February 24th, 2017

Rear quarter lighting, or dock lights as some call them.

So here we were backing up into a spot at night….. Behind the bus is lit, the camera showing me what I need to see. But we all know that the “pivot point”, ie the rear axle is key to getting it where we want to be. Not to mention the curbs, trees, power pedestal and water pipes are all in play, and in the dark I couldn’t see any of them. I’ve seen spigots taken out, the results are quite spectacular. 🙂

Every time I saw one of the higher tier coaches motor by I noticed the light they have mounted above the wheel well. So, I ordered a few of these:

I mounted it on the “fender” at the aft wheel well. I was able to snake the wire into the house bank compartment, and from there into the inverter department where I connected it to the light. Yes, I could have run a wire to the cockpit and put a pretty switch in, and then I could use it every time I needed to see a little better back there, but that would be a lot of snaking, extra fuses etc. Now all I have to do is turn on the basement lights, or even better “Honey, would you please turn on the basement lights?”……. I really only need it badly when backing into that black hole. And, when you’re putsing around there in the dark, like hooking up after that nocturnal arrival, you can SEE!

And….. after thinking about this for a little, it would not be THAT hard to add a switch for the basement lighting in the cockpit and make it a three way set up…..I’ll try as is for a while and see if I need it that bad.

March 2018

So to add to this, seeing the hitch, even in daylight is a problem. It is JUST visible at the bottom of the screen and the stern of the bus usually casts a shadow while the camera stays tuned to daylight…. So, I was at Pep Boys and saw a $39.95 LED spot light that JUST fits under the doors….. That’ll do!

June 2019

The Magneshade. Pricey, but they work. Didn’t think I needed one but sitting in a field for half of July and August the AC’s were just working too hard, and the front end of the coach was still toasty. So Magneshade it was. And the drivers side window. Installation is easier with a few people, in fact we’ve done “group installs” at several Berkshire Rallies.

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