Blake & Rachel skypixelmedia
Words by Steve Fennell
Being able to see only 40 feet down a dark, rural road while hauling a robust fifth wheel or busting a kneecap on a picnic table in a poorly-lit campground just aren’t worthy stories from the road. For the uninitiated – or even experienced RVers – it’s always worth considering upgrading lighting systems for your tow vehicle or RV. When you think about it, proper lighting is not only essential, but provides added safety, rural-driving confidence and overall smoother experiences at a destination.
Tow Vehicle Lighting Options
It’s only natural for vision to wane after driving for several hours or your anxiety to rise during those later-than-desired night trips. But it’s also natural for nocturnal wildlife to jump out into the middle of a two-lane road or a fallen limb(s) to block passage on that lone drive to a RV park.
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Many lighting options are highly-efficient and require a low-power draw while still offering plenty of output.
“ Campsites are often in rural areas with roads that aren't well-traveled,” says Taylor Ulrich, outbound marketing manager for KC HiLiTES, a manufacturer of off-road lights based in Williams, AZ. “ Any number of obstacles can present themselves and having added, effective lighting on a tow vehicle cannot only provide optimal lighting, but ideal reaction times. In turn, this provides much added safety.”
With many forward-facing light bars or auxiliary lighting systems available, Ulrich suggests RVers to consider a unit comparable to the company’s Gravity LED Pro6 line. The SAE street-legal option (meaning they are approved for highway use) features the company’s patented Gravity Reflective Diode (GRD) technology, which are aimed backwards into the reflector, directing the light forward in an extremely efficient manner for optimized beam patterns and, most importantly, to meet a variety of applications.
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Efficient forward-facing lighting means lower stress levels and added safety in low light conditions.
Perfect for driving country roads, setting up camp or even changing a tire by the side of the highway in pure darkness, the heart of the Pro6 is the series of 20W Gravity LED inserts with Gravity Reflective Diode technology. In addition to providing optimal light clarity and output while drawing low amps, these effective bumper-mounted lighting solutions are ideal for your tow vehicle and truck camper when the stock lights just don’t cut it.
For subtle yet optimal performance, KC’s SlimLites are another option to consider. Measuring just 15 cm (6 in) and available in a pair pack, these compact LEDs can be mounted on a range truck grills or just below the front windshield, and offer both long-distant output or fill-light when short to mid-range illumination is needed.
Add the 50W of illumination (for each light), optimized and spot beam patterns and you’ll clearly see unexpected obstacles (to avoid potential damage) and even wildlife before they see you. What’s more are the 10 internal LEDs and reflectors for targeted light distribution and beam shape. This means means you’re provided with more usable light than standard round or stock lighting.
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Just imagine the difference of optimal lighting potential at rural campsite.
Area/Flood Lighting
Without upsetting neighboring RVers with blasting lights while around your campsite, area/floods are another choice that can be mounted in variety of locations on the exterior of a trailer, truck camper or motorhome.
“ Our side-facing area/flood lights are designed help RVers see clearly around the perimeter of their vehicle to ensure that there's nothing in the campsite that shouldn’t be there or that could cause physical harm or damage to the vehicle(s).” says Ulrich.
Not too bright or too dim, the C2 LED Area Flood lights offer a convenient 20W and a 120-degree scene beam pattern, offering a great light source when setting camp or various other applications when darkness prevails. They are also built with a durable die-cast 6063 and UV-resistant powder-coated aluminum housing and what the company calls a gore military-grade breather membrane that prevents condensation or entry of dust/debris.
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Cris Cornette
Underbody lighting provides subtle illumination; it looks great and keeps little critters such as snakes in plain view.
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Cris Cornette
Underbody lighting provides subtle illumination; it looks great and keeps little critters such as snakes in plain view.
“ Not only can aftermarket lighting make life at the campsite safer, but the RV life much easier,” says Ulrich. “Many of our lights are multi-functional and the side-facing area/flood lights draw little power so they can be used while setting up camp and even while cooking dinner or enjoying the campsite afterwards.”
For that added touch or to create a more ambient atmosphere, its Cyclone LEDs under-mount lighting systems are another ideal great choice and are simply are installed underneath the vehicle, providing added illumination.
“ Gone are the days of needing an extra heavy-duty electrical system to have a proper lighting setup,” says Ulrich. “All of these lights are highly-efficient, require a low-power draw and have a lot of output. With only a few added lights, the benefits over stock are dramatic. More importantly, you'll be able to have a peace of mind knowing that you will see whatever the road has to throw at you.”