Camp Lights

[Ripper238]

I got a pair of Baja cornering lights that are 2500 lumens for setting up camp and backing down narrow roads if needed. I mounted them to a magnetic mount so they can be placed in a few locations or rotated.

The magnetic mount can hold 40+lbs

And with the quick release i can move the lights around or to the front of my 4R and use them as ditch lights.

I am prewired for ditch lights up front so i can simply unplug the lights and magnetically mount them and plug them in again up front. All wires are hidden.

As for a simple camp solution the LuminAID is a great lanturn and its solar. https://www.rei.com/product/120697/luminaid-packlite-max-2-in-1-power-lantern

 

[The4RunnerDude]

I haven't added any external lights to my 4runner, so I just make due with my current car camping/overlanding set up.

I have two of the solar powered "Luci" inflatable lanterns (think they are called M-Power now). They work great and put out a good amount of light, the batteries last a really long time, and they can be recharged by the sun or usb. Like others have mentioned, just throw them on the dash when you start your trip and if it is just a weekend adventure, you'll probably be good to go and not need any more of a charge.

I also carry a Ryobi workshop light that uses one of the Ryobi 18v batteries. It is obnoxiously bright but perfect for getting camp ready after dark. I always take a couple 4AH and a 9AH battery and use them for the workshop light, along with a workshop fan, 12" chainsaw, and small 150 watt inverter.

I have a buddy who uses a Coleman 2-panel LED lantern and it is really cool. The lights can detach and are magnetic so you could stick them on your vehicle if you want, or use it as a lantern. I'll probably be picking one of these up sometime soon.

 

[borfoo3]

I ran some local chinese LEDs that lasted less than 1 year before rusting out..

Moved to Baja designs S2 Sport, work/scene lights... 3 years in and still going strong. Running a pair on each side with the wiring tucked behind the roof rail and back through the rear hatch gromet, and hidden in the foot rails to a switch in the front driver side

 

[Akkording]

+2 for the LuminAID and thegrommet.com lanterns, they work very well for me and comes in handy when the 4R stays home.
If you have some extra funds for mod bug bites you can keep the rear hatch opened with upgraded leds housings

Icarus Hatch eXtreme - 5th Generation 4Runner (Pair) — ArcLightLEDs

Or when in stock

4Runner owners rejoice!



– MESO CUSTOMS LLC

Another option would be rear bumper corner Rigid or other brand scene lights purposely angled low slightly flooding the ground. These could be used as reverse backup assist lights that won't over wash your rear backup camera view. A high rear mounted top diffuser light helps out as well for late night base camp setting up. I left my Gobi ladder top plate attached, mounted my diffuser light through the exposed bolt, and ran marine grade wrap to the stock grommets just below the hatch. All great ideas previously mentioned in this thread, have fun and go outdoors brother.

 

[mrblah]

1. led strip (white and yellow) on the bottom of my RAGO shelf in the cargo bay.

2. LED strip (white and yellow) on the bottom of my awning, but i don't have to deploy my awning to use it.

power: either LED strips can be powered by the car battery (hardwired) or to a jackery.

 

[runner33]

THIS is just what I want! Can you detail how you ran the wires through the rear hatch gromment? Did you need to remove the headliner in the rear after to access? Any additional details you could share would be awesome.
Thank you!

I ran some local chinese LEDs that lasted less than 1 year before rusting out..

Moved to Baja designs S2 Sport, work/scene lights... 3 years in and still going strong. Running a pair on each side with the wiring tucked behind the roof rail and back through the rear hatch gromet, and hidden in the foot rails to a switch in the front driver side

 

[lowlinkin]

heres what i did...3 floods on each side.

 

[borfoo3]

THIS is just what I want! Can you detail how you ran the wires through the rear hatch gromment? Did you need to remove the headliner in the rear after to access? Any additional details you could share would be awesome.
Thank you!

No problem. I'll try to take better pics of it this weekend and share them.

 

[TipTok1]

For additional lighting, there are special models of flashlights. You can see them on Amazon. There is a large selection. But usually, I only took my tactical flashlights for camping, which, by the way, I also bought on Amazon -- Vont LED Tactical Flashlight, [2 Pack] 2X Longer Battery Life, 5 Modes, High Lumen, Adjustable, Zoomable,Waterproof, Lightweight,Bright Flashlights/Flash Light Gear/Accessories/Supplies for Camping - - Amazon.com. Suppose someone needs a flashlight that holds the battery for a long time and has a large radius of terrain illumination. In that case, a tactical flashlight will do just fine. I do not know any other options.

 

[RobS10]

We used to use Coleman white gas lanterns but was always a bit of a PITA to keep pumping them and deal with broken mantles. I tried battery operated lanterns, but the all sucked. Then I bought a couple LED Makita work lights that use the 18V 5 amp batteries I already had for my cordless tools, and they totally ROCK, crank out lots of light, last a loooong time, and I can recharge my cell phone off them. I hang them from my old Coleman tripod lantern stand, so can put them anywhere in camp.

 

[uh0h50]

For additional lighting, there are special models of flashlights. You can see them on Amazon. There is a large selection

This was extremely informative. Thank you so much.

 

[Captain Spalding]

We used to use Coleman white gas lanterns but was always a bit of a PITA to keep pumping them and deal with broken mantles...

The other thing about mantle lanterns is the hiss.

I use a head lamp for task lighting, but when the work is done I prefer a kerosene lamp when I’m camping. Fluorescents and LEDs just seem to clash with nature. The ambiance of a kerosene lantern is more pleasant IMHO.

 

[johnnygraphic]

Use my handheld Fenix PD36R for most things when walking about. It's just easier to shine the light on the ground or see wherever I need to. Using a lantern isn't always the best when headed to the bathroom at 3:00 am. Use the cheapie Harbor Freight $4 lights for normal around the campsite lighting though. I do have a headlamp, but those aren't the greatest since you have to tilt your head to aim the light at whatever you need.

 

[LenaJCooper]

I purchased Inforce Wild 2 LED Weapon Light & it performs very well.

 

[RobS10]

The other thing about mantle lanterns is the hiss.

I use a head lamp for task lighting, but when the work is done I prefer a kerosene lamp when I’m camping. Fluorescents and LEDs just seem to clash with nature. The ambiance of a kerosene lantern is more pleasant IMHO.

Yes, the White Gas hiss is a little annoying. Kerosene is a much more pleasant, warmer light than LEDs, but would think it's a bit difficult to make sure they don't leak on rough roads or stink up the interior from the wick being wet (unless you empty it out).
We have an old Rayo kerosene lamp with a round wick at our cabin that can CRANK out the light, love that thing. I guess it will be a while before the makers of LED camp lights gets the memo that the manufacturers of LED light bulbs for your house did and make some 2800K temp bulbs. Can't imagine anyone likes the look of a fluorescent light in camp.