Trailer Lighting

[BigRed118]

I have a Charmac enclosed trailer. They use the same clear back up lights as the back of the trailer. I am looking for help in expanding the lighting in my trailer. I would like flourescent but am open to any options. I pull this with a Ford so I installed a deep cycle battery in the nose so that I can have light when the key is off. There are 6 lights inside and I would like more. Any suggestions.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

easy...get some decent 12 volt driving lights..put one in each corner...wont be able to run them for hrs on end unless the truck is running but should be fine for loading and unloading.

 

[summitboy]

We use about 7-8 double RV 12v lights off the two 6v batts in series for off shore and we have 4 fluorescent bulbs for on shore power. Go a few more fluorescent if you can. This is in a 27 ft enclosed.

 

[NWGooser]

Are you looking to add 12v or 120v lighting? If you're looking for 12v, you can go online or to a local RV supply and get some nice 2' flourecent lights. They light well, have covers (protect the lamps) and have a small draw on your batteries.

 

[skibreeze]

I put in two 12x18 skylights in mine.

 

[BigRed118]

Preferable 12V but am interested in the 120v option. Is this something that an electrical contractor could do or is it best to take it to an RV shop?

 

[NWGooser]

An RV shop is a good place to do the 12v (if you don't do DIY). You can go with lights or really drop a dollar and do lights, inverters, power recptacles... Where ever your VISA card can take you.
Get a local elect. to do a side job if you add 120v. Myself, I like having 12v and 120v in the trailer. When we get home, the trailer is parked next to the shop and plugged in. Crank up the electric heat and everything can dry out in the trailer.

 

[ttyR2]

How about some of the LED-based solutions? Bright, low power consumption. The main issue is getting the light to scatter enough to light up whatever size area you need.

 

[LSB]

if your going the 120v route use HO flourescents or quartz halogen lights. I have 7 or 8 150 watt quartz around the sides, 3 4' flourescents, and 2 6' flourescents. I also run a large (forget the BTU) propane shop heater (non ducted) w/ blower. Regular flourescents will take forever to come on in the cold even with a good heater. I also ran outlets etc while I was doing all the lighting. I used the flexible metal conduit to hide all the wiring but leaving it on the outside of the walls.