Buying Guide for the Best Strip Light For Rv
Choosing the right strip light for your RV can dramatically improve comfort, functionality, and style inside your living space or on the exterior. Whether you're looking for mood lighting, practical illumination for cooking and reading, or outdoor ambiance, understanding the key specifications of strip lights will help you make an informed purchase. The perfect choice largely depends on how you'll use the lights, the mood you want to set, and where you plan to install them in your RV.Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, often measured in lumens, indicates how much light the strip emits. Higher lumens mean more light output. For accent lighting or mood lighting, lower brightness is typically enough, creating a soft glow; for tasks like reading, cooking, or general room lighting, you'll want higher lumens for better visibility. When considering brightness, think about your intended use and the area size: soft accent lights are usually below 300 lumens per meter, mid-range for general lighting might be around 500-800 lumens per meter, and bright task areas may require over 1000 lumens per meter.
Color TemperatureColor temperature, measured in Kelvins (K), describes the appearance of the light from warm to cool. Warm white light (2700-3500K) has a yellowish tone, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere suited for living or sleeping areas. Neutral white (4000-5000K) offers a balanced, natural daylight look perfect for activities or workspaces. Cool white (6000K and above) is very bright and crisp, useful for outdoor lighting or areas where you need sharp visibility. Choose based on the mood you want: warm for relaxation, neutral for everyday tasks, and cool for high brightness needs.
Water Resistance (IP Rating)The IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how resistant your strip light is to dust and moisture. For indoor use, a lower rating like IP20 is usually sufficient as it covers basic protection against touch and small objects. For exterior mounting or in damp/wet areas like under awnings or kitchens, look for at least IP65 or higher, which guards against splashes or direct water jets. Assess where you will mount your strip—outdoor areas need higher protection, while protected indoor spots are fine with lower ratings.
Power Source and VoltageStrip lights for RVs run on different power sources, usually 12V DC, 24V DC, or sometimes on batteries or USB. RV electrical systems often support 12V, making those strips a natural fit and easy to integrate. 24V can suit larger installations with longer strip lengths, reducing voltage drop over distance. Battery or USB-powered strips offer portability but may not be as bright or long-lasting. Match the strip voltage with your RV’s system or your desired installation style – for most onboard uses, 12V DC is the simplest.
Length and Cuttable SegmentsStrip light reels come in varying lengths, and many are designed to be cut at regular intervals to fit your project perfectly. Plan your installation area first—measure where you want the strips to go. If you need a custom length for shelves, cabinets, or awning outlines, get a strip that allows cutting and connecting as needed. Too long a strip wastes power and space, while too short won’t cover the area. Always check how easily the strip can be customized to your desired length.
Adhesion and Mounting OptionsMost RV strip lights use an adhesive backing for quick, tool-free installation. Strong adhesive is vital for lights mounted upside down or in rough conditions. Some offer clips or channels for more secure mounting, especially important outdoors or for heavy-duty use. Think about how permanent you want the installation, what surfaces you'll attach to, and if you might ever move the lights. For smooth, clean indoor surfaces, adhesive is usually fine; for uneven or exterior spots, consider additional securing methods.
Dimmability and ControlsMany strip lights can be dimmed or controlled via switches, remotes, or smart phone apps. Dimmability allows you to adjust brightness for different activities and save energy. Simpler strips may only have manual switches, while advanced versions might connect with apps or remotes for adjusting brightness, color, and even scheduling. Decide if you want basic on/off function or more dynamic control for mood and customization in your RV lighting experience.
Color Options (RGB or Single Color)You can pick between single-color strips (e.g., only white or only blue) or RGB strips that change color for ambiance. RGB strips let you create different moods or highlight spaces with many color possibilities but generally cost a bit more and require a remote or app to control. If you only need practical lighting, single color is simple and efficient. If you like to set the mood or add visual interest, look for RGB or multi-color capable strips.