Tired of trying to cook dinner or perform basic stuff by the low light of your camping lantern you start thinking about investing in the right RV lighting setup for all your weekend getaways and camping trips.
For the same reason, many RV owners favour 12V LED lights as the best durable and energy-economical light option. These lights work through a process called electroluminescence. In essence, power flows via a microchip and illuminates the LEDs, producing visible light. As a result, they may be up to 85% more effective when compared with other types.
From LED downlights and LED light bars to outdoor camping lights and LED spotlights, the following guidelines cover everything you need to know about 12v lighting.
What Is the Advantage of 12V Lighting?
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Besides taking your camping trip or weekend getaway to the next level by increasing the functionality of your motorhome, the super-bright 12-v caravan lights come with many advantages.
Efficiency
Lumens per watt are a standard unit of measurement for lighting efficiency. While using less energy, LED caravan lights may produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs. They are significantly more efficient than other conventional alternatives since they produce more lumens per watt. This indicates that they draw far less power from your 12V rechargeable battery. Why are they so effective? One of the main causes is that energy is only used to produce light and not heat.
Less heat
The capacity of the caravan led lights to provide light while producing relatively little heat is one of their distinctive features. When you're travelling in the summer and want to stay cool, this is a huge benefit. In contrast, 90% of the energy from incandescent lights is converted to heat.
Targeted Light
The majority of lighting fixtures cast light in a 360-degree circle. However, 12 volt caravan lights are much more targeted because they typically illuminate a 180-degree circle. This implies that they can utilise light and energy more effectively and for a variety of purposes. LED downlights are best if you want to direct your light in a specific area, like over your dining table.
Variety of Colours, Tone, and Shade
There are numerous colours and tints of 12-v caravan lights available. For instance, if you want to make your motorhome a peaceful space, you might select a warm tone that isn't too bright. On the other hand, you might like a brighter tint for LED spotlights and outdoor lighting. LEDs also come in a variety of colours, making them perfect for enhancing the holiday spirit at festivals or during Christmas. It’s all up to your preferences.
Longevity
Compared to other types of illumination like incandescent bulbs, 12 v caravan lights typically have a much longer lifespan. They contain fewer operating components that could malfunction or burn out, which is one of the causes.
High-quality LED bulbs can last up to ten times longer than conventional lighting sources. That results in significant cost savings overall. Additionally, it means less trash will enter the environment and you won't need to worry about changing bulbs as frequently.
What to Look for in 12V Caravan Lights
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So, without any further ado, let’s get into the things you should keep in mind when shopping for 12-volt caravan lights for your RV.
Power Source
When you go camping, you have a few different ways to supply power for your 12V lighting and other equipment. All in all, you should think about the power output, the weight and portability, the ability to retain a charge and recharge, and whether there are enough outlets for your needs.
Dual Battery
It's possible that you already have a dual battery system if you frequently use a portable 12V fridge, fan, or other gadgets when camping.
You can plug a second battery into your car such that it is independent of the main battery and that it charges when the engine is running, ideally while you are driving. This eliminates the possibility of flattening your battery when using 12V equipment like fans, lights, and refrigerators.
12V Socket
Lighting and other equipment can be powered into your car's factory-installed 12V plug if you don't have a dual battery and wish to use your car to power it. Smaller gadgets like lanterns, your phone, or other low-tech goods typically don't have this problem. However, you might want to think about an alternative if you want to run lights because you run the risk of flattening your car's starter battery in a single day.
There is a limit to how much power you can take from a single 12V socket though, so it's advisable to visit an auto electrician to get the wires in your car changed if you find that the total of all your ratings is exceeding it. A twin-battery system with robust wiring, cables, and connectors is an even better alternative.
Features
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To ensure that the lights won't drain your battery, check the specifications to see if they have a low power consumption. To make lights survive longer, it is ideal to have strong light output and better LEDs.
Lumens can be reduced if you're only installing strip lights on your automobile or around your boat because you won't require as much visibility. You can save critical battery life by doing this. You should also think about durability. Your lighting must be able to withstand the vibrations of your 4WD without breaking if it is semi-permanently mounted to your vehicle.
