How to Build Custom LED Strip Lighting

[@eddaeges9309]

I installed mine a couple of weeks ago. Works great. For people that don't solder, they have easy tabs that you snap on the LED strip and makes connection. I'm going install a system in my truck topper and see how that works. Again, Thank You Brad for you channel. Really enjoy it.

[@LOVE-62]

My best friend of over 20+ years (we met in the Navy) is just like your Marco. Just the nicest dude ever. Salt of the earth type of guy. Your channel is awesome Brad (Marco your channel is awesome also) well done guys.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Great addition to the Jeep. In case no one mentioned it before (I confess, I didn`t read through the 100 comments) you can put a dab of hot glue over those connections at the LED strip to refill the melted holes and seal up the exposed bit of wire. Cheers and keep it shiny side up!

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Also to act as strain relief.

[@jeffdunehew]

Ha.. I came here to say this. Not THAT big of a deal, but they made comments about having the waterproof coating on the LED strips so I assumed they would want to know the trick of coating things with hot glue.

[@WaslonLopes]

Marco is a master of food as well as electronics!

[@markcatizone2011]

Super helpful idea. Thanks to Marco for sharing all his knowledge with us. I feel so much better about tackling something like this.

[@RubiconUnlimited]

I almost bought a preinstalled kit last week. I love soldering and much rather do this myself, thanks to both you and Marco for putting this tutorial together! Next project on the list. What a clean install!

[@ponchwarez]

New Jeep owner of a 2015 Rubicon. Loving this channel, and this little project is going to be a sweet ass father/son build in the next few weeks. Really appreciate you and @OVRLNDX for putting it together.

[@waywardescapes4384]

Marco is always so meticulous with his builds. Excellent video!

[@TrailRecon]

Yes he is and that's why I love his Jeep!

[@OVRLNDX]

Wayward Escapes Thank you!

[@7sinscustoms]

I took the padding off of my roll bars, and then took off the dome light, running wiring from dome light to an easy plug to LED strip around inside my hardtop. It plugs upfront by sun visor, and luminates the entire inside, and eliminates the wires on the roll bar. Love it, super bright.

[@garrettdaeges7382]

Just helped my Dad do this install. He wants to install it also in the truck topper. Thank you.

[@ratled1]

Consider adding one more strip on the inside for more light in the back.... it really helps. Thanks for another great video

[@TrailRecon]

Great suggestion, thank you!

[@JosephVE3GKT]

I love these videos of cheap, useful mods. Your four-tire inflator video is one of my favorites!

[@TrailRecon]

So glad you enjoyed it! There is something rewarding about building stuff like this and the four tire inflation system.

[@Trickson]

I don’t own a Jeep, but I watch your videos for the excellent content you produce and your tips and tricks videos. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@TrailRecon]

That's the great thing about his project is you can tailor it to any vehicle. Thank you!

[@Igot2fly1]

Excellent job. I actually made two for my Tahoe. Now I'm building more for my 2021 Grand Cherokee. You guys Rock. Thanks Brothers. Larry. US Army Signal corp. 76-82

[@NicholasHoggan]

Awesome video. Thank you for including more information in the comments section.

[@Lmiller201]

I saw Marco's lights on a walk through video and I'm gonna use this for lighting the stairs on my porch and wired into the low voltage transformer. Thank you Marco for the inspiration. They sell meat little pigtail connectors so you don't have to solder 😁

[@m.parreaguirre3370]

Just did this mod - thanks for sharing. It may have been discussed in comments below, but for those trying to tap into a power source just wire up to the rear dome light and tap into the Black and Yellow wires (Not the yellow wire with stripe) - Black to Black; Yellow to Red or whatever color wire is your +. LED's will come on with dome light and fade out as well. Hot glue to cover holes and soldered exposed wires was good call in comment too!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Such a great mod!! Made a diy video very similar to this. Having a rear hatch light is a must have!

[@albygreatwhite]

I know this is an old video but it’s something I’ve wanted to do on my Xterra and this video has come in clutch! Mahalos

[@mhatfie]

What?! Marco didn't grill up some Filet Mignon Tacos while installing the light? Seriously, great video Brad. Marco seems to be a kind, generous guy and I learn from him today. Thanks!

[@ninez5740]

First time I saw this. Very informative and useful.

[@isaacleal2]

I thought that I had done a great installation on my Troller (Brazilian 4x4) by using a magnetic switch on the glass, but I'll add this dimmer on my installation too. What an awesome tip!

[@karinbennett9807]

Just installed in my Jeep and hooked up the power to my Spod. Love it.

[@N8FLY]

Just bought all the supplies. Looking forward to this fun project! Thank you Brad and Marco...especially for the parts list!

[@dmonic31]

Best channel hands down! Thanks Brad.

[@stephenjackson1536]

Great video as always. I would like to see how you tapped into your power and then into the box.

[@JDPhotography7]

Great detailed video and mod. Thanks for sharing.

[@project-5724]

I did this to my jeep shortly after you posted the video. It came out very nice. For the price you can't go wrong - I am thinking should have gone with colored LED so I can turn it yellow for the bugs. Otherwise its a very "cool" setup!

[@imdbtruth]

I like your positive attitude.

[@229Reaper]

Done this last year on my jku tailgate table but din't even know about these aluminum channels,make me wanna do an update now,super cool video,thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

The aluminum channel really gives this setup the added touch. Thank you!

[@AddictedToJeepsCom]

Nicely done. We’ve been considering adding a similar set of LEDs to our JK - one set like your install and another set that would better light up the storage area automatically when the rear door is opened. Keep up the great work!

[@TrailRecon]

Having an auto switch when opening a door is a great idea. I think there are so many useful way to put these strips to work.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Nice, everyone should know how to solder wire etc etc etc especially in this sport/pastime if it breaks way out___________________________ Its good to know how it all works.

[@JDJD-hg9hu]

Awesome video gentlemen! If you guys don’t mind I’m rigging it in the bronco. Stay happy healthy and fluid

[@kmslatton]

I’ve been wanting to do this since your walk around of Marco’s Jeep. Thank for the video.

[@timweimar8768]

Thanks you guys!! Can't wait to get this installed. Thanks for listing the products as well.

[@TrailRecon]

You are very welcome!

[@Topo42mh]

DIY stuff always the best content

[@kyleallen8678]

This is awesome. Was looking at a Brawlee setup, but I want to do it myself. THANK YOU for the parts list!!!

[@kurt5457]

Bookmarked! Such an awesome mod. Thanks and hi from Australia!

[@TrailRecon]

Awesome, glad you found it useful!

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Nice idea. I'm going to upgrade my cheap footwell lighting (installed in 2009 LOL) with these; I like the rigid mount, and the ability to use my own wiring (specifically 16AWG SGX-rated). A few things: 1. The braided sleeving can melt if the heat gun is too hot or placed too closely. I've melted it (Techflex) before while trying to contract heat shrink over it in the past. Obviously the fiberglass sleeving doesn't do this lol. 2. It might be a good idea to "pot" the power leads for strain relief and environmental sealing. You can use hot glue or epoxy. 3. The best tape for this application would be VHB 5952; it will handle heat better than the Scotch over the long run. 4. The solution might be better served with a pressure switch located near the hinge instead of a box/module to control it all.

[@SynergyAVE]

You should have put heat shrink over the solder point help keep water out. Also, you should cut the braided loom with a knife or cutters that you heated up with the heat gun. By doing this, the loom will not fray and look like it had a hard night of partying. Lastly, "Fast Cap" makes an incredible tape, called "speed tape' (sold on Amazon) that was not designed for LED's BUT it is by far the best out there for this and any other thing you need double stick tape for.

[@worrowp]

This is an great mod! I can’t wait to add some to myJKU. Your channel is awesome, keep up the great work!

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job Marco...

[@TrailRecon]

Marco is the man!

[@danhambrick6331]

Brother Man...lol..

[@OVRLNDX]

Dan Hambrick Thank You man! Hopefully this idea works out for you!

[@rhill9717]

Thank you guys SO much for sharing this. I did order a 16 ga quick disconnect also for taking the hard top off.

[@texanpride1979]

Such a simple and useful project for multiple applications. Great job. I will definitely be adding this to my build list. Thanks for the video guys

[@averagerider92]

Big fan of that extreme double sided tape, from experience with it, wipe mounting area with denatured alcohol or alcohol to remove any armor all or grease

[@soldier42mp37]

Genius Idea !👍🏼 Awesome video guys !

[@jrodriguez8216]

Thank you can wait to get my rig to do this in the future Always enjoy how well the both of you work together.

[@dennisranck1613]

I did a similar in style in my wife's Hyundai Elantra and my mother-in-law's Hyundai accent. I simply tied in to the existing trunk light. Because this system does not draw a lot of current, I felt safe tying into The existing late because there is not excessive current draw. Also, when the truck is opened, it is like daytime. I used the waterproof version in the Electra, I used the non-waterproof version in the accent. I did not use the aluminum channel, because of the curvature of both trunk lids.

[@vgullotta]

oh man, this is killer, I'm going to order some of the LED lights to make rock lighting for my Jeep!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Nice install! I did something similar about a year ago. However, not really caring about having "diffused" light, I just attached the adhesive backing on the flexible LED light strip directly to the window glass. Those strips are flexible and I made one continuous run all the way around in the same areas you showed. Some of the reels of LED lights will come with very simple snap connectors to make the connection solid and easy without soldering.

[@1111Overland]

How did that work? That’s what I was thinking of doing. Did you wire it into your dome light or on a separate switch?

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Jeremy McLerran I have 12V in the back cargo area from the factory cig/accessory plug on the lower right of the factory subwoofer. I mounted a flush rocker switch. Love the huge area of light in the back. I actually also have some additional external LED lights near the rockers on both sides as well as some more on the back tire carrier that I did wire into the dome/courtesy circuit so that when I hit the remote unlock I have more than decent exterior lighting at night when I walk up to the Jeep in the dark.

[@5thGenNativeTexan]

Behind the passenger side kick panel (the little panel on the sidewall down by the front seat passenger's legs) there is a bundle of wires. In that bundle of wires is one that is yellow with a white stripe. That is the 12V power for the courtesy lights (dome lights, etc). It's thin so you don't want to load it with anything heavy, but lightly loaded LED lights like these LED strips, etc are fine. I'm running two LED strips about 18" long in hard polycarbonate waterproof housings that are mounted underneath near the rocker guards on each side so that you have the "pool" of light on the ground next to the doors on each side to see what you're stepping out into, and I've got a couple more mounted on the tubular sides of my swing-away tire carrier so that when you walk up to the back of the Jeep in the dark you can see what you're doing.

[@classicrocker81]

Awesome idea! Might do this to my camper shell!

[@mariodesmo]

The low current load of the LED's allows you to have them on longer than incandescent lights, and not have to worry about discharging your battery!

[@amberyoung1675]

Hi, how many leds do you think they could run off that 12V?

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Wow what a clean install very detailed install. Looks great!!

[@sworks7124]

That is a bromance in the making there.

[@jkkrubicon677]

Great video, ordered mine tonight I’m going to do mine 4 sided for the extra light, good install and thank you👍

[@TrailRecon]

4 sided will be a great setup and you'll have plenty of material for it!

[@joshmontgomery4040]

This video I love it has been so helpful thank you both so much.

[@ericschmidt3759]

This is genius, Thank you for sharing. Just Awesome.

[@sifilmaker]

Nice mod.. I used a single strip on the window, works great, but really like your idea...and those strips better. Might pull mine out and copy yours...lolol tks. wish I wouldve seen this earlier...

[@jeffdunehew]

I just finished installing LED strips that you guys have linked in my 18 Taco. Like literally 30 minutes ago. It is as bright as the surface of the sun in my camper shell. Note - I wanted to just use the strips so I did not use those "channels" to diffuse the light. I already had the issue of one of the strips trying to come down. I actually installed them in some extruded aluminum framing my camper shell has so it would partially diffuse them. I don't like it and I'm going to end up getting those pieces that you guys used.

[@TrailRecon]

So many possibilities with these lights. Great to hear about other projects out there.

[@overlandvegan8224]

Great DIY... Well done. Thanks for the inspiration. 👍🏻

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you sir!

[@TikkerLoS]

really nice install video, everything pretty well explained. a neat addition would be to add constant 12v power, but use a mercury/tilt switch for lights on

[@jmillerbeco]

Nicely done!!

[@BB-ig2ft]

That's pretty slick!

[@TrailRecon]

It's been something I've been wanting to do ever seeing it on Marco's rig... very slick!

[@ummbeer1]

Nice job, thanks for sharing!

[@trimtrovewellness]

Looks good, I’m going to run some red ones around the roof.

[@rbinatorr7761]

Very nice, good idea

[@c-note4146]

Awesome! Thank you much for sharing!

[@crazyt8781]

Great video man. That's is awesome looking.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jasoncottingham6573]

Great video, can't wait to try this on my JKU. Great content keep it coming!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@Ram-vt3rm]

Great video!!

[@AYSeminar]

Seems you could make some great rock lights for cheep using this same stuff!

[@TrailRecon]

I'm sure you could find a cleaver way to make that work.

[@NorthBoundExpeditions]

Thanks for this great step by step video, will be doing this very soon!

[@clornboy]

Just seeing this video three years later. Great set up. Can I run wires and directly connect to battery? I'm not to savvy with electronics but it wasn't explained how to source power. I did hear u had a fridge which made it easier for u but I don't have that in my jeep. Thanks.

[@dirt.road.warriors7143]

Love the videos man. Watch every one. Keep doing what your doing

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!

[@titolynch]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@ThePremo1719]

Love it. Great video. Thanks.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@anthonytolliver4717]

Did I miss how you hooked up the power? You said you already had a wire fed back there? Just curious how to get power for the less electrical savvy people. Great video thanks, ordered my parts!

[@VTXDubya]

I have the same question...any response?

[@natelk5]

This was an awesome build 👍🏽👌🏼🤙🏽. Can’t wait to order my items from amazon and start this on my JKU!Awesome!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@jlmedina9610]

Very informative...👍👍👍👍👍

[@williamchristy257]

I couldn’t seem to find the link for the dimmer and controller. I had a dimmer I used for awhile in the back of my Jeep but it recently died on me. Thanks for the help!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

another great how to video, Brad, and thanks, Marco, for sharing your experience of how to solder some very kewl LED strip lighting! great content! Just curious, what setting did you have your solder gun on for that little task? thanks again for sharing all the how to videos and thanks to all the people who shared their experience and knowledge to make these very informative videos!

[@lobo176]

Awesome how to video👍

[@cliffy232323]

Great video!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@PJHDesigns]

I love all your videos. As a newbie, I can't express how helpful and inspiring they are. However, I would love to see more (probably boring to many) videos about how you hook up (soldering or otherwise) additional electronics to the Jeeps stock wiring/electronic system. Mechanically, I'm a novice but it all seems fairly logical. Electronics....I'm totally lost. And I have a feeling (as you alluded to in the video) that this is a common experience gap. Exterior lights is my main interest at this time...where do you run the wires, how to you bridge the moisture barrier from exterior to interior (FYI I live in Canada!), how do you conceal the wiring (to make it look professional), and finally (most importantly) - how do you hook it into the fuse box? How many 'components' can the battery handle? How do I know if I will run the battery flat? How can I monitor the battery? etc. I love your shows, I love your Instagram (I love Overlandx Instagram also). But these videos would be hugely helpful to me...and hopefully a lot of others. Keep up the amazing work. Love it!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you for all the excellent recommendations!

[@RobDTom]

Great video, I really think I am going to do this. One area where the "how to" fell a little short was how to wire up the power. It was easy for you because you just spliced into the power that you already had to run your cooler. How do we run power assuming we don't already have some wires running back there?

[@TrailRecon]

You make a great point. I have an spod system that was one of my first mods on my Jeep, it really has paid for itself in helping keep wiring simple. Wiring the lights would require you to find a power source to tap into and there are many options. I'll see if I can address this in a future video.

[@DavidRamirez-yi5li]

This was my question as well. Would love to see it addressed in the future. Thanks!

[@1pickle12345678]

One easy way is an "add a fuse" or "add a circuit", they are about 5 bucks at any part store, you simply plug it in to an existing fuse slot that only gets power when the key is on (or if you want a switch, then use a fuse with constant power) Then, just take the wire that comes with, extend it, and run it to the back of your jeep. Connect to your positive and ground the black.

[@farmermike9262]

@15:00 so basically you f@#% up! LOL

[@johnnydeetv7077]

Been waiting for this vid...

[@kyleallen8678]

JohnnyDeeTv, me too.

[@harirao12345]

Very nice 👍🏽

[@larrymcmakin3429]

Very cool.

[@OverlandTT]

It's called a soldering "iron" 👍 Nice video.

[@dant4786]

I wonder where brad would be without his buddy Marco? Haha j/k, it’s always good to have friends with skills.

[@prabh2009]

Thanks!!

[@ThinkHarder]

thanks for the idea

[@nessymilo]

Can you pleas make a video where you show us the way you took to the battery en how you connect extra lights to the battery.

[@deronmeans8310]

Please add links to the parts for the led spool and the black box controller with remote. I want to buy it tonight but can not find them.

[@deronmeans8310]

Can you also please add the links for where you got the aluminum track and diffuser cover

[@TrailRecon]

All links to everything in the video to amazon are in the video description, but you might find them cheaper on ebay.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

TrailRecon no there aren’t links to the exact items. You even state in the description box that the links are to “similar” items not exact. It’s a great video but the lack of links to exact items ruins it.

[@msemmahale4608]

What about taking your hard top off? Are there quick disconnects on the wires to the control box?

[@johndiaz7240]

Good job

[@SUVTouring]

Awesome !

[@billbraski2452]

Two questions: 1) When the rear window is closed can you see the light bars from the outside rear of the Jeep? 2) When driving, are they visible in your rear view?

[@biologistjim4905]

So if I got it, it can run off the 12 volt system? Is an in-line fuse needed, what size should the fuse be.