Wiring cargo area lights... HELP!

[foonanas]

fourwd1 is there a reason you are using a relay? Is that part of the OE wiring?

 

[foonanas]

No, I'm not using the wiper and wouldn't mind removing it and its motor. Can anyone suggest a neat way of covering the hole after the wiper is removed?

get a gromet and silcone it in there.

 

[Awz]

Thanks fourwd1, that looks more familiar to what I learned in electronics. (wish I remembered more ) Gotta fix the DD first, before it dies on me, then replace the rear leafs since I broke the add-a-leaf, (safety due next month), then the wiring.

 

[fourwd1]

fourwd1 is there a reason you are using a relay? Is that part of the OE wiring?

The relay is not part of OEM wiring.
Normally you use a relay to control a high current load. In the case of controlling LED lights, it's not really needed, the current load of LEDs is very low. If you were controlling a pair of 55+W halogen lights you'd want the relay for safety.
I just put in in the drawing to show the the corrections to the first drawing, and also to make it a general purpose circuit.

 

[foonanas]

I got my LED's in today at work and my switches should be at the house by the time I get home from soccer practice with the kids. They are nice and bright!!!

 

[foonanas]

I have custom lexan panels all the way down both sides. They are not done yet but I have cut out the holes for the led lights. I have two different kinds of switches. I am trying to figure out where to mount them. I am thinking on the left of the light or below it..

any suggestions?

 

[Iroke17]

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[foonanas]

my panels were thrashed when i got the 4runner a while back. I have a friend who does glass work and he came across a 4x8 sheet of lexan for $50. so we cut some panels for both sides and and a tailgate piece. Never been really liked that metal look..

 

[Awz]

Okay so I finally got around to this. I pulled out the roll bar first and repainted it. It was looking pretty trashed. Got it back in and started running wire. I found some strip-lights at Pep-Boys for about 25 bucks, they have sticky stuff on the back that have already held up to one off-road trip and below freezing temps. I only used one switch, I just put in a place I could easily reach when I'm sleeping in back.

Second one isn't a great picture. It lights surprisingly well, I'm very happy with the set up, and have already gotten a couple comments on it.

 

[foonanas]

nice!!! I got mine fixed and it works off the deck lamp switch up front and the switch in the back. I used quick disconnects in case i wanted to go back to stock. I will post pictures and the how to this weekend..