There are upgrades you get, Teardrop trailer must-haves, that are pragmatic and functional. And then there are those which are truly unnecessary, just for the pure enjoyment of it. Here are a couple fave ways I’ve added light to my Teardropping world!

Inside the Teardrop Trailer

Let’s start inside the sleeper cabin with the best $10 I’ve ever spent on any electronic gadget. I took a colour-changing LED strip and installed it in an up-light position on the lip of the shelf above the foot of the bed.

A little remote control lets me choose any one of 16 colours (or white, but it’s that weird blue-ish white) as well as adjust the brightness. There are also options for light movement patterns but that gets a bit frenetic in a small space LOL. Having colour in the cabin is wonderful at night or in the morning when you need some kind of light but don’t want the harsh brightness of the built-in ceiling lamp.

A Worthwhile LED Candle

Another light I love is my Luci candle. Luci is a brand of solar lanterns designed for camping, which are inflatable to save packing space. The inflatable feature makes no difference for Teardrop trailer camping but what I like about this light is the warm glow and just how well the candle flicker has been programmed in the LED. Unlike those dollar store fake candles, where you quickly learn the short loop of the flicker pattern, the Luci captures it the best I have seen.

In wanting this site to be noncommercial, you won’t find much that I mention by name but Luci stands out when there are so many similar products to be found for less money. In 2016, hiking through a rain forest in Costa Rica, I found a Luci spectrum (colour changing) lantern on the ground that someone must have lost. And it is still working 7 years later. Yep, everything comes from China but apparently it is possible to manufacture something well, and with quality solar and battery components.

I use the candle when I’m sitting outside in the evening but don’t feel like getting a campfire going. And, of course, inside the Teardrop this is the only safe candle.

Hints & Hacks

• Most LED light strips plug into a USB power source, which may or may not be included. Depending on the length of strip, a 1A (amp) USB port may not be sufficient.
• LED light strips are notoriously fickle and crappy. Try it immediately after purchase to verify all LEDs are active and cycle through all colours. It maybe worthwhile buying from a major store, not online, for easier return if required.
• Notwithstanding the above, if the LED light strip works properly out of the box, and you handle it gently, once mounted there it is a good chance it will continue to do so.
• Before removing the backing on the adhesive strip, masking tape it into place for a while and make sure you like it there… once you stick that adhesive strip in place, that’s it, to remove it will be to destroy it.
• Most strips can be cut to length (pay attention to instructions for correct cutting points).

---

So, that’s how I do things with my Teardrop Trailer but by no means the full story or the best way. What about you? Add your own methods, ideas and experiences using the comment box below for the benefit of all readers.

So, that’s how I do things with my Teardrop Trailer but by no means the full story or the best way. What about you? Add your own methods, ideas and experiences using the comment box below for the benefit of all readers.