The Best RV Awning Lights for a Night With Friends

Want to spruce your camper with some nice lighting during the night? What you need is a couple LED camper awning lights. These lights not only illuminate the area, but they also give a more relaxing vibe for your camper. You can even take a beach chair and crack open a beer.

So how do you buy the best one anyway? Well, I have a list of brands that I consider some of the best RV awning lights you can find in the market. I’ll be sharing with them so that you’ll know which ones you can consider purchasing. I’ll also give you some tidbits about LED RV awning lights so that you’ll know what they are, what they do, and how to choose one.

12 Best Awning Light for RV Reviews 2023

1. RecPro RV Camper and Trailer WHITE LED Awning Light

I’d definitely say that this is one of my favorite RV LED lights ever made. It has a very strong lighting power and doesn’t use up that much battery energy or electricity. It makes use of 1,500 lumens to be exact. Also, it comes with 4-inch pieces of polycarbonate mounting channel which makes it really easy to install.

What I absolutely love about it is that it’s multi-purpose. Because it’s very powerful, it can light up the area around the camp like a regular porch light can. Due to its jazzy color, it can also be used for dinners in the campsite. You and your friends or family can enjoy a nice and relaxing dinner or even small party because of the lights. It can give you just the right feel that you want.

It can also be connected to a remote control switch that you have to buy separately. However, I’d definitely recommend that you buy the switch along with the party light so that you can control it wherever you are in the area.

When I installed it on my awning rail and turned it on for the first time, all my friends loved it. It’s the ideal type of light for a night with friends, maybe over a small campfire and a few beers. I would know because that’s how we spent the night.

2. Camco Cute Hanging Outdoor RV Lights

If you want something that’s a little more unique and pretty, then I would suggest you get the Camco Hanging Party Glow Lights. These are extremely unique because they come in different shapes like trailers and beer bottles. Some of the other designs include chilis, star-shaped lights, cacti, retro trailers, dice, and beer mugs.

Since they’re hanging RV lights, they’re extremely easy to install. All you need to do is buy a hook and hang them up. They are both kid-friendly and adult-friendly. Kids love these colorful and pretty designs, so they’ll enjoy looking at them during the night. They’re also a cool addition to parties. I had a trailer party with a whole bunch of people once and hung those lights up. I had a never-ending stream of compliments from all my friends who are also RV campers.

Of course, the designs aren’t their only appeal. These lights also have great features that you’d look for in a light. For example, it uses 120 volts of power, making it really strong and bright. At the same time, it has an overload protection device so that it doesn’t burn out or overheat. In the package, it also comes with two spare bulbs and a fuse just in case you need to change.

3. Areful CSRL 16.4 Feet Flat Flexible LED Rope Lights

The Areful CSRL-16.4F is a decent LED lighting fixture for modern RV awnings. It has a fun design and thoughtful construction that will leave RV owners happy and content about their purchase. Moreover, setting the mood outside the RV is a cinch with this product, allowing couples to enjoy a romantic evening at the campgrounds.

I like these camper LED lights because the strip is longer than most products I have used. At 16.4 feet, one of these LED lights is enough to cover one side of the RV awning.

Although it runs on 120 volts, RV owners will never fret about buying a step-down power converter to change it into 12 volts. This product already comes with a 120/12-volt power adapter, allowing people to plug it into an RV outlet.

I am glad each strip has connectors at the ends, allowing people to link up to four LED strips to illuminate a larger area. Doing so can produce a LED lighting system that extends up to 65.6 feet. There are no worries about the connections because they have a waterproof PVC casing with end caps that prevent water ingress.

These LED lights have a 5,000-hour lifespan. Using them for four hours every night should last us more than three years and five months. RV owners who only go on RV adventures once or twice a month should see these lights working for a decade or more.

I only have two negative things to say about these RV strong lights for awnings. First, they only come with eight mounting clips and screws. I would have preferred more. Second, the remote controller’s range is only two to four feet. Some products have a 10-foot wireless range.

4. MICTUNING RV Exterior LED Porch Utility Light

Some people do not like the Areful CSRL-16.4F because the light intensity is only ideal for setting the mood. Hence, people who want a brighter RV awning light should consider the MICTUNING 12V RV Exterior LED Porch Utility Light.

I must emphasize that this product is unlike most LED lights for RV awnings. It functions more like a floodlight than a mood light, allowing RV owners to illuminate a wider area outside their motorhomes. Each fixture features six ETI LEDs, delivering 750 lumens with a color temperature of 6300K, making it more on the cooler side.

The brightness is also exceptional, making it easy to check if the steak I am grilling is okay or not. I have no issues looking for things with this lighting fixture.

I like the porch light’s robust aluminum housing construction, giving it exceptional lightweight characteristics and strength. It has an IP67 rating, enabling RV owners to install this lighting fixture outside their RVs without worrying about weather and water effects.

Despite its aluminum construction and more intense illumination, this product is surprisingly more affordable than my old one. It is a great choice for people who have a low budget.

My issue with these outdoor camper lights is that they are natural magnets to bugs. I am unsure why flying critters love flocking to these lights. Additionally, some people find the brightness so intense that they cannot look directly at the light. It has an anti-glare lens, but it seems insufficient.

5. Coleman 10 Lantern LED String Lights

If you’re not into cutesy stuff, then this set of lights may be more of your taste. These lights are made of Victorian style lanterns that are grouped together in a string. Personally, I prefer bright colored and funky lanterns, so this isn’t really my taste. However, I have friends who love this kind of design as compared to the usual bright colored type.

Now, what I did like about it is that they’re powered by a battery instead of electricity. While you think that this may be a hassle because you have to change the batteries from time to time, I think it’s a great way for you to save energy and money too. All it requires to power up are three AA batteries anyway. They also last for 20 hours before you have to change the set of batteries. If you don’t leave the lanterns on 24/7, then they can last for quite a while.

If you like this sort of style and if you want an efficient lantern, then I would highly recommend that you buy this one. Another great thing about this product is that it comes from a very reputable brand. Coleman is known for making some of the best outdoor products in the industry. With a history of over 100 years, Coleman offers high quality products, excellent service, and a wide variety of interesting merchandise for you to choose.

Therefore, I believe that you’d want to buy this product if you’re particular with brand credibility. Plus, it’s got a really good warranty against defects or broken parts. You can check out the package for more details on the warranty.

6. Polymer Black and Etched Bronze String Lights

If you’ve always liked those globe lights that you usually see in garden parties or in Christmas parties, then you’ll definitely love this one. It is elegantly designed and very durable. It’s also very simple with regard to design. If you like to throw relaxing night parties that aren’t so jumping, then I definitely think you should get this set. It totally adds to the mood because of its overall design and warm lighting that it provides.

Another thing that I love about this set of lights is that it’s weatherproof. So even if it rains or snows a bit, you can still keep it outside without worrying about it breaking or being swept away. It’s also waterproof, so it won’t short circuit when it’s out in the rain (try not to get it too soaked though). Aside from being weatherproof, it’s also shockproof. Even if you accidentally drop it or hit it, it won’t really be that affected (most likely because of the polymer material). I did accidentally drop one when I was trying to install the lights for the first time. Surprisingly, it didn’t even crack. That’s definitely something I love about this product.

Generally, it’s also very easy to install because it’s a string light. What makes it even better is that it comes with some stainless steel hooks that you can use to hang it. That way, you don’t need to buy extra hooks before you leave for your camping trip. They’re also stainless steel so you don’t have to worry about any rusting when it gets wet.

7. LED RV Exterior Porch Utility Light

This is another really good RV exterior porch light that kind of resembles a car light. I like this product because it’s got a powerful beam that allows it to shine brightly on your porch during the night. It may be a bit small, but it has a really good coverage of light, so installing several of them at your awning rail can give you the right type of brightness that you need.

When it comes to power, this one definitely has it. It operates with 280 Lumens and at up to 18 volts. Aside from power, another aspect that I really like are the materials used to make it. The materials are all environment-friendly. Since I’m a pretty strong advocate of environmental friendliness, this is quite appealing to me.

Are you concerned about how long the LED bulbs of this light can last? Well, you don’t need to worry too much because they can last up to 60,000 hours. In fact, the bulb that I’m using is already a few thousand hours yet is still fully functional. Therefore, it may last even longer depending on how you maintain it.

8. Dream Lighting RV LED Porch Multi-purpose Lights

If there is one word that I can use to describe this RV porch light, it would be multi-purpose. As the name implies, it can be used in different camping vehicles such as trucks, caravans, trailers, and even boats. It can even be used on yachts too. My friend, who owns a small boat, used this on one of his nighttime fishing trips. He said it had a very wide coverage and very bright illumination. Imagine if you use it for your motorhome or even truck.

Another thing that you’ll probably find interesting about it is that it keeps bugs away. Because of its high level of brightness and high heat, bugs like mosquitoes can’t stand to be near it. It’s perfect for outdoors as it can also act as a sort of repellant. You can save up a bit on insect repellant by having this around.

When you buy it, you’ll notice that it has a somewhat angled design. Aside from that design making it look modern and sleek, the design is used for making the light efficiency increase due to a 40-degree downward illumination. This is the only RV camper light that I have seen with this type of feature.

10. SUPERNIGHT 5-Meter LED Light with 44 Key Remote Control

This is a pretty high tech LED strip light that’s got a lot of really cool functions. First of all, it’s rolled up nicely so that you’ll have an easy time bringing it around. Because it has a self-adhesive back, I find it really easy to install. It’s also waterproof, making it ideal to leave it outside even though it’s raining.

Now, what I found most fascinating about this product is its 44 key controller. It’s the first one that I’ve seen that has so many remote functions which were all tested and trusted to work. When you check out the remote, it has a brightness control option, just like the remote of a TV.

You can control how dim it is and how bright it is even at a distance. Another thing that the controller can do is change the color. The color choices available are white, green, yellow, blue, and red. There are also a few more that you can check out. Since you can change the color from bright to warm lights, it can also be used indoors. I have personally used a strip in my RV’s kitchen and living room.

12. Valterra White Rope Light Track

I think you’ll find this product really useful when you want to install rope lights in your awning. The reason why it’s useful is because it can keep your rope lights in place without them falling off. One of the biggest problems that most people have with their RV awning lights would be that they always fall off because of weak adhesive. Well, this rope light track can keep them in place even though the adhesive comes off. All you need to do is install the track into the awning and you can put the lights there.

For me, this product is tried, tested and trusted because I’ve been using it for a year and have absolutely no problem with it. I can travel around the woods and still make sure that the lights are in place. Even when it’s raining or windy, the lights don’t really get affected. You can expect your rope light to stay right where it is.

Another cool thing about this utility track is that it’s UV-resistant. This means that no matter how strong the LED light is and no matter how much sunlight is exposed to the track, pretty much nothing will happen to it. It’s white color also goes well with any RV design as its quite subtle. No one will know that there’s a utility track attached to the awning unless they look really closely.

Green LongLife 4th of July LED Rope Light (Outdated)

As the name implies, it’s a 4th of July Memorial Day RV Light. I find these lights absolutely stunning as they come in a combination of blue, red, and white – the colors of the flag of the United States of America. They’re very bright and colorful, making it great for 4th of July parties and nighttime barbeques.

What you’ll love about these lights is that they’re really flexible. You can bend them in any shape you want. You don’t need to stick to the traditional way of turning them into a string light. You can stick yours to your RV wall in the shape of a circle or other shapes. Of course, you can also stick them to your RV’s awning just like most people would.

Another thing that I love about this product is that it does have a long life. Reviews of the product would usually state that it is resistant to cold temperature and UV light. Through testing the product by exposing it to winter conditions and very hot days, I found this claim to be true. The strength of the light doesn’t change even though it is under harsh weather conditions. This definitely makes it an ideal outdoor RV awning light.

A feature that is rather unique to this LED light is that it’s fireproof. This is because it’s made of fireproof PVC. Therefore, in the event that there’s a small fire in your camper or if you accidentally drop the LED light in your campfire, you won’t have to worry about it.

Boogey Lights Color Changing Hi Powered Party LED Awning Light (Outdated)

This is a set of LED RV lights that are built for parties. Just like the previously mentioned product, this one is also multi-color and can change colors by using a remote control. The remote control comes in the package which makes it really easy for me to change the color or brightness whenever I want to.

Some of the colors that it can change to include orange, purple, light blue, white, regular blue, green, and red. One thing that I noticed about this set of lights is that it’s really bright no matter what color you put it in. In fact, it’s actually brighter than the previously mentioned multicolor LED light. It glows like a strobe light at night, making it ideal for outdoor parties.

Unlike most other brands, the colors provided by this brand are elegant even in bright colors like red or purple. They do tend to look a little bit like the lights from a bar or a diner, so it definitely does add to the entire vibe of the place. It’s a product that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes having bright party lights on their camper just in case they want to go out for a drink under the stars. It really converts the whole camping mood into a more energetic one.

What to Look for When Buying an RV Awning Light

Now that you know what an RV awning light is and why you should buy one, the next question to ask yourself is how to choose one. There are so many out there that it may be a bit difficult for you to pick the most suitable one for your tastes and needs. That’s why you’ll need some sort of criteria to help you. Here are the criteria that I use when I want to pick out the best RV awning light for my camper.

Type

We’ve gone over the types of RV awning lights above so you now have an idea which one you want for your camper. The type that you choose is fully dependent on your preferences and purpose. For instance, if you plan to have a party with a lot of people in the woods, then you’d best get a hanging lantern or rope light. If you’re looking for something more multi-purpose, then the porch light is good. If you want to save energy, then take the solar-powered RV novelty lights.

These are just examples of how you can choose based on type. Before you buy RV awning led lights, determine first where you will use them. After that, choose the one that suits your tastes.

Color

The color of the RV light plays a bigger role than just the design. The color will determine the strength and heat level of the LED light. Generally, they’re split into three categories: warm light, cool light, and natural light. The warm light uses warm colors such as dark yellow or even dark orange. Cool lights make up the bright blue to white colors. The natural light is the brightest and feels as bright as sunlight.

Bulb voltage

There are times when some unscrupulous sellers will try to sell you “RV LED bulbs” that are not even suitable for RV awning lights. The indication to see if it is suitable is to check the voltage. The usual voltage of RV awning lights is somewhere in between 10 to 30 volts. Probably the most common ones are the 12 volt LED RV awning lights.

Lasting power

Another thing that you have to determine is how long it will last when it is on. Usually, the box will indicate how many hours it will last before it burns out. However, if you want to be totally sure, then one surefire way to do that would be to check if there is an aluminum heat sink. If there happens to be an aluminum heat sink that comes along with the LED light, then it most likely can last for a pretty long time.

Price and brand

Lastly, you’ll want to take note of the price and brand. While you do want to save money on cheaper LED lights, I suggest you buy the more reputable brands, otherwise your awning light might burn out faster than you’d expect. The ones I’ve mentioned above are all reasonably priced and are from reputable brands.

Other Important Factors to Consider

What is an RV awning light?

As I mentioned already, RV camper awning lights are a kind of LED light that can be attached to the side of a trailer in the awning. These LED lights come in various colors such as white, purple, blue, and more. A regular strip of LED awning light is around 16 feet long and is known for emitting a very powerful and hot light. However, you can cut the size if you want it smaller. Not only does it come in strips, but it can also come in rope light form or hanging light form.

Awning lights can also be controlled by remote control. Therefore, if you want to turn it on at night, you don’t need to flip the switch or anything. You can just flip out your remote and control it. There are also some awning lights that can blink to allow you to accessorize your camper a bit. In fact, there are also some awning lights that have connectivity to your smartphone. So instead of using a remote control, you can turn it on using your phone wherever you are.

A lot of people use these lights for camping parties and barbeques in the woods. They add to the whole ambiance and feel of the place at night.

Types of RV awning lights

There are quite a number of different types of LED lights for RV awnings. However, there are 4 different types that most RV owners use. Here are the four kinds of LED lights for RV interior:

• LED porch light

This happens to be the most common out of the four, not to mention lights that belong to this category are among the strongest you can find. This type also happens to be my favorite type because it can brighten up the area better than most LED lights do.

Other than that, they’re also quite pretty to look at. They actually have something like a dual function. This type is also the preferred type by most campers because it’s the most useful and most practical to have in your camper. You should know that it can be used for both indoors and outdoors as well. That’s another aspect that I really like about it.

• Rope light

If you want something a little more elegant and ideal for parties, then I’d suggest RV awning rope lights. This is the type that you can hang from one end to another to form a string of lights. They look really classy and are easier to install than the LED porch lights. Unlike LED porch lights, they don’t really need much installation. You just have to connect them to a power source and hang them where you want. Since most of them are remote-controlled anyway, you don’t have to worry about installing a switch.

• Solar-powered fairy lights

Solar powered fairy lights are great for relaxing at night under the stars. With these lights, you’ll definitely have the urge to bring out your beach chairs and crack open a cold can of beer while you lie down and relax. They’re not particularly bright, but they do shine intensely in the dark. This type is the best to allow you to find your RV at night when you’re coming from the woods. The intense LED lights are very visible in the dark, letting you get to your camper safely.

Aside from that, they don’t use regular electricity like the others do since they are solar RV awning lights. As the name implies, they run on high power solar energy. This allows you to save energy by using reusable power as your source.

• Hanging lanterns

Hanging lanterns are also a good option to put up on your awning. They look really nice for a relaxing night under the stars. I would say that they are the prettiest of all the choices. Unfortunately, they’re not very practical to have. They can get blown away during windy days, and they’re not very strong when it comes to illuminating power.

They’re still great for a design though, so I keep a bunch of them around just in case I’m having a camp out barbeque in the woods with my friends. They actually give off a nicer party vibe than the rope light. I would say they are a better choice for camper events out of all the options.

Benefits of RV awning lights

Aside from just being able to spruce your camper, are there any other benefits to buying LED lights for camper awnings? The answer is yes. Here are a few that I always emphasize when people ask me why they should buy RV LED awning lights.

They’re good for parties

I’ve already mentioned this above, but it won’t hurt to mention it again. I love using these lamps for parties. They’re really beautiful and can really set the mood depending on their color and style. Warmer colors set the mood for a chill dinner under the stars while brighter colors can make the atmosphere more energetic and jumping.

They can show you where your camper is

When campers go hiking, they usually leave trails so that they can find their camper. Even if they do this, most of them still get lost because winds may blow or cover the trail. Having powerful lights may actually help you find your camper after a hike. They’re especially useful when the LED lights are white and bright.

They save a lot of electricity

LED lights are built to emit very powerful and concentrated heat energy without using too much electricity in the process. This is especially true for the solar powered fairy lights which run on solar power instead of regular electricity.

They’re cost efficient

Since they use much less energy, then they’re actually more cost-efficient. With that, you won’t have to worry about spending a lot on electricity because they don’t consume that much.

They’re easy to install

Lastly, they’re really easy to install. You can either attach them or hang them on your awning without much trouble. Since they can be controlled by a remote, you won’t have to buy an extra switch to attach to the lights. That further cuts down the installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to install RV awning lights?

An RV awning LED light installation is pretty straightforward and simple. First, you have to cut the strip to the size you want. Then, measure it to your awning rail so you can get the exact size. The great thing about RV light strips is that they have an adhesive at the back, so it’s easy to stick them to the awning rail.

However, you can add an extra layer of mounting tape or silicone glue if you want to be sure that it won’t fall down. After that, get the instruction manual of your RV lights and follow the steps on how to wire the lights. From there, connect the light to your external power source. And don’t forget to use a ladder to hang the light. That is also included in the instructions.

What voltage are RV awning lights?

Most camper lights for awnings run on 12 volts of power, allowing RV owners to plug the lighting fixture straight into the motorhome’s electrical system.

However, some awning lights for RV have a 110 to 120-volt rating. The welcome news is that these products already come with a 120/12-volt power adapter, enabling users to connect the LED lights into the RV’s 12-volt system.

Can you put lights on a retractable awning?

Many modern RVs with retractable awnings already feature retractable awning lights. RV owners can also add RV string lights for awnings and other lighting fixtures with lightweight, flexible, and weatherproof designs. Most RV owners choose dimmable lights, enabling them to set the mood at the RV park or campgrounds.

Where do you plug in RV awning lights?

One can plug awning lights for camper in an electrical outlet near the RV awning. Everything depends on the length of the lighting fixture’s power cord. Most LED lights for awnings have a 16-foot power cord. If the electric wall outlet in the RV is too far from the power cord plug, RV owners can use an electric extension cord to bridge the gap.

Alternatively, RV owners can use an independent power supply unit, like a power bank. The advantage of this technique is that people can place it near the RV awning lights. Unfortunately, the power unit can discharge, requiring users to observe frequent recharging.

Another option is to hard-wire the awning lights to the RV’s porch light. Unfortunately, this method is not for novice RV owners with limited knowledge in electrical systems. Sadly, one can only use the awning lights by turning on the porch light.

How to set up LED rope or strip lights to motorhome awning?

Installing LED lights for camping awnings is not as complicated as some think. Most newbie RV owners find the following steps easy to execute.

1. Choose where to install the LED lights on the RV awning. Most RV owners set the lights a few inches below the awning reel along the RV’s side, while others mount them on the awning roller’s end.
2. Clean the surface thoroughly to ensure secure adhesion.
3. Measure the location and cut a similar length of LED strip lights.
4. Although most LED strips have an adhesive backing, it would be best to replace the adhesive backing with 3M or Scotch double-sided adhesive tape.
5. If installing the LED strip lights under the awning reel, ensure to close the awning. Secure the lighting fixture on the RV’s side with double-sided adhesive tape.
6. If setting the LED strip lights on the awning roller’s outer end, ensure to extend the RV awning to its full depth. Fasten the strip lights with adhesive tape.

Can I use ordinary lights for my RV awning?

Yes, RV owners can use ordinary lighting fixtures to illuminate their awnings. However, RV owners must choose RV lights with the correct voltage – 12 volts – to light up their sunshade.

Otherwise, one must prepare a voltage converter to transform the 120-volt lighting requirement to 12 volts. Some products might have power adapters with them to address this issue.

Unsurprisingly, many RV awning light ideas use LEDs because they are more flexible and appropriate for a motorhome’s 12-volt electrical system. RV owners can select different designs to create a more festive atmosphere or a stunning look. People can also install funny camper awning lights to add a quirky character to their motorhomes.

How to hang lights on an RV awning?

Hanging lights are easier to install than strip lights. To install them, install a rubber hook at both ends of the awning rail and hang the lights there. If you want something a bit more durable, then you can buy sticky clamps instead of the hooks. Clamps can do a better job in ensuring that your lights don’t fall down. You may also drill holes on both ends of your awning rail and insert a wire inside. Use the write to hang the lights.

How to hardwire LED awning lights?

If you’re not sure how to hardwire, these tips may help you. When you hardwire your LED awning lights, place the red and black wires parallel to each other and connect them. You can use a solder to connect the two wires together. If you don’t want to use a solder, you can twist and merge them. After that, connect them with electric tape or a splice where the wires are near the main terminal where the wires will be connected.

Conclusion

I would say that RV awning lights are a staple for RV campers because they not only beautify your camper but also give you light and heat. Of course, you have to make sure that you know exactly what you’re looking for, otherwise, you won’t fully enjoy the benefits of the RV awning light on your camper.

This is why I made this guide so that you can have an idea of which brands are the best. There’s also a buying guide to help you know how to choose the one you’ll want and need. That way, you can pick out the best RV awning lights for your trailer.

I would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to find the top-rated RV awnings with our guides and reviews. Furthermore, please take a look at the most trusted RV patio mats and RV slide toppers to pick the right one for your RV awnings and accessories.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.