If you don't want to put in permanent wiring for your rear passenger reading
light (or any reading light) a viable option without wiring to trip over is
a simple headlamp powered by batteries.... available at most backpack
stores... also handy for having both hands free when you want or need to get
something done in the dark at night. I never go on a camping trip without
one. I take it backpacking too.
Bill
90 Westy syncro
-----Original Message-----
From: David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Monday, April 05, 1999 4:52 PM
Subject: Re: More light for rear interior

>I use a regular clip-on reading lamp with a flexible gooseneck, with an
>11-watt PAR-style high-efficiency fluorescent (from Sylvania) in it.  That
>is rated as a 40-watt equivalent, which is plenty because the reflector
>focuses it all in one direction.  If hung from one of the tent support
>posts it lights up the kitchen and central area beautifully, and it clips
>to the utility shelf or whatever for a reading or task light.  It draws a
>bit over an amp total at 12v.  We hardly ever use the built-in halogen
>light anymore.
>
>The snags are that it trails an extension cord around, and that it runs on
>110v.  I have a small (140w continuous) Stat-Power inverter velcroed to the
>forward face of the kitchen cabinet which serves beautifully for this and
>other light AC duties.  The inverter is powered by cig-lighter plug into a
>set of three sockets I mounted on the inner-after edge of the driver's
>seat-box.  It draws about 60 milliamps no-load, same as the refrigerator
>auxiliary fan, so I can leave it plugged in for days without drawing the
>battery down much.
>
>david
>
>At 19:01 4/5/99 -0500, Elkavitch, Michael and Diana wrote:
>>Well, it is getting close to the time that Siegfried will carry us on
>>vacation. I would like to add a reading light on the passenger side rear.
>>Any thoughts on what/where to get one and the best way to install it? TIA
>>        Mike
>
>David Beierl - dbeierl@ibm.net
>