Best spotlight for late night arrival

[Sicapo]

Hi everyone,

We frequently arrive late to a CG and thus have problems backing-up to the site because of the low light condition of many camp sites.
I currently have a small flashlight (Maglite) that I use to check the site for pedestral localisation and eventual pot holes.

I would prefer having some sort of "wide angle" spotlight so I can scout the site before backing in. Something that could illuminate the entire site. (I'll make sure not to point that in the neighbour's windows).

What do you guys use for that sort of thing?

[Festus2]

If you have an exterior "scare light" on the back of your RV, try turning it on prior to backing in. This light is reasonably bright and covers a fairly wide area.

[JRTJH]

I always carry a good LED flashlight with me when I travel. In fact, I use the same light for hunting, fishing, camping and for "snooping around campsites" after dark to make sure things are OK before backing in. This is the light I have: http://www.coastportland.com/hp14-led-flashlight.htm

I might seem "pricey" if you look at factory prices, but it is usually available for less than $50 online. Mine is 3 years old, still shines as birghtly as the day I got it and I'm only on my 3rd set of batteries. That should give you an idea of how energy efficient the light is.

It is about 8" long and weighs about a pound, so it's easy to stash in a glove box or console so it's always available. I can spotlight a tree about 100 -150 yards away, count the twigs on each branch or open the spotlight to a floodlight and illuminate an area about 30' in diameter by holding the light about shoulder height.

Lowe's carries Coast flashlights, and the ones they have are good lights, but not quite as bright as the one I ordered. The Lowes light I originally bought is in my DW's car. It's perfect for changing a tire or checking house numbers when looking for an address.

[Robby9]

For night time setup, a headlight is a great tool. I love having both hands free. I feel like an idiot wearing it, but it's worth it.

[sjturbo]

"Scare" Light sounds like a great idea. We only have one on the front right side. Would it be difficult to put one in the back? Attach two spots above the brake lights.

[diugo]

Wait, back up a bit. Arrive late to a CG? Instead of worrying about a flashlight, find yourself a Walmart, save a few bucks, and not bother anyone.

[Ken / Claudia]

I was going to mount lights on the rear somewhere with a switch so they could be on only when needed. Not wanting drilll holes thru any part of the trailer, I found that I have several flash lights and just use them. My most used one has the same battery as the cordless drill. Now both are stored in the crawl space when traveling.

[floatflyer]

West Marine and similar places have a good selection of spot and flood lights. Useful for docking at night. Same idea but boat control can be trickier.

[crash]

Lucky me ,we have spot /work lights on the back of our Raptor that light everything up like daylight:D

[turbopilot51]

What about a Coleman propane lantern? They light up a large area.

[suza]

We have a Stanley Ultra Bright LED Spotlight (handheld) that works great for many applications. It's not too pricey at less than $40. I'm sure you can find better lights, but with a much higher price tag. We especially like the fact that it is compact for carrying in the RV or PU.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-SL5W09-Watt-LED-Spotlight/product-reviews/B001U04MCG

It is not water-submersible, but is water resistant, dimmable, and 110 and 12V rechargeable.

We've had ours a couple of years. Still going strong.

[EricLynnAllison]

The NEBO "Redline" is 220 lumens at 4.5".
The brightest flashlight I've used.
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=83

[suza]

The NEBO "Redline" is 220 lumens at 4.5".
The brightest flashlight I've used.
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=83

DH bought me one of these for Christmas as few years ago. Some wives get diamonds, I get flashlights :D

https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=45&cid=16

I keep it in the car. It is definitely bright. Mine also has a strobe, as well as green LED and a compass. I love it. Thanks again, Dear :rolleyes:

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

I'm not much at appreciating bright lights being swung around
generally they have a habit of intruding into other folk's windows.
I tend to subscribe to the dimmest light I can use to still allow me to
see what is likely to interfere with the job at hand.
Bright lights affixed to the trailer tend to not care about someone
else's peace and calm that they have worked towards all day. or at the
least the majority of the evening.
Rascal doesn't do well with flashlights (no thumbs), so I've developed a plan
that works for me. Judicious use of the flashlight to spot hazards, then lay
the lit flashlight on the ground where I want the Driver's side rear tire of the
RV to end up and back to it. When the flashlight is canted at an angle so that
I can see the glow and won't blind me but will shine on the tire when it is in position.
I can then stop and go about leveling and extending the slide. Takes a wee bit
of practice but I feel that just about anyone here can handle this
non-intrusive method if they apply themselves.

hankaye

[Jim W]

I agree with Hankaye, only I go one step further. I set up camp no later than 5:00 PM at night. Although I do have on the back of the truck a set of "White Night" lights that put out 55 watts -Halogen lamps that produce 130,000 candlepower of light if needed.

Jim W.

[UsTwo]

Getting closer to fall now and getting darker quicker.. If we go out on a Friday aftrer work, We will have elec. now so i will use this if its to dark to see to back in... Works great. >>>>http://www.lowes.com/pd_320778-337-PQS45UT_4294857041__?productId=3182629&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=
Lights the ground area up, thats all we need..."bouncey:

[mikell]

We had a guy in the park a while back that had 2 small LED lights mounted on his ladder that pointed at the ground wired into backup lights. then when parked he could jumper them for rear lights.