Top rail gate camping lights

[bad man]

Hey guys I’m setting up light strips on the top of my tail gate for camping fishing ect.
I have it all set up but I have run into a little bit of trouble trying to find a nice neat way of getting power. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[jonheld]

I grabbed +12 from the 2nd row dome light. Fished a length of #16 stranded above the headliner, through the flexible feed through, and down the left side of the hatch.
Soldered the wire on to the dome light with a small Power Pole connector for easy removal.

BTW, I wouldn't go with that much light on the hatch. Too bright at night and you will lose night vision for the surrounding area. I used 2 of these on the outer edges of the hatch.
High Intensity Flush Mount LED Bolt Lights | 12 Volts
Perfect amount of light for camping.

 

[Jgrauman]

Do you use your defrost? you should be able to disco the defrost grid, grab power there and then your light will be switched as well. just a thought

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Do you use your defrost? you should be able to disco the defrost grid, grab power there and then your light will be switched as well. just a thought

Actually when you jump out the defrost relay (relay control voltage is switched) you will have constant 12v 20A circuit to the hatch, as that is the way I did mine.
Hatch door activated
Switchable red - off - white
dimmable

 

[rolliges]

Is there a write up on this Phil?

 

[pedwards]

Is there a write up on this Phil?

^ this

 

[Dissent]

Actually when you jump out the defrost relay (relay control voltage is switched) you will have constant 12v 20A circuit to the hatch, as that is the way I did mine.
Hatch door activated
Switchable red - off - white
dimmable

I'm actually considering tackling this and I'm pretty sure what he's saying is to locate the Rear Defroster Relay and just jumper the 12v+ in and 12v+ out (to the defroster grid). This way there's full 12v to the rear (no defroster switch needed). Then after you tap into the defroster line in the rear, setup a on/off/on toggle to feed 12v to white or red LED strips.

 

[Alic]

Hi there. I still guest, that tailgate light is the best mod I made with my land cruiser. I use 4 led s from aliexpress on tail gate and one on the each of the side pannels. Is costs me 3 $ at all.
Power line brought from roof back lamp. So leds work as roof lamps in 3 ways. on\off\on when door open

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Is there a write up on this Phil?

^ this

Somewhere
Im on the road right now, search

 

[rolliges]

Somewhere
Im on the road right now, search

Best reply ever....

 

[Cruzerman]

I'm in the middle of doing this myself. Using some ideas I got from this thread:

Anyone mount LEDs on interior rear hatch?

I'll post pictures when done.

 

[Cruzerman]

Where is the rear window defroster relay located? Wanting to tap it for my LED light project.

 

[Conundrum]

$2, 2 second install, removable, and aim-able. I could also get more output for $2 and 2 seconds if I wanted more but between one and a headlamp, it provides ample light.

 

[jonheld]

Where is the rear window defroster relay located? Wanting to tap it for my LED light project.

Top left relay, driver's side kick panel.

 

[Cruzerman]

Was hoping there was already power back in the hatch to tap into. What was I thinking. Thanks.

 

[jonheld]

Was hoping there was already power back in the hatch to tap into. What was I thinking. Thanks.

Honestly, it was pretty non invasive to grab +12 from the 2nd row overhead lamp. It's always hot, fused with the dome light circuit (10 amp), and doesn't effect any other system on the vehicle.

 

[Cruzerman]

That's where I'm going to grab it from. Just been too hot here to work on the rig.

 

[Proven]

Actually when you jump out the defrost relay (relay control voltage is switched) you will have constant 12v 20A circuit to the hatch, as that is the way I did mine.
Hatch door activated
Switchable red - off - white
dimmable

beyond your cool looking cruiser...your garage situation has me even more envious. Is that two double garages with a sweet awning?!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

beyond your cool looking cruiser...your garage situation has me even more envious. Is that two double garages with a sweet awning?!

Yes with more storage in the back. More sq/ft with the garage and covered storage than the house

 

[Cruzerman]

Yes with more storage in the back. More sq/ft with the garage and covered storage than the house

Now there's a man who has his priorities straight.