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Camper shell lighting suggestions?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Trapperr, May 21, 2014.

  1. May 21, 2014 at 10:59 AM
    #1
    Trapperr

    Trapperr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Can anyone suggest a good light to install in my camper shell? It has a single, dim light on the roof now that runs on 4 AA batteries but I'm looking at something brighter.

    I don't know squat about electrical and splicing wires has me uneasy. Any self contained lighting systems out there?
     
    Fiesta346 likes this.
  2. May 21, 2014 at 12:27 PM
    #2
    Mr.Jack

    Mr.Jack Active Member

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    My sams Club has a 2pk led motion sense light on a timer for under cabinets for 20$ ive been eyeballing. Rims on double a's. I'm in the same boat.
     
  3. May 21, 2014 at 12:28 PM
    #3
    Trapperr

    Trapperr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just what I was looking for. Thank you!
     
  4. May 21, 2014 at 2:07 PM
    #4
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    There are some really bright "AA" LED strip lights for safes and vaults. Was just looking at them yesterday at Cabela's.
     
  5. May 21, 2014 at 2:26 PM
    #5
    Trapperr

    Trapperr [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What's the price tag on those things?
     
  6. May 21, 2014 at 2:38 PM
    #6
    Speedytech7

    Speedytech7 Toyota Cult Ombudsman

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    I've done a mod or two
    I could build you a lighting system that is as simple as hooking up to the battery with a switch for in the topper if you are interested. PM me for pricing and more details (you can specify what you are looking for). :D
     
    Stout890 likes this.
  7. May 22, 2014 at 10:05 AM
    #7
    Gabassman

    Gabassman Drive it like a 4WD

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  8. May 22, 2014 at 7:55 PM
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    Mod

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    Last edited: May 22, 2014
  9. May 22, 2014 at 8:01 PM
    #9
    UrPebkac

    UrPebkac Well-Known Member

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  10. May 22, 2014 at 8:27 PM
    #10
    Taco truck

    Taco truck Active Member

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    Habor Freight has LED lights for FREE!!
    Go grab an ad from them and clip the coupon.
    Works great and SUPER bright.. 27 led plus it comes with batteries.
     
    jackn7 likes this.
  11. May 23, 2014 at 5:28 AM
    #11
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

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    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    I found some adhesive backed, LED light strips at Autozone. I put two above the side windows, and two on the inside of the back window. It's really bright, and was easy to install. You can wire them to the original light, run a separate line, or use both(with a diode to separate the circuits).
     
    eweezy1007 and Howen like this.
  12. May 28, 2014 at 10:36 PM
    #12
    pickuptruckguy

    pickuptruckguy Well-Known Member

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    I'm so lazy I bolted a tiedown loop to the ceiling of my shell and I wrap a headlamp around the loop. This thread is going to revolutionize my camping.
     
    sivart1910 likes this.
  13. May 29, 2014 at 12:27 AM
    #13
    Mod

    Mod Well-Known Member

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    I'm so lazy I just stick a pocket sized AAA led pen light in my mouth and crawl around:rolleyes:. The rope loop in the center of mine is for the salmon net handle, or I can use a cheapie HF quick clamp that I leave there to hold a headlamp or a 1936 Coleman gas lamp. lotsa options and they are not all pretty, but it's a truck so,,,
     
  14. May 29, 2014 at 12:58 AM
    #14
    kasnerd

    kasnerd candied bacon

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    Granted my cap is wired up already (came with the cap) and just extending the lights, so it will look a like this, and please disregard the deplorable Photoshop:
    (red dots are wires to power source)
    [​IMG]
    Parts List: http://www.superbrightleds.com/checkout/?cart_shared=0538e9d1878b136d7b20f0708dc0f180

    More than I wanted to spend, but figured do it right the first time. Didn't want glaring LEDs, so that is why it is in a channel with a diffuser. Dimmer as not to sear my retinas when I only need a little light.
     
    Sauzacoma likes this.
  15. May 29, 2014 at 2:43 PM
    #15
    Andyd103

    Andyd103 Well-Known Member

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    Do you want a light that is controlled by opening the camper shell, controlled by a switch on the dash or both? I suggest just going down and getting an aftermarket dome light that looks good in your shell, and wire up a button switch to the door and a toggle switch or dimmer switch somewhere under the dash. Make sure to parallel the circuit so you can run them independently of one another.
     
  16. May 31, 2014 at 8:10 PM
    #16
    SR5Tac0

    SR5Tac0 Well-Known Member

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    Here is a fairly simple way to light your camper shell. I bought these on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008LUXS3M/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_lYNItb0NHTCA0 they come with an extremely strong 3M adhesive which works great.

    a4ypuneg_66c4e66e73659207bfdd1574835f08f548dbf8a1.jpg

    I just switched the camper shell to another truck. Once I get it wired up I'll take a picture to show how bright it is (very).
     
  17. May 31, 2014 at 8:37 PM
    #17
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    I like BHP's setup, which he detailed here. I've purchased the parts and, now, need to find time to install them... :eek:
     
  18. May 31, 2014 at 8:42 PM
    #18
    Schinkey10689

    Schinkey10689 Well-Known Member

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  19. May 31, 2014 at 8:58 PM
    #19
    Schinkey10689

    Schinkey10689 Well-Known Member

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    IMG_0647_zps48c4048e_e4eddb12508544df073e621a5423a88ed3e88ba8.jpg

    That is my final product.
     
    techie, 95GLH and DrFunker like this.
  20. Mar 30, 2016 at 7:41 PM
    #20
    LeftCoastNerd

    LeftCoastNerd Old 'nuff to know betta

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    vellly interesting.....

    I just started a thread where I'm thinking of doing something like this using RGB multicolor LED tape, so I can have dim red mode for my amateur astronomy, bright white for utility, and mood lighting colors just because. I've found some aluminum channel molding with diffuse lenses that I think will be perfect.

    one question, how do you secure stuff to the 'carpet' like material on the inside of a snugtop ? I was thinking maybe 3M weatherstripping adhesive aka gorilla snot.
     
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