Efficient high-intensity bright white LEDs are becoming increasingly available for illuminating steps or stairs on decks and backyard paths. Some are specifically marketed for RV use. This shopping guide will alert the RVer to some products that may be useful, and provides prices and sources.
Although newer units feature stairwell lighting, older and lower cost units do not. Durable LED step-lights designed for outdoor use might fit retractable RV steps, with a little selective placement to be sure they aren't knocked off or damaged by the retraction mechanism. For this use, look for low-profile units that don't stick out too far. Try one mounted on the bottom of the coach just above the steps, or in the sidewall of the topmost step.
Why use motion-activated step lights rather than (or as well as) the RV's entry light mounted up by the door? There may be a few reasons
- The entry light attracts insects that may enter the coach when the door is opened (motion-activated step lights aren't on that long.
- The automatic motion-activated LED stair lights come on even if someone forgot to turn on the entry light!
- The LED step lights don't drain the coach battery.
Otherwise, use these handy LED stair lights as clearance or marker lights for corners, protruding frame parts, or any other external area of the RV that needs a little night time illumination for safety. Heck, even mount them inside an equipment bay so they light up when the access panel is opened.
Battery Operated Step Light PMB-530
A motion-activated LED step light with two levels of brightness is offered by Pegasus Associates Lighting. According to the company's marketing, this weather-resistant unit is ideal for stairways, decks, and pathways (though for pathways, many RVers prefer ordinary solar garden lights).
- High-intensity single LED light
- Designed for outdoor application (though equally useful inside)
- Responds to motion within an 8' range
- Dimensions: 3.0 in high x 3.75 in wide x 1.75 in deep (thick)
- Installation: Mounting plate, 2 screws and anchors
This particular product has two levels of illumination
- Low-level "glow mode" comes on automatically at dusk, remains on all night.
- Bright mode is activated by motion (the time the light will remain bright can be set for between 20 seconds and 1 minute).
- The unit returns automatically to glow mode after the bright time-out.
Takes three "C" cells (not included). Cost is $19.99 USD each plus tax, S/H at time of writing. For availability, check the manufacturer web site.
Motion Sensor Outdoor Step Lights – Set of Three
Improvements® markets these through their online catalog for general outdoor lighting , but of course they can be used indoors as well. Their low profile may make them attractive for use as RV step lights. Check InnovationsCatalog.com for availability.
- Single bright white LED stays on for 30 seconds
- Detects motion up to 8 feet
- Installation: Dual mounting (double stick tape or screws)
- Dimensions: 3-3/4" wide x 3" high x 1" Thick
Uses 3 AA batteries (sold separately). Product #361654. A cost $29.97 USD (plus applicable taxes and S/H), makes this is the most cost-effective (per unit) of the products reviewed at the time of this article.
Motion-Sensing LED Stair Light
The Improvements catalog also offers a slightly thicker and costlier stair light unit. These might be suitably mounted on awning posts in camp and removed for travel (provided the mounting screws do not interfere with awning retraction).
- Dual illumination levels (glow at dusk; bright on motion)
- Motion detection: 15' motion range over 270°
- Installation: Two screws that protrude about 1/8" plus head thickness
- Dimensions:3-1/2" wide x 3-1/4" high x 1-3/4" Thick
Uses three "C" cells, sold separately. Product #341529, $29.99 each plus tax, S/H.
LED step lights can make walking into and around the RV both safer and more convenient once night falls, especially in "bush camps" where there is no area lighting or in situations where the RVer might prefer not to use the RV's entry light.
Note: Suite101 has not physically examined, tested, or evaluated any of these units. All information is from the appropriate web sites, which can be found by examining the illustrations.
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Thomas Alan Gray - Tom has been writing for over 30 years; curiosity leads him to dig into a wide variety of topics.
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