I was in the military Dave. Simple chart and compass. It works.

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Gets even more interesting navigating while scuba diving. No chart, just the compass.
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Old 08-30-2016, 11:37 PM   #15
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Thanks everyone for all the web links to durable, inexpensive collapsible flag poles.



(Kidding)

This has, somehow, turned into a very entertaining thread.





actually Zardoz did suggest a possible cheaper pole concept.
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Old 08-31-2016, 05:00 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by etuna View Post
How about a trail of bread crumbs?
Or perhaps a very long string tied to the bumper.........

Seriously, with all the threads regarding campground etiquette and one of the frequently mentioned pet peeves being individuals who leave porch lights on all night or even part of the night which can reduce one's ability to see stars or just enjoy the light of a campfire why is there consideration of something akin to a "lighthouse?" I cannot remember any news stories or personal accounts of individuals roaming around camping areas for days or even hours unable to find their campsite. While this degree of confusion might be associated with or attributable to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, I would submit that not exceeding one's limits would be the better way to find one's way "home." We should all take into consideration how our own personal wants, needs, or "innovative" modifications might affect the enjoyment of others in our vicinity.
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:02 AM   #17
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Here's what I used: Unger 8-20 ft. Aluminum Telescopic Pole with Connect and Clean Locking Cone and PRO Locking Collar-962780 - The Home Depot
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:58 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C&G in FL View Post
While this degree of confusion might be associated with or attributable to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, I would submit that not exceeding one's limits would be the better way to find one's way "home."
And some good folk are quite capable of finding their trailer after said alcoholic beverage consumption, right Carl? I know I can too.

But, I completely agree with your post, thus the reason for my ignored post with a simpler, free, and very effective way of finding your trailer should this be a problem for you.
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Old 08-31-2016, 07:59 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Losangeles View Post
well i guess i could go for a solar globe.....

less obtrusive, less to worry about, and turns itself on and off

and cheaper.

Poles and Holders :: Lights :: .Solar Powered Globe - Your place for Flag Poles, Flags and Mountings

the other option would be a 12v 2' LED light stick (camp locator) with a long cord on it and a cigarette plug on the end.

Does not do animations, but $33 total (no controller or remote needed or possible)

I'd get something like orange... then it could still do occasional double duty as a light that does not attract bugs.

LED light, LED beacon, Flag pole light

Thanks for the cell phone based options, but when i'm camping i'm doing all I can to *not* be looking at my cell phone / email, as much as possible.

So.... back to the point of the thread.... any suggestions for a cheaper than $75 flag pole and mount for any of these things?

thanks,

:-)
This is what I use. I like it because the color shifts are subtle, and the batteries die around 1:00AM & it goes out. Not so bright that it annoys neighbors.

Bought it in Quartzsite at a booth that sold $150.00 poles. I skipped the pole, went to Ace Hardware & bought a 3 piece aluminum flagpole for $7.50. It is only 7' tall, and doesn't come with any attachment devices, but I'm cheap! I use a couple of Velcro cable ties to attach it to the awning rails.

I'd have to find a new way with the new awnings...
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Old 08-31-2016, 08:07 AM   #20
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What happens when everyone in the campground has a tall pole with a light on it?
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