Camping in the great outdoors offers the wonderful experience of sleeping under the stars. However, the starlight can only provide limited illumination, and in reality, the night can be quite dark outside – especially when you're trying to find your way back to the tent after a night out or a quick trip to the loo.
This is why you need suitable camper lamps. Caravan lights have evolved significantly from the old and potentially hazardous gas lanterns. Nowadays, there are various options available to illuminate your campsite at night, ranging from convenient head torches to efficient LED flashlights.
Types of Caravan Lights
Edison Screw
The Edison Screw, invented by Thomas Edison, the genius behind the electric light bulb, remains widely used worldwide even today. The E27 variant is the most prevalent in households, with 'E' representing Edison and '27' indicating the thread's size in millimetres. Although found in certain RVs, they are not as prevalent as other types.
Bayonet
The bayonet system is widely used in countries that were once part of the British Empire, including Australia. In Caravans and RVs, you'll commonly find different sizes of bayonet fittings such as BA9, BA15s, BA15, BAY15, and BA22d. The "BA" stands for Bayonet, followed by the size in millimetres, and "s" or "d" indicates single or double contact.
For 12V bayonet camper lamps with a single contact, you can identify them by the presence of one contact plate on the base of the globe (see BA15s in the image). This contact plate serves as the positive connection, while the outer metal shell acts as the earth. On the other hand, double-contact bayonet fittings have two contact plates, with one being positive and the other providing an earth connection.
BAY15 bulbs, which are also double contact, are commonly used in the tail lights of Caravans, RVs, or tow vehicles. These 12V units allow for dual function within a single globe and can be recognized by the presence of two filaments inside. The side pins of BAY15 bulbs are offset, ensuring they can only be inserted in one direction.
BA22d is typically a 240V globe that fits most light fittings in Australian residential dwellings. They are also used as the 240V function in many oyster-style light fittings found in Caravans. Although they are shown here with a filament, fluorescent bulbs are increasingly replacing them for their lower running costs. The wattage of bayonet fittings can usually be found printed on the base of the bulb or on the glass itself.
Bi-Pin
Bi-Pin, also known as Bpin, was initially introduced in 1893 as an alternative to the Edison Screw by Westinghouse. It's one of the most widely used caravan lamps, standard for globes like halogen lamps and fluorescent tubes. In some lamps, especially halogen ones, the pins are positioned closer together to prevent the use of incorrect types that could potentially cause excessive heat and even fire hazards.
Even with the emergence of LED technology, the Bi-Pin system is still utilized, although the heat generated is significantly lower compared to halogen lamps. The G4 standard is employed with LEDs simply to ensure compatibility with existing receptacles.
In Caravans and RVs, the most commonly used standards are G4, G5, and GX5.3, among others. The G prefix denotes glass, while the number, such as 4, indicates that the pin centres are 4mm apart. Aside from the various G4-based lamps, the MR (Multifaceted Reflector) globes are commonly found in the interior lighting systems of Caravans and RVs manufactured in the past decade.
Among the three types, MR8, MR11, and MR16, the latter two are the most prevalent. The numbers represent the diameter, with MR16 measuring 51.2mm. The 16 signifies 16 x 1/8th of an inch, which equals 3.2mm x 16, resulting in 51.2mm. Additionally, many Caravans and RVs may utilize G5 fluorescent tubes, which are typically around 16mm wide and 30mm long.
What to Consider
Working Temperature
Before buying your lamps, it's crucial to consider the operating temperature of the caravan lights. This is particularly important if you plan to travel to areas with extreme weather conditions. If the lights aren't designed to withstand such temperatures, they may not be suitable for long-term use. Therefore, it's advisable to gather information about their working temperature beforehand.
Durability
If you're preparing for an extended journey in your caravan, it's crucial to invest in a product with a prolonged life span. Opting for caravan LED lights with a short life span could lead to complications during lengthy vacations. Therefore, it is recommended to assess and prioritize the life span of the lights before making a purchase.
Waterproof
Another important aspect to consider is whether the lights will be waterproof or not. A caravan is designed for going on exciting adventures and creating unforgettable memories. So, the lights that you get should be waterproof. Moreover, you can also check the reviews of the lights to ensure that you are investing in a useful product only.
Energy Usage
When embarking on a caravan journey, it's essential to have energy-efficient lights. This is crucial for managing your vacation effectively. Therefore, the ideal choice would be to opt for caravan LED lights that consume minimal energy while providing bright illumination for your caravan.
