String Lights

Both2Retired · 10-08-2007, 04:50 PM

DW wanted and just received an early Christmas present - a 6 clear globe string light set. It uses regular, household light bulbs (maximum 60w). I was thinking of using 25w bulbs. For those of you who have the same kind of lights, what size bulbs do you use?

Steve Collins · 10-08-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Both2Retired

DW wanted and just received an early Christmas present - a 6 clear globe string light set. It uses regular, household light bulbs (maximum 60w). I was thinking of using 25w bulbs. For those of you who have the same kind of lights, what size bulbs do you use?

I am presuming that you are planning to hang this string of lights from the roller of your awning for lighting up the area after dark.

We used to use party light strings on our trailer that were based on 5 to 7 watt bulbs similar to the old style christmas tree bulbs. The bulb number is C-7 and they are rated at 5 watts each.

A typical string of party lights would have between 7 and 12 bulbs.

Based on that experience, I think that even 25 watt bulbs may be too bright. 6 times 25 is 150 watts - the same as two 75 watt bulbs. Personally, I think that is probably too much light for most folks.

You could always drop the awning out and hang the string out there with the 60 watt bulbs that are currently in it. That would give you a good idea of how much light that string can produce.

I would start with 10 watt bulbs which are available with standard household light bulb bases. If they're not to your liking, I think you can find 15 watt bulbs in that size, too. And if the 10 watters are too bright, I seem to recall that you can also get 5 or 7 watt bulbs in that base size.

We currently have several strings of different themed lights based on the tiny christmas tree lights that are so popular these days. But, we don't seem to camp much where there is 110vac available these days so those lights don't come out of storage very often. But when we do use them, a single string provides plenty of light under the awning for social gatherings.

I am looking at some 12vdc party lights which are available from marine suppliers. They can be used anywhere you've got 12 volts available.

kanyonkitty · 10-08-2007, 06:08 PM

I believe that you will find the 25 watt bulbs TOO bright, but if you want to really light the place up use the 60 watt

I'd try to locate 10 or 15 watt bulbs to see how they looked.

My best friend had those lights and ended up returning them for two reasons: too bright, and took up too much storage space

I have a string of rope lights with multi-colored bulbs, nice soft lighting.

Kitty

emam · 10-08-2007, 10:10 PM

We too use the Rope Lighting after finding the string lighting too bright. I also like how the Rope Lighting draws next to no amps and almost never need to replaced.

Cindy and I had them in a few different spots in our last house for mood lighting and after eight years of using them basically as night lights, they had never burned out. So I'm thinking the average time we hang them up at the campsite, we'll never have to replace them.

Good Luck
Pat

rich2500 · 10-09-2007, 05:01 AM

would these by chance be the lights that you got
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...s/skunum=17963
If they are we have the same ones in multi color and 25 watt bulbs are what we use,at times they are a bit to bright but they are nice when you want to see what you are doing,for them times we don't want the brightness we just shut them off and use our little lantern.

Steve Collins · 10-09-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emam

We too use the Rope Lighting after finding the string lighting too bright. I also like how the Rope Lighting draws next to no amps and almost never need to replaced.

Pat, if you ever bump into 12vdc rope lighting, either incandescent or LED, please let me know. I think that would be the perfect thing to have.

emam · 10-09-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Collins

Quote:

Originally Posted by emam

We too use the Rope Lighting after finding the string lighting too bright. I also like how the Rope Lighting draws next to no amps and almost never need to replaced.

Pat, if you ever bump into 12vdc rope lighting, either incandescent or LED, please let me know. I think that would be the perfect thing to have.

Hey Steve, I've been looking as we would love to have some for inside the 2499. It would be the perfect thing to keep as non-obtrusive lighting that wouldnt draw any amps.

If I find any, I'll let you know. Sorry if we hijacked the thread...LOL

Pat

MarknShana · 02-19-2010, 05:11 PM

What do you use or how do you attach your string lights to your awning? I saw these clips online :

http://www.shoprvparts.com/product.do?no=10047F

Are these the ones I need? My string lights are just like xmas lights only white. Also how many clips do I need for a 17' awning?

Thanks

pwb01 · 02-19-2010, 05:29 PM

I've looked at those 12v rope lights and neon lights at auto stores. I thought they might make a good accent inside if they didn't draw too much power.

As for the awning. You can get awning hooks at Camping World which slide in to the slot of the awning tube and use s hooks. I use them to hang Coleman lights, etc.

Gene · 02-19-2010, 07:04 PM

These are the hangers I use for my "tacky lights", they slide into the slot in the awning tube.

http://www.shoprvparts.com/product.do?no=10048F

Picture:

Steve Collins · 02-19-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene

These are the hangers I use for my "tacky lights", they slide into the slot in the awning tube.

http://www.shoprvparts.com/product.do?no=10048F

Picture:

We use the same hangers for several different purposes. In bad weather, I hang 6' panels from them to keep the rain out and the area under the awning fairly dry. We've hung signs from them as well as lights. They are even handy for hanging the popcorn or meat rack to dry after washing. I have one permanently set up with a small outdoor thermometer hanging from it.

We've tried most of the gadgets available for hanging things from the awning valence or roller bar, and we like these best.

But the two sets I have are plain gray. I like the multicolor ones....

**JohnB** · 02-19-2010, 08:24 PM

We have used a number of clips and then settled on these. Cheap, get lots in the pack and best part, we store them on the wire and just put the lights clips and all in a plastic storage container.

Mini binder clips, store brand from Staples. $3.99 for a pack of 60

Mini binder clips

Sorry for the poor pics. I knew I took pics of just them, but have them in that secret hiding place

so I had to zoom in one some other shots.

John

jsms264 · 02-20-2010, 06:05 AM

Those light are very bright. My sister and beother in law have them and experienced just how bright they are. After changing out bulbs and still not achieving the desired result my brother in law added a dimmer in line on the cord. Works great and very cool "mod" to the lights.

pwb01 · 02-20-2010, 08:51 AM

I use those hooks to attach a tarp to the awning. Two or three adjustable poles and some rope gives us a very neat extention, The flap from the awning nicely covers the gap where it's hooked to make it watertight.

Gene · 02-20-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

... Mini binder clips, store brand from Staples. $3.99 for a pack of 60...

I like that idea.

It puts the lights down where they can be seen better and the price is right for this "Swamp Yankee".

My wife also uses the roller tube hooks to hang a variety of spinning blowing things.