Additional Cargo Area Lighting DIY - Done ✅

[Landoom]

Just an option, but i picked up a magnetic, USB, motion sensing light bar that I just hang off the interior of my raised lid cargo enclosure. That way I can always use it as a hood lamp or flashlight in a pinch. I bought a pair of them for like 30 bucks.

Got a link?

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[Jawbox]

Got a link?

https://smile.amazon.com/Lighting-W...pd_rd_i=B08ZKCD4YT&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_2_t

 

[redone17]

Just an option, but i picked up a magnetic, USB, motion sensing light bar that I just hang off the interior of my raised lid cargo enclosure. That way I can always use it as a hood lamp or flashlight in a pinch. I bought a pair of them for like 30 bucks.

I like that…did you go white or warm?

 

[Jawbox]

I like that…did you go white or warm?

Warm. I don't like the cold color temperatures.

 

[redone17]

Warm. I don't like the cold color temperatures.

I guess I was thinking for under the hood - bright white might be better. I almost wish they offered a combo pack. Thanks for the link.

 

[Landoom]

https://smile.amazon.com/Lighting-Wireless-Rechargeable-Cupboard（Warm-Light）-2Pack/dp/B08ZKCD4YT?pd_rd_w=eFU3x&pf_rd_p=dd90ca97-2be5-459b-8743-c5dfe28d351a&pf_rd_r=536B9XHRY8JT3S8HFRE5&pd_rd_r=0cbdf454-cdbc-4ff7-b352-dbedf8e36a8e&pd_rd_wg=V6IGq&pd_rd_i=B08ZKCD4YT&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_2_t

Nice, thanks!

 

[heelyeah]

Posted this in another thread but I thought I would post it here too in case anyone is looking for an alternate solution..

Not very fancy but I picked up this Neiko light from Amazon. Took the light bar off the spring loaded bar and strapped it to my JCR Offroad shelf. Won't work for everyone's setup but it was perfect for me. No wiring, no fuss, will still be there if I take the top off, and I can remove it easily and use it elsewhere, such as for its intended use (under the hood, inside the cab for detailing, etc).

 

[JB1901]

We have an MIC top w/ the sound deadening. We used one of these lights and after applying some Velcro we were able to easily attach it to the rear cap:

18" Light Strip

It's AA powered (We put in Energizer Lithium batteries) and has a 5min timeout. Works great for unloading and occasional use. No hassle if you remove the top and it's super easy to install.

 

[Gtrekker]

I saw this video for additional cargo lights on YouTube a while back and ordered the parts immediately. The cargo area is a dark cave, actually the whole interior is. This is a very functional, inexpensive, and easy mod. Highly recommended, and thanks to the dude who put the video out there.





I didn't take any pics during the install, there was no need as the video is very detailed and I basically copied him, used two light bars installed in the same spot. These lights light up the cargo area, and ground directly behind the SUV for a great amount of light. I did my wiring and switch different though. I'm not a fan of T-tap splice into wiring, so I used a plug and play harness to get power leads from the 12v port, which also added separate fuse protection for my switch bank.

I found a cool 3 bank switch panel that I could customize the switches. I got one for my new lights, one for future use (Sasquatch lights ), and the final bank I used for a dual USB port with battery meter. FYI, The switches are cool, I like them, but they are not amazing quality and they took about a month to receive on a slow boat. The USB ports work, and I liked the idea of having them back there if ever needed. The switch panel is a standard size so I can swap these out in the future if needs change.

And here are the lights off and on.

As you can see, these are extremely bright. The light kits linked below come with a dimmer and remote, so anyone worried about them being too bright for camping etc, there is a dimmer included which I tested and works fine. Here is my parts list.

Parts:
2 - Jeep Liftgate Lights - FYI There are many on Amazon that look exactly the same. I used these because they were In Stock and others were sold out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KZTQMDG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Switch Panel - Can be customized
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09MG149HC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

3M double sided moulding tape
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JOVUO0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Plug and Play Accessory Power Harness - Only needed for a plug and play install. You could easily T-Tap or splice into the 12v if you prefer. The light kits I bought came with the T-taps.
4D Tech | Ford Upgrades, Replacements & Accessories

Hey, we probably saw the same or similar video on an install like this. I ordered the lightbar and found it was a bit to rigid to conform to the rear window slight curve (bottom of window). Wasn't sure the 3M would hold the center / middle of the light without lifting. How did it work for you, any lifting yet.

Agree its a great upgrade. Well done...

UPDATE - This is the light i tried. Looks like the same light. May need to give it another try.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JZ6WTLZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Ksjrb03]

Hey, we probably saw the same or similar video on an install like this. I ordered the lightbar and found it was a bit to rigid to conform to the rear window slight curve (bottom of window). Wasn't sure the 3M would hold the center / middle of the light without lifting. How did it work for you, any lifting yet.

Agree its a great upgrade. Well done...

UPDATE - This is the light i tried to install. Just ordered your light.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JZ6WTLZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I haven’t had any issues. Holding strong as can be with quality 3M tape. I’m not sure my light is any different, there are several on Amazon that look exactly the same.

 

[Dom]

As a complete noob to car mod how easy/hard is it to tap into the 12v in the cargo area? I was thinking just a usb light with a switch but hiding it all more and/or tying it to when the tailgate opens would be gravy

Did you watch the video? It seems like it would be a peice of cake. Plus, he linked a harness that is plug and play which is even easier. I bet you could tackle this and it won't be a problem. I have faith in you homie!

 

[Ksjrb03]

Yes, there are a couple of different ways to wire it, and they are all pretty darn simple!

 

[redone17]

https://smile.amazon.com/Lighting-Wireless-Rechargeable-Cupboard（Warm-Light）-2Pack/dp/B08ZKCD4YT?pd_rd_w=eFU3x&pf_rd_p=dd90ca97-2be5-459b-8743-c5dfe28d351a&pf_rd_r=536B9XHRY8JT3S8HFRE5&pd_rd_r=0cbdf454-cdbc-4ff7-b352-dbedf8e36a8e&pd_rd_wg=V6IGq&pd_rd_i=B08ZKCD4YT&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_m_rp_2_t

Thanks so much for the heads up on these. Super happy with this simple upgrade. I mounted one of the iron bars under the hood. Game changer.

I installed the other one on the roll bar in the cargo (I’ll take/post a pic tomorrow). I wasn’t psyched on the angle when it was mounted to the window frame since I have the IAG struts. It was right in my eyes and not directed to the cargo. Might be good to have there for camping and lighting the tailgate area. Perhaps I’ll see if I can get another iron bar to have that as an option. Either way - love the simplicity and mobility.

 

[Scruff9983]

Great job. I did something similar with mine except I used a std. Usb Led light strip hardwired into the 12v outlet with a 12v-5v converter and a switch.

 

[FstFrd00]

I did this. Used these (Nilight LED strips)
Trimmed to fit
Used the cheapy switch
Took maybe 30 minutes in the Texas heat.

I'll get a pic tonight

It seems I might need to do some readjusting, the bumper area isn't as bright as I hoped.

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