The RV and camping scene is flooded with lighting systems to suit any budget, but this new, compact LED unit from Reese Towing falls firmly in the 'bang for your bucks' category.
Retailing for $39.99 for a pack of two, these diminutive units offer no fewer than nine different light modes – seven flashing red emergency/distress patterns and two bright white LED illumination modes – one with high-power output and one with low.
Tough enough
You can't expect titanium bodies and waterproof sealing at this price point but the POD is a fairly well constructed bit of kit.
Made in that nation that makes pretty much everything, the POD has a plastic construction but it seems tough enough and should be able to withstand the rough and tumble of life on the road. Certainly it survived the feared Caravancampingsales 'drop test' – releasing it from waist height onto concrete couldn't put a dent in the POD's operation.
Multiple uses
The best thing about the POD is its sheer versatility.
There's a fold-away (albeit fairly flimsy) clip that allows it to be hung from hooks, fabric loops and more; there's a magnetic base that will see it clamp onto a variety of metal surfaces (like the underside of a vehicle's bonnet – handy in a breakdown situation); and there's a base plate that can be screwed into a wall or ceiling (although, like the POD's required three AAA batteries, you'll have to provide the screws).
The POD simply twists securely into the base plate, meaning you can take it with you and fit it in place when needed.
Easy storing
They're compact too, measuring just 8.5cm across by 4.9cm high, so you can stow them in all sorts of nooks and crannies.
All this means that wherever you might need light, there's a way the POD can come to your aid.
As for the POD's many lighting modes, chances are you'll only need the two illumination settings. The high-power mode delivers a 140-degree beam of light at an impressive 240 lumens for up to three hours; the low-power mode will hang in there for far longer (and still delivers a good amount of punch).
Never in the dark
The illumination is certainly sufficient for you to see what you're doing, whether you're searching for the ugg boots for that midnight dash to the amenities block, washing the dishes, or attempting to determine why your tow tug's engine is spewing various fluids all over the road…
As for the seven flashing red LED patterns, well – chances are if you're in an emergency situation and you need emergency services to locate you, just one or two flash patterns would do, at a pinch.
The annoying bit is you have to use the one push button to cycle through all nine lighting modes in a set order – so if you're after a particular one you might be pushing buttons for a while – although thankfully the POD lights up initially with the first of its two illumination modes.
Verdict
But that's the only (minor) irritant in a package that otherwise does exactly what it says on the tin. They're affordable enough and compact enough to warrant having one or two in your car's glove box or caravan drawer at all times, ready for those moments when you really don't want to be left in the dark…
Reese POD LED lighting system
Price: $39.99 (pack of two)
Requires: 3 x AAA batteries, 3 x base plate screws
Available: Repco automotive stores nationwide
