Ok, first off... there are 2 types of LED awning lights:
* the kind that install directly on to your RV, under where the awning attaches to the RV. These shine outward from the RV.
* the kind that install on the awning spool itself, and shine inward towards the RV.
If it's the latter you want, you are correct...
Whether you drill holes to run 12v DC power... or simply run a 110 AC cord that you plug in... you'll most likely have to pull out the ladder each time you setup & break down your campsite to use them.
My rig was built before they began including the spool-installed awning lights, and I wanted them. They're made by Carefree of Colorado... and they conveniently make a kit for for those who want to add them to older rigs. So I bought it.
Well, the LED strip attaches in the awning slot just fine... but there's no way that I can see to install a power source to the LED strip that won't rip the power cord out when the awning rolls back up. The only way to do so would be to install the power cord into the center of the spool... but I see no way to do that because of the motor-head.
So that means you have to attach the cord each time you extend the awning... and then unplug it when you want to roll it back up.
As such... I don't use mine very often.
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