We tested six products and decided that the RecPro White LED Awning Party Light was the best LED RV awning light set on the current market.
Awning lights do more than allow you to see in the dark, although that is their primary function. They also lend a welcoming and relaxing vibe to the exterior of your RV camper. When you invest in an awning light, your rig will feel less like a vehicle and more like a home away from home.
String lights are a popular choice, but you should also be aware that there’s more than one type of LED awning light out there. That’s why we’ve put together this guide that reviews six superior products, including pros and cons for each one.
1. RecPro RV White LED Awning Party Light -Best Overall
2. Camco Hanging Festive Party Glow Lights -Best Conversation Starter
3. Dream Lighting Waterproof Awning Lights -Best in Bad Weather
4. Coleman 10 Lantern String Lights -Best Battery-Powered Option
5. Leisure RV Exterior Porch Utility Light -Best Budget Option
6. SUPERNIGHT 5-Meter LED Light -Best Multicolor Option (Change product to a waterproof option)
What made us choose the RecPro light as the best option overall? It came down to a few key elements.
This light is waterproof, easy to install, and available in several different sizes. It casts a gentle glow on the exterior of the RV camper for an effect that’s both elegant and utilitarian. Although it’s not the cheapest product we reviewed, it should fit easily into your camping budget.
Read on to find out more about the RecPro light and why we think it’s the best choice.
6 Great LED RV Awning Light Options in 2021: Product Reviews
1. RecPro RV White LED Awning Party Light—Best Overall
The RecPro is available in a few different sizes, but we like the economy of the 16-foot option. It’s long enough to be functional, but modest enough to suit shorter rigs. The polycarbonate mounting channels make installation a breeze, and it can be installed permanently, which is even more convenient.
This light has a waterproof rating of IP68, so it’s suitable for wet weather. It weighs in at 3 pounds, making it easy to transport. Unfortunately, it can’t be folded, so it’s hard to store when it’s not in use. However, that’s the lone drawback to this excellent fixture.
2. Camco Hanging Festive Party Glow Lights—Best Conversation Starter
These creative lights are sure to draw eyes from all around the campground–or add a festive air to your boondocking experience. There are a few different designs available, including patriotic stars, chili and cactus, and retro travel trailer (the latter is our favorite). Since they’re string lights, the installation process is relatively carefree, and kids are sure to love them.
The lights are more than just eye candy–they also give off a charming glow, with an overload protection device that keeps them from overheating. The set includes spare bulbs and an extra fuse, which adds to its appeal. Also, they can be used both indoors and out.
3. Dream Lighting Waterproof Awning Lights—Best in Bad Weather
Like the Camco lights, this product is suitable for interior and exterior use. However, whereas that set is a novelty item, this one offers a more elegant vibe. It also has a higher intensity, so it gives off a vivid brightness. There is a dimmer option available, but note that it’s sold separately.
The IP66 waterproof rating makes this light an excellent choice for camping in inclement weather. Since it has a service life of 50,000 hours, it should last for many years. In addition, its low-profile design allows it to blend in with its surroundings, making it a good fit for any camper.
4. Coleman 10 Lantern String Lights—Best Battery-Powered Option
This set is similar to the novelty string lights offered by Camco, but their design is more sedate. Each individual light is shaped like a Victorian-style lantern, emitting a butterscotch-colored glow. They’re not as bright as some of the competition, but they can serve as the backdrop for a more upscale dinner celebration.
The Coleman lantern set is battery-powered, so they’re great for boondocking. That said, remember that you’ll have to change the batteries every once in a while. Fortunately, they only require three AA batteries, and they should run for at least 18 hours before growing dim.
5. Leisure RV Exterior Porch Utility Light—Best Budget Option
If it’s a porch light you’re after, the Leisure Porch Utility Light could be your best bet. It emits an intense beam of light that will illuminate your outdoor patio area, making it look stately and inviting. Since it’s set at such a low price, you can easily invest in more than one to get the effect you want.
This product is built from environmentally friendly materials, which is something we appreciate as lovers of nature. Each bulb offers up to 60,000 hours of use. It might be too stark and functional for people who are looking to create a party atmosphere, but if you just want a nice bright light outside, this is the ticket.
6. SUPERNIGHT 5-Meter LED Light—Best Multicolor Option
The 44-key remote control is the SUPERNIGHT’s claim to fame, but it has several other qualities to recommend it as well. It’s a high-tech strip light that arrives in a neat roll, making it easy to pack and store.
The self-adhesive back makes for a rapid installation, and the strip is waterproof, so it can be safely left out in the rain. It’s also possible to cut the strip into pieces, installing segments wherever you think they should go.
As for that remote, you can use it to control the brightness of the light as well as the color. The lights can glow green, white, blue, red, or yellow, making for some festive combinations. The fact that you can do all this from a distance makes the SUPERNIGHT one of the most convenient options we tested.
Buying Guide
Features To Look For When Shopping For LED Awning Lights
Type
As you can see from the products we’ve chosen for our list, there are several types of awning lights available. Which one you choose depends on what you hope to get out of the product.
For example, if you like to host parties, the string lights with novelty designs will probably be your best bet. If you’re just looking for a way to illuminate the outdoor area, the RecPro or the Leisure porch light are better choices. Look for solar-powered lights if you’re hoping to conserve energy.
Price
You can spend as little as $10 on an LED awning light, or make a purchase that runs into the three-figure range. Decide how much you’re willing to set aside, and try to stay within those parameters when you’re making your choice.
Color
While you might think the color of the LED awning light is strictly related to the design, it’s actually related to the strength of the bulbs as well. With LED awning fixtures, the light can be warm, with yellow or orange hues; cool, with a bright blue or white undertone; or natural, which burns the brightest in an imitation of sunlight.
Voltage
The awning light for your RV camper should have a voltage between 10 and 30. Most products will feature 12-volt bulbs. Look carefully at the packaging to make sure the voltage is in the proper range.
Service Life
How long will the bulbs last when they’re turned on? The box should give you some indication. A service life of 50,000 hours is impressive and makes the purchase well worth it—assuming the bulbs live up to the advertising.
Top Brands
Although you can probably get a decent LED awning light for your RV camper by investing in an unknown brand, we prefer to stick to companies that have a solid reputation in the industry. Coleman, Camco, RecPro, and Phillips all fit the criteria. If you have any doubts, look into the customer reviews for the product before making a purchase.
Benefits
Why should you look for an LED awning light in the first place? Here are a few of the ways in which this investment might benefit your lifestyle.
Visibility
When you’re camping in a remote area and want to spend your days hiking, the glow from your awning light will help you make your way back. Even if you’re parked in a busy campground, the lights may help to set your RV camper apart from the rest of the units.
Ambience
Social campers will enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere that awning lights can provide. They add a final flourish to the decor and help to set the mood for any type of celebration. Use warm lights for a relaxing dinner and cool ones if you’re planning on partying into the night.
Energy Conservation
LED lights give off a lot of heat and light without burning through too much electricity. That’s why we’ve chosen to focus on this type of light for the purposes of this roundup. If you choose solar-powered fairy lights, then you’re another step ahead of the game.
Easy Installation
It doesn’t take long to install an LED awning light, and the process is simple. Depending on the style, you can either drape them across the awning or attach them to the side of the camper. Remote-controlled products are especially user-friendly, since there’s no need to install a separate switch.
Drawbacks
Be wary of any product advertised as “track lighting,” as these are inflexible and and usually quite heavy. If you have minimal space for storage, you should makes sure that the lights can be rolled or folded into a shape that’s easy to pack away.
Also, watch out for rope lights that don’t protect against electrical shock. The best ones will have mounting shields to protect them from the elements, thereby reducing the risk. Check the waterproof rating of the lights if you aren’t sure whether they’re suitable for outdoor use.
In Conclusion
The RecPro LED Awning Party Light is built out of quality materials and capable of standing up to inclement weather. Because it’s available in a few different sizes, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. The price is low enough to fit most budgets, and the unit is both attractive and functional.
Of course, if you’re looking for something with a particularly eye-catching design, the RecPro might not strike your fancy. That’s why we included a few worthy alternatives for your consideration.
Best of luck, and happy camping.
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