Author Topic: Docking lights  (Read 9381 times)

Offline lostagain

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Docking lights
« on: June 09, 2014, 06:54:21 AM »
Often recently, I have had to back up in the dark when pulling in somewhere at night. I would like some lighting on the side of the bus so I can see what's there so I don't swing into things. What is available in recessed docking lights? Another option is work lights that could be bolted to the side of the bus. Or attached to the mirrors. Although I don't really want the bus to start looking like a dump truck. LED would be best. I have looked on a few lighting sites, but haven't found much.

JC
JC
Blackie AB
1977 MC5C, 6V92/HT740 (sold)
2007 Country Coach Magna, Cummins ISX

Offline luvrbus

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2014, 07:19:33 AM »
Build your own JC have Matt (saddleup) send a photo of the ones I made for his bus you don't want the plastic stuff on a good looking 5 like yours. I had the housing made of S/S on a angle and recessed behind the siding and used 3x5 lights with a S/S bezel County Coach like it so much they started doing on their bus conversions  
 
good luck
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline sparkplug188

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2014, 07:48:53 AM »
I have seen several motorhomes with three or four RV porch lights mounted along the roof line on each side.  The advantage of having the lights higher up is that taller obstructions like trees and power lines will be lit instead only seeing the bottom two feet of obstructions.

You can get either white or amber lenses.  There are quite a few LED bulb options that vary from nightlight to spotlight.



Another option is sealed automotive fog lights mounted both on the roof and under the bays.  You can buy fog lights as small as 1.5" round.  They accomplish the same thing as the porch lights, but can be mounted much higher up and out of the line of sight of people standing near the bus.

Offline Cary and Don

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2014, 08:22:23 AM »
Our Eagle has recessed lights on the front and rear bay doors.  They light up like day when on. They also are great for getting around the bus when parked at night.

Don and Cary
1973 05 Eagle
Neoplan AN340

Offline Taibob

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2014, 08:27:21 AM »
 
JC,
I have two ,new in box, some day to install, down on the list,
A round tu-it type job.

Optronics Inc.
Porch/docking lights
Model 691
part # 69100101
Bulb # 30000112
12vdc

These are white plastic, 8 x 9 in. units, with 5x5 in. ss backer for light.
Light is 4 in. round.
My friend Al, installed them in his mci 5 and they looked good.

Bob
84 mci 9  8v71n N70 Jakes 740 auto 2 Slides    BC/AB Canada

Offline chessie4905

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2014, 09:52:27 AM »
   Here's another choice, although have no personal experience with then. They look nice and compact. How about an infared back up camera instead? No lights needed with them.   

http://www.imarineusa.com/innovativelightingdockinghullback-uplights-white.aspx

GMC h8h 649#028 (4905)
Pennsylvania-central

Offline Audiomaker

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2014, 10:23:06 AM »
Just go on ebay.  I already ordered mine since I had the exact same idea.

Search for "docking lights"

You can get flush mount that should direct the lights into the appropriate area if you want a sleek installation.

Here's what I got...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AQUA-SIGNAL-85101-1-WHITE-OVAL-PLASTIC-BOAT-DOCKING-LIGHTS-PAIR-/190902000268?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2c72a55a8c&vxp=mtr

I've had a lot more boats than RV's and I wouldn't be surprised if I put as much marine stuff in my rig as RV stuff.

Cheers!

Offline luvrbus

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2014, 11:01:24 AM »
Those things with mounting frames look tacky on a bus with siding sticking out over the siding JMO
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline TomC

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #8 on: June 09, 2014, 11:50:46 AM »
Go to this site-they have all sorts of exterior rated bright LED's. I've ordered from them and are prompt with delivery. http://www.superbrightleds.com/ Good Luck, TomC
Tom & Donna Christman. 1985 Kenworth 40ft Super C with garage. '77 AMGeneral 10240B; 8V-71TATAIC V730.

Offline sparkplug188

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #9 on: June 09, 2014, 12:07:40 PM »
luvrbus or saddleup - I would really like to see some pictures of what you built.

Another thought--  You could mount fog lights inside the radiator air intake grilles on each side.  The light could be mounted completely out of sight.  I will post a diagram of what I am thinking below:

 

Edit: You could even mount lights up inside the wheel wells with some sort of expanded metal housing to protect the lights from rocks.

Offline robertglines1

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #10 on: June 09, 2014, 02:33:24 PM »
I have the stock docking cornering lights from Prevost (came with shell) I agree with Clifford If it were not having the holes to deal with they would be changed. That said one is located it the lower entrance door . 1  driver side below ticket window close to bottom in front of steer wheel.   1 each in front of the drive axle L & R  A switch on the dash turn all on or you can control with your turn signals for cornering. I do like location and function.   Bob
Bob@Judy  98 XLE prevost with 3 slides --Home done---last one! SW INdiana

Offline Charles in SC

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #11 on: June 09, 2014, 07:05:41 PM »
I always wanted to mount an old timey police car spot light on the drivers corner.
S8M 5303 built in 1969, converted in 2000

Offline Midwilshire

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #12 on: June 10, 2014, 08:13:51 PM »
luvrbus or saddleup - I would really like to see some pictures of what you built.

I'll second that. 

Been looking to do this for a while now, but haven't found anything classy enough that I feel good cutting a hole in the side of the bus.
Michael & Gigi
1978 MCI-5C "Silverliner"
Full-timers in the DC area

Offline luvrbus

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #13 on: June 10, 2014, 08:23:31 PM »
Matt will be along this board is just to damn hard for me to post photos now FB is a cake walk for me
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline saddleup

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #14 on: June 11, 2014, 06:13:16 AM »
now that the suns up...on a side note how the hell i retreve my password to get in the E=mag...tryied every password i ever had..
top pic driverside front....and a rear driver side

and yes this bus needs a washin and a polishin...
Yuma,Az


1974 Eagle 05 On the road, to Somewhere

Offline John316

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #15 on: June 11, 2014, 06:50:46 AM »
Sold - MCI 1995 DL3. DD S60 with a Allison B500.

Offline eagle19952

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #16 on: June 11, 2014, 10:19:25 AM »
Build your own JC have Matt (saddleup) send a photo of the ones I made for his bus you don't want the plastic stuff on a good looking 5 like yours. I had the housing made of S/S on a angle and recessed behind the siding and used 3x5 lights with a S/S bezel County Coach like it so much they started doing on their bus conversions  
 
good luck

Here's the picture of what Clifford built:
Donald PH
1978 Model 05 Eagle w/Torsilastic Suspension,8V71 N, DD, Allison on 24.5's 12kw Kubota.

Offline scanzel

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #17 on: June 12, 2014, 05:01:46 AM »
Great looking Attwood docking lites but at almost $250 a pair !!!
Steve Canzellarini
Myrtle Beach, SC
1989 Prevost XL

Offline Dave5Cs

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Re: Docking lights
« Reply #18 on: June 12, 2014, 06:10:13 AM »
That was what I was thinking. The price of these things, they should change my tires also!... There is a light and a light holder Bezel. Maybe some wire? You probably have to provide your own wire eh!... where is all the money in these.

Dave
"Perfect Frequency"1979 MCI MC5Cs 6V-71,644MT Allison.
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 60th Anniversary edition.
1998 Jeep TJ ,(Gone)
 Somewhere in the USA fulltiming.

 

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