12 v. "porchlight" question

[fisshersinpa]

I have a '94 Coleman Rio Grande. It doesn't have an outside "porch light" so I bought one at my local RV dealer. I know where I want/need to mount it to the outside..no problem. My question is, how do I hook it up to the existing power of the camper? I'm guessing that I can't hook it in series with the 110 v interior plugs, which would mean I would need to find a 12 V output somewhere (directly from the converter?) correct? As well, I couldn't hook it in series with my "running lights" which are only on when I have my headlights on and towing. I'm really hoping I don't have to run miles of wire or drill tons of holes to do this!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Tim5055]

I'm guessing that I can't hook it in series with the 110 v interior plugs

Well, you could but it would be very bright for a fraction of a second.

I would need to find a 12 V output somewhere (directly from the converter?) correct? As well, I couldn't hook it in series with my "running lights" which are only on when I have my headlights on and towing. I'm really hoping I don't have to run miles of wire or drill tons of holes to do this!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

You are correct in your assumptions so far.  No need to go to the converter, just find the closest 12v power source.  Water pump, furnace fan or other 12v items would be a likely source.

[fisshersinpa]

I was easily able to track down the 12v output from my converter by unscrewing it and tilting it out. I had a choice between using the output converted to 12v from a 110v power supply, or 12V from when hooked to the battery, so I chose the former. Kinda sucks that you can't have either/or, but whatever...we generally don't cold camp much anyway. The only other 12V source, other than running lights etc. was the ceiling lights, which I couldn't really tap into. I unfastened the bottom of the fiberglass rear cover loose and was able to run the wires the 3 feet or so needed easily. The only hole I had to drill was in the skin to feed the wires to the light.

Tim...thanks for your help. BTW..EXCELLANT SITE YOU HAVE!! I made the flower pot awning bases and they work like a charm!!