Factory lights or add own later?

I'm looking at an ARE CX topper for my 3rd gen DCSB and a basic dome light with prop switch is $75. To add two LED strips is an additional $125. Worth it? Or better (cheaper, better options) to just add something later? If DIY, what did you use and how is it working? Thanks.

 

I have an ARE Z Series with their single dome light and it’s pretty worthless. It’s not very bright, especially with a black bed and dark gray carpet liner, and located so that it’s easy to break off the switch (I don’t have a prop switch) when loading large objects, and hitting your head on it when you crawl in back. But I haven’t bothered with an alternative either.

 

Don't do it. Get a kit from @mattgecko , that's what i did and wired it up like so.

 

Thanks for the info and images. Do you have a pic with the lights on?

Just to clarify, did you get no light at all or just added the LEDs to the dome light? I'm tempted to at least get the dome light and switch and then just run LEDs from that similar to what the factory lights would do. However, if the @mattgecko kit works better independent of the ARE dome light then maybe I'll just do that.

 

i have the AA powered dome light in my Leer and its not worth anything but it was free. the mattgecko kit is separate and is wired direct to your battery, i can get some output shot for you tonight!

 

Thanks.

 

I have the ARE Overland with Windoors......I paid the $125 to have them installed on the 2 Windoors. When you open either one the LEDs come on that particular side.....very bright, plenty of light.
They are mounted on the Windoors frame so they don’t move when the Windoor is opened.
And there is a switch on the inside so you can also turn on and off from there...if inside.
They wired these into the tail lights so it’s minimalist wring....pretty much hidden.
My dome light is also LED...bright enough to see anything just by itself.
The LED lights inside on the bed walls are AA battery ones I got off Amazon......but you don’t need them since the Windoors LEDs are plenty bright with just one set on.
These are waterproof....I originally bought them when I had a retractable Gatortrax cover...before the ARE cap. They also make them with a motion sensor. So if you wanted a DIY you could install these on the Windoor frames.....anytime you opened they would turn on. You can also set a timer for how long they will stay on. They are also waterproof.

$41 Access Cover 80312 Access LED Light Strip

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FPOSNZK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Motion:

$40 Access Cover 90392 Access Motion LED Light Strip

https://www.amazon.com/Access-Cover...rd_wg=Fzdkf&psc=1&refRID=Y3TJNJDC9GKF58H85J3D

 

This was about $35 -- Bright and I use a remote......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Svx7Wqegk&t=437s

 

Thanks. Was that $125 on top of the dome light? Or did you do your own dome? I'm being quoted $200 for 2 light strips, dome and prop switch. It's $75 for just the dome and switch and $125 more for the 2 strips. Seems a bit excessive but your install also looks nice and clean.

 

As promised OP



As you can see I have mine on the windoor to serve as camp light too if needed!

 

Damn. Need some sunglasses. That's some nice lighting. Thanks for the pics.