Dome light installation

Hi,
I have a 2003 Tacoma with a new ARE camper shell. I Chose not not have the dome light included in the package and now regret it. Does anyone know of a way to install a dome light without drilling into the top of the shell? I would just use one of those stick in,lights but the top of the shell is carpeted.

 

Depending on the style of window, you can mount something to the aluminum window frame. I mounted a rigid led strip using this style clip: https://www.superbrightleds.com/flat-type-mounting-clip-flat-type. I ended up putting it on the side window, but you could also put it on the back window facing forward.

On a previous shell, I drilled into the thicker top area (not all the way through) and installed threaded inserts.

You could also try using Velcro directly to the carpet. As long as the light does not weigh a lot, it should work.

 

Same issue, I also have a carpeted ARE shell. I didn't want hard mounted cap lights, at least not yet, I may later. For now I wanted something cheap that I can easily change the direction they are pointing, if I'm using the tailgate preparing something I want to be able to direct one or both of them there, if I'm looking for something in the bed I may need to be able to point in the other direction. I don't sleep in the cap so I don't need them for that.

I bought these 2 lights and switch. I've will stick some (hook side) velcro adhesive tape on the backs, The switch will be mounted (stuck) half way but up the inside of the shell close to the lower strut mount and velcro mounted. Since the wiring already follows the channel up to the the rear brake light, I'll just break out of that channel with 12" of wire to connect each lights, I can't move them far with only a short pigtail but I can point them other directions.

It's pretty basic setup but I didn't want to do anything permanent.

$8 2PCS Xenon White LED License Plate Light - 12V-24V DC Waterproof 6-SMD Lamp Taillight for Truck, SUV, Trailer, Van, RV, Boats - Step Courtesy, Dome/Cargo, Under Hood Light

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088T59NQX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

$9 Jtron Car DIY Switches Water Drop Shape Button Switches Off/ON DC 12V for Fog Lights,DRL,LED Light Bar, etc (Total:39.3" in)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074V3XP5C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

There's an

$26 RecPro RV Gas Strut Switch for Automatic Lighting | 12V Automatic On/Off Switch for RV Compartment Light

electrical switch that mounts to the strut that will turn them on when the rear window is open,

The velcro will allow the light's direction to be easily changed. I'm not too worried about them falling off since they're plastic and weight very little but I'll need to test that. My truck is getting painted right now including the topper so I/m waiting to start this till that work was done.

 

I put some 3M Velcro strips on the back of some of those battery powered puck lights and it works great. Sticks right to the carpet. I have one in each corner.

 

I put some 3M Velcro strips on the back of some of those battery powered puck lights and it works great. Sticks right to the carpet. I have one in each corner.

don’t t know why I didn’t think of this. Thanks!