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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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RV Scare Light – What It Is & Why You Need One
This is an indispensable addition to your recreational vehicle, which ensures safety and convenience during your mobile living experience.
- Purpose: RV scarelights deter wildlife and intruders.
- Safety: Enhances visibility around the RV at night.
- Convenience: Some models have motion sensor technology.
- Energy Efficiency: LED technology minimizes battery drain.
- Versatility: Aesthetically enhances the RV’s exterior appearance.
Scare lights are an essential safety feature on any RV. What is a scare light? A scare light, or “scare generator,” is a device that produces pulses of bright white light. They are typically used as security lights to ward off any potential intruders.
How do they work? Scare lights are used in conjunction with motion sensors. The scare light will turn on anytime someone enters the sensor’s range and stay lit until it goes out of range or after a predetermined amount of time has passed (usually about two minutes).
Some models can be programmed to activate only when there is movement within an area, which is helpful for night security patrols.
Why should you have one? A scare generator provides many benefits worth installing: It provides added peace of mind by detecting unwanted intruders and utility-deterring animals from entering your campsite or home unattended.
Are RV Scare Lights Worth It?
Scare lights can be added to an RV security system. Depending on the model, they can sense movement up to 100 feet in any direction and turn on when someone enters this range.
This is especially useful if you live somewhere with wildlife, such as mountain lions or bears, that you want to deter from leaving your home unattended at night.
Scare lights also provide added peace of mind by detecting unwanted intruders, which makes them worth considering installing along with other RV accessories such as aluminum storm plates (which protect against hail damage) or a roof vent fan (to pull warm air out).
The benefits of installing an RV scare light make it worthwhile – even more so because many models come supplied with a self-contained battery that can last up to 12 hours at a time.
This means you don’t have to worry about being stuck outside in the dark or having a long extension cord from your RV adapter pulling on it and breaking it down over time.
The final benefit of an RV scare light is that they are relatively inexpensive – some models cost as little as $20.
If you want your power supplies and mounting brackets permanently mounted on your rig’s exterior shell, you’ll need additional components, but all other costs should be minimal.
What RV Scare Light Brands Do We Recommend?
RV Trailer Camper 1000 Lumen 5th Wheel White
All of these models come with self-contained batteries, making them affordable and reliable. They’re also easy to install yourself—no tools are necessary.
If you need extra safety when traveling at night or some added peace of mind while on vacation, then an RV Scare Light is what you need.
These lights will not only keep your rig lit up so that passersby can see it when they pass by but, for those who camp overnight, they could provide invaluable protection from wild animals like bears and coyotes and human intruders looking to steal your belongings.
Are Porch Lights As Good As Scare Lights?
Some people swear by porch lights, while others prefer scare lights mounted to their RV. Depending on your circumstances, one may be better than the other for you, and if so, then it’s worth considering which one will work best in your situation.
To help with this decision, we’ve compiled some pros and cons of both types:
Porch Lights
Pros:
They’re cheaper than RV Scare Lamps and can provide greater visibility when passing cars, low-head clearance bridges, and a bit of light outside the rig where one might need to step out at night (such as doing dishes).
Cons:
They don’t offer much protection from wild animals like bears or coyotes, nor do they deter potential thieves looking to steal.
Scare Lights
Pros:
They’re more visible than porch lights; they light up the perimeter of your RV so that the glare deters would-be thieves or wild animals who can’t see inside.
Cons:
They might not be as effective as you’d hope, as animals can get used to the light and won’t be deterred for long.
You decide what style of exterior lights you want to use. Still, we recommend using a combination: porch lights in front where visibility is most important, and an RV Scare Light at the back of your rig or near any entrances that wild animals might try to enter through.
How do I Install an RV Scare Light
Purchase the Right RV Scare Light
The first step is to purchase the correct RV scare light that fits your needs. These are usually available in any RV supply store or online and come in different shapes, sizes, and power options. Select one that matches your RV and the level of light you desire.
Gather Required Tools
You would typically need a drill, a screwdriver, a wire stripper, silicone sealant, and electrical tape. The exact tools might vary depending on your purchase light, so refer to the product manual.
Decide on the Location
Choose a location where you want to install the scare light on your RV. It should be near the entrance or the main sitting area, where it would cast the most light.
Drill Holes
Using a drill, make holes in your RV’s outer body where the light’s screws will go. Ensure the holes match the screw points on the light fixture. Be careful not to drill too deep to avoid damaging the interior.
Attach the Light Fixture
Fit the light fixture into the drilled holes and secure it with a screwdriver.
Strip and Connect Wires
Use a wire stripper to expose the wires of the scare light. The light will have a positive (usually red) and a negative (usually black) wire. Connect these to the corresponding wires on your RV.
The connections should be secured with wire nuts and covered with electrical tape to prevent short-circuiting.
Seal the Area
Apply a silicone sealant around the edges of the light fixture. This will prevent water from seeping into the RV through the screw holes or light fitting.
Test the Light
Turn on the RV’s power and switch on the scare light. If installed correctly, it should light up.
Some Related Questions
Why do people put lights under RVs?
Many recreational vehicle (RV) users have discovered that placing rope lights under their RVs can effectively deter rodents, such as mice and rats, often sensitive to light.
This can help prevent damage to the vehicle’s wiring and insulation caused by these animals. Nonetheless, if you decide to use a rope light under your RV at night, opting for a dimmable brand is recommended.
This will help minimize the potential disturbance to other campers, ensuring a pleasant camping experience for all.
Can you use regular lights in an RV?
While it’s technically possible to use regular lights in an RV, it’s crucial to consider the voltage of your motorhome.
When not connected to an external power source, such as a campground hookup, most RVs operate on a 12V DC power system.
Therefore, regular household bulbs designed for 120V AC power may not be compatible. In the long term, it would be more efficient and safer to use lighting solutions specifically designed for RV use.
What differentiates an RV scare light from a regular outdoor RV light?
Scare lights are typically brighter and more focused than standard RV outdoor lights. They are designed to illuminate a wide area with intense light, deterring animals or intruders near your RV.
Can RV scare lights be operated remotely?
Depending on the model and installation setup, some modern RV scare lights can be operated remotely via a switch inside the RV, a remote control, or even a smartphone app.
Can scare lights be used while driving?
Scare lights are not designed for use while driving and should only be used when the RV is parked. Using them while driving could distract other drivers and potentially be illegal.
Wrapping Up
An RV Scare Light is an essential piece of equipment every RV owner should invest in. Its primary purpose is to deter wildlife and potential intruders, ensuring a secure environment for RV dwellers.
The enhanced visibility it provides around the RV at night significantly contributes to the safety and security of the inhabitants. Convenience is another key attribute of the RV Scare Light.
Some advanced models have motion sensor technology that activates the light automatically when movement is detected nearby, providing instant illumination when needed. This feature not only adds to convenience but also helps conserve energy.
Regarding energy efficiency, RV Scare Lights use LED technology, which minimizes battery drain. This makes them a cost-effective solution for lighting needs in an RV setting. Finally, these lights also offer versatility.
They are designed to enhance the RV’s exterior appearance aesthetically, adding a touch of elegance while offering practical functionality.
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