Is A Roof Mounted Spotlight A Worthwhile Option?

A view from Lug_Nut.   There are many options to decide on when purchasing a motorized RV or adding to your existing rig. One of those is a remote roof top mounted spotlight usually offered on B, C, and A class coaches.  The cost generally is only several hundred dollars which is small in the grand scheme of the entire unit.  But, is it worth the money?

Well, yes, I think the item itself is probably worth the cost, but what about its application?  That is, how often are you going to need this and actually use it?  One would think they would have at least an occasional requirement from time to time; after all, it’s a spotlight.  That’s what I used to think.

I have had a spotlight on my last three coaches over a span of about eleven years.  I’ve travelled throughout both Canada and the U.S. registering roughly 170,000 miles.  I’ve done my share of running and stopping after dark.  In the entire eleven years I can honestly say that I only used the spotlight once.  I used it one moonless dark night arriving into a camp after closing to check out a site to park in.  Whether I could have used a handheld light instead is kind of irrelevant considering once in eleven years.

Now, there are two types.  One is hardwired to a switch and controlling joystick on the dash.  This is handy, always ready and is somewhat easier to precisely operate.  The other is switched and controlled solely from a wireless remote control.  These are much easier to install as they need only a 12 volt source at the spotlight location.  They are, however, not as precise to control.  Additionally, you need to have the remote control handy and require the control batteries to be serviceable.  Usually by the time you have retrieved the remote control, the need may have passed.  Both types are used by manufacturers and it depends what they are currently specifying on a particular make and model.  Newmar, for example, used the hardwire for many years but recently switched to the wireless type.

One advantage, and perhaps the only, to the wireless controlled unit is the ability to operate it while out of your rig.  The issue here, however, is finding a needed application that would require such operation other than it being “pretty spiffy”.

So, would I order it again on my next rig? Though clearly it would in all probability be a waste of money based on my previous experience, I admit I probably would.  Partially for the reason that I just may find more future needs and I’m just a guy that likes all the options I can get and afford.  Besides, as far as option sticker prices, it is one of the lower ones only out-pricing by perhaps the add-on shower handle grip.

Well, what’s your take?  Do you have a roof mounted spotlight, and if so, how often have you used yours?

Shining A Light On Another Option   –    Lug_Nut    –     Peter Mercer