11 Best RV Camping Awning Lights

Posted at h in Camping, carol proofread, Electronics, Outside Your RV, Reviewed, Reviews by

Some of the things really easy to overlook when camping are the smaller details. While most of us do not forget to charge the batteries or empty the  tanks, it’s all too easy to neglect lighting, especially the options for outside.

Only when it is time to have a barbeque or read outside do we think- damn, there is something missing here. Yup! Awning lights!

In this review post, I will try to give you a decent overview of different lighting options that you can install under the awning.

The most important questions to ask yourself before getting awning lights are:

  • What is it primarily used for? Do you need it for reading, cooking or simply for atmosphere? This determines which will be most suitable.
  • Do you need the lights to be waterproof or is water resistant enough? Most awning lights are water resistant and come with certification. However, this does not mean you can dip them in water and think they will work just fine. Be sensible and smart about this!
  • Do you want the lights to be dimmable? Not all awning lights are dimmable,  and if that is important to you, check it beforehand.
  • Do you need a remote? A remote is really useful if you want to play around with different settings and not run back and forth every time you need to change the mood.
  • Do you want to change the colors/atmosphere/mood frequently or simply let it stay as is? If you only use light for illuminating the awning area for functional purposes, then you may be better off with a simple LED that does not have too many options to confuse you.

Here are my picks of the top products out there right now:

Best Awning Lights for Reading & Cooking

1. RecPro White LED Awning Party Light w/ Mounting Channel

This awning light from RecPro is basically a LED strip with a polycarbonate channel, in which the strip is inserted. It comes in four lengths and an IP68 rating, which means it can be submerged in water for 30 minutes, so it should be OK for a very wet climate or any sudden rainfall.

The light is usually mounted under the gutter, where it does not get in the way of the awning’s movement. Be mindful, though, when you apply the double-sided tape because it is very difficult to take off or replace. Sticking the strip to the surface is easy, but be very certain where you apply it.

After installing it on your awning, you can only wire the light to a 12V power source. Splicing the connection to an existing light source is a fairly simple, but it would be much easier to use if it came with an adapter for a wall socket.

the unit emits a cool white light that doesn’t hurt the eyes when used at night. The area under the awning is well illuminated, and you can read a book under these lights. There is no dimmer switch included, but you can always manually add it if you know how to wire one.

Pros

  • Four lengths to choose from
  • Water resistant
  • Bright enough for reading

Cons

  • No adapter for a wall socket
  • Double-sided tape is hard to replace
  • No dimmer switch included
  • You have to wire it manually

2. Dream Lighting 12V LED Waterproof Awning Lights

This practical awning light comes with a simple no-frills design and waterproof IP66 rating. You can choose either a short (9.84 inches) or long (21.65 inches) version and it comes in three colors (black, white, silver) and three configurations (6-LED and 12-LED for the short version and 60-LED for the long version).

When you open the box, you only get the unit itself and a couple of mounting screws. There is no switch included, so you have to connect it to the existing one in your RV, so make sure it is a 12V one. This is somewhat inconvenient as it isn’t a plug-and-play type of kit.

To install the light against the wall of your RV, there are two holes on either side of the light. Simply remove the cap to drive a screw through the hole. The LEDs shine light downward, which helps illuminate the area better.

This light is bright enough to read at night, but the brightest spot is probably just below the light itself. The living area is decently lit and your awning is immediately noticeable even from afar.

Pros

  • Multiple sizes and colors to choose from
  • Water resistant
  • Shines light downward
  • Bright enough for reading

Cons

  • You have to wire it manuallyBest Rope Lights for RV Awnings

Best Rope Lights for RV Awnings

3. Green LongLife 18’ Red, White, and Blue LED Rope Lights

For all the patriots out there looking for red-blue-white all American awning light design, this kit is for you. This rope light is 18-feet long and extendable (simply add a strand to the end of each light). It’s great to be able to customize the length of the light source, depending on the perimeter of the awning.

These lights are UL Approved for outdoor use and are housed and sealed in PVC, which makes them flexible. You can bend them around corners if you want and can create all sorts of shapes and sizes. Most often, I have seen these LED rope lights used as mood lights, hidden behind sofas, under beds or awnings, and they do a wonderful job of setting the atmosphere.

You can plug the unit straight into a wall socket and it comes with an extra fuse in the box, which is a welcome addition.

When you have them installed in your awning, they are actually bright enough to read a book when it’s dark, but do keep in mind that the white light is obviously brighter than the red and blue (because they are darker; it’s not a design flaw).

Pros

  • Easily extendable
  • Water resistant
  • Can be plugged into a wall socket
  • Extra fuse included
  • Bright enough for reading at night

Cons

  • Red and blue lights are not as bright as the white light

4. LampLust 24’ Plugin Rope Lights

This rope light comes in five solid colors and one multi-color option to choose from, and you can even create your own combination if you wish. Each strand is 24 feet long, and they plug into a wall socket, which makes them very easy to set up.

The rope is sealed in a plastic casing, which helps with water resistance; but it does not come with any certification so do not install them in a bathroom or other place prone to getting wet. It is perfect as awning lighting, and as it is bright enough for reading and water resistant enough, you can leave it outside.

You also get a mounting kit (includes clips, zip ties, and screws) and a spare fuse in the package, which saves you the trouble of acquiring them separately.

Pros

  • Multiple colors to choose from
  • Easily extendable
  • Water resistant
  • Can be plugged into a wall socket
  • Extra fuse included
  • Bright enough for reading at night

Cons

  • Other colors of light aren’t as bright as the white option

Best LED Strip Lights for RV Awnings

5. Luminoodle Basecamp LED Outdoor String Lights

While it does not look like much, this product is one of the more versatile lights out there. There are 15 color options, 10 brightness levels, and 3 fade modes you can use, and they are all controlled by a wireless remote.

The LED strip is a decent 20-feet long but, unfortunately, you can’t extend it by connecting it to another strand. The LEDs are sealed in a water-resistant silicone casing.

Inside the package, you get a wireless remote, a diffuser for lantern mode, wall mounts, a wall socket power adapter, a 12V adapter for your car, and a nylon bag. All these are welcome additions, and it’s really easy to install it under an awning.

Because you can control the brightness level, the illumination ranges from bright to more ambient. There’s no problem reading a book under these lights, and you can also dim them if you just want to relax. It’s a truly versatile light that suits a lot of tastes and scenes.

Pros

  • Multiple lighting options
  • Comes with a lot of useful things in the box
  • Water resistant
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Not extendable
  • Pricey

6. HitLights 16.4’ Weatherproof LED Light Strip

The next light on our list is a widely-used LED strip light. While it only comes in white, you get to choose a warm or cool white hue. The LED strip comes in a roller and it’s 16.4 feet long. You can divide it into smaller four-inch strips, and there is a helpful mark where you should cut it,  making it considerably easy to fit.

However, do keep in mind that you have to wire these smaller strips manually. There is a 12V DC female connector included, but it’s a bummer that the power supply has to be bought separately.

The strip has an IP65 rating and a plastic shield cover for the LEDs that make it water resistant. This is more than enough for rainy weather, but it is not waterproof, so don’t go crazy with it. Thankfully, the adhesive is very effective and doesn’t lose stickiness when it rains.

These lights are bright enough for activities like cooking outdoors or enjoying a drink with friends, but you may struggle to read a book if you have poor eyesight.

Pros

  • Warm and cool white hues are available
  • Cuttable every four inches
  • Double-sided tape is pre-installed
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • No power supply included
  • Not bright enough for reading

7. LEDwholesalers 12-Volt RGB Color-Changing Kit

If you are looking for an awning light with lots of color options and variations, then a standard LED strip or rope won’t work. You need something like the color changing kit from LEDWholeSalers.

This LED strip can be customized with a huge variety of color options and brightness levels. This product is really popular with families with kids or people who love to entertain – you can change the color depending on your mood and create a slightly different atmosphere every time.

The strip is 16.4 feet long, and you can cut it into smaller pieces. However, you can’t extend it by connecting more strips. It’s also water resistant, and the silicone casing seals the LEDs well. This helps prevent rain from entering the strip, but the connection to the power and wireless remote receiver must remain dry.

You get the 12V power adapter for a wall socket as well as a wireless remote receiver in the package, which is great.

The LED strip also comes with double-sided tape at the back, but if I were you, I would buy a different tape or find clips, as it doesn’t work that well. You may notice that the strip will start to sag after a few days.

What makes this product great is that it is variable – you can use it for reading, but you also have the option to dim the brightness for a more relaxing atmosphere.

Pros

  • Multiple brightness and color options
  • Wireless remote control
  • Includes power adapter
  • Water resistant
  • Cuttable into smaller strips

Cons

  • Not extendable
  • Pre-installed double-sided tape doesn’t hold for long

Best Hanging Lights for RV Awnings

8. ALOVECO 33’ LED Globe String Light

Another fun product on our list is this cute bubbly design by Aloveco. You can choose between multi-color lights or a warm white hue light, and there are eight dimmable settings.

You have eight sequence settings with this light: you can let it flicker, glow slowly, or just light up steadily. These options are great because you can spice up the ambiance outside your RV, making it more homey and welcoming.

There is also a timer function included that should keep the lights on for up to six hours. Then just turn them off (great for evenings when you forget to turn them off before you go to bed!).

These lights are 33 feet long, but keep in mind that unlike some of the lights on this list, you can’t daisy chain them together. Aloveco has only a IP65 rating, so keep the plug it in a wall socket inside the RV to avoid water damage.

One thing I did like about this product is that it comes with a wireless remote and a 29V power adapter for a wall socket, which makes it much more convenient to use.

The lights illuminate the area nicely, but you may find it hard to read a book under them. They provide soft lighting that is more appropriate for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors at night.

Pros

  • Available in multicolor lights
  • Multiple brightness and sequence options
  • Wireless remote control
  • Includes power adapter
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Not extendable
  • Not bright enough for reading at night

9. Camco RV Awning Globe Lights

This stylish set of globe lights come with 8 color options and 6-10 LED globes that you can install under the awning. There are different color combinations you can play around with and, yes, US flag colors is one of them.

The lights plug directly to a wall socket and the coiled wires allow you to customize the distance between each globe. The globes thread into the LED lamp, preventing water from seeping in. There is no official certification for water resistance, however.

Hooks are included in the package, and they slide well on the awning roller. Simply hang the LED globe to the hook and you’re done. Overall, these lights require very little effort to install.

Aside from being really atmospheric, they also illuminate the area pretty well. Your eyes won’t hurt when reading under these lights, but only when using the clear globes (red, blue and green aren’t really suitable for that). And since it’s easy to change the lights, you can create a party vibe to socialize with fellow campers.

Pros

  • Multiple colors available
  • Easy to set up
  • Weather resistant
  • Bright enough for reading at night

Cons

  • Not extendable
  • No official rating for water resistance
  • Colored globes are not suited for reading

10. Camco 8’ Hanging Festive Party Glow Lights

These awning lights have small LEDs enclosed in plastic casings featuring a cute cartoonish design. While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, my wife certainly loves these. There are seven styles to choose from, and they all are reminiscent of the RV lifestyle. Be aware, though, that they are not waterproof like the previous lighting option, so be careful.

They are only 8 feet long, but you can daisy chain them together if want a longer string. There are no clips included, so you have to figure out how to attach them. As they are very light, you can use pretty much any clips you have laying around or get specialized awning clips like these.

If you are looking for lights that will really light up an area enough so you can read, these are not for you. These are like Christmas lights, meant for mood lighting, that emit nice glow but that’s about it.  You may need to get an extra light for reading or other activities that require more visibility.

Pros

  • Multiple designs to choose from
  • You can daisy chain them
  • Improves the vibe of your outdoor living area

Cons

  • Not water resistant
  • Not bright enough for reading
  • No clips included

11. Brightech Ambience Pro – 48’ LED Outdoor String Lights

The design is reminiscent of vintage light bulbs that have become really popular in recent years. It’s 48-feet long, which should be enough to cover the perimeter of most awnings and you can even daisy chain them together in case you need even more length.

Brightech markets these as waterproof, but there is no official ingress protection (IP) rating, so I guess you need to take their word for it. But I must say that it is quite nerve-wracking to see them exposed to heavy rain. At least you get a three-year warranty, which is actually much longer than the standard 6-months, so it seems like they are pretty confident that the bulbs are of high quality and reliable.

You can install the lights anywhere as long as you have something to hang them onto. They gives off a warm white light that is just enough for reading at night. And because the light is not too strong, the ambiance under your awning is nice and relaxing.

Note: It is not recommended to add a dimmer switch because of its parallel circuitry; some lights will perpetually flicker and it can become annoying very quickly!

Pros

  • Vintage design but with modern technology
  • You can daisy chain them
  • Three-year warranty
  • Light is good enough for reading

Cons

  • No official IP rating
  • Lights will flicker with a dimmer switch