I know this is a bit 'pimp my ride' but...

[Eddiesparks]

...i have a combo van and the 2 interior lights in the back are long gone, just empty holes now. They're tiny and a bit weak anyway.

I'm thinking of getting some led tape/similar to stick to the ceiling so i can see when I am loading/ unloading in the dark. I'm wondering does anyone know if those rear lights are on same switch as the front courtesy lights that go on while the doors are open? Also seeing as the van lights run on 12vDC i can just wire some leds rated for that voltage straight in right? Just wondering if there is something glaringly obvious i am missing!!

Actually perhaps there is a fused perm live (even when key is out) and i can put in my own switch. Any ideas?

I know we're all 'normal' (!!) sparks not auto sparks but there's a fair bit of wisdom on here!

Thanks!

 

[DPG]

There's plenty of LED tape on ebay designed to run straight off 12VDC. Buy it, stick it, switch it on Plenty of 12V LED replacement interior light bulbs as well, but not sure how bright they would be. Daz

 

[netblindpaul]

I have a load of LED tape lights in the back of my Transit, as my eyesight in the dark rooting around in the back of the van needs it, plus I use it as a workshop for repairs, so it's needed!
I also have about 12 linear LED fittings in there.
Not quite daylight, but it is light enough for me.
As they take such a small current draw I have run them off the existing courtesy light supplies as it suits.

 

[DPG]

You could always go for the colour-changing ones. And convert one of your tool boxes to a bass box Daz

 

[Flanders]

I think LED lights need to have a steady 12 volt regulated supply with the power going up and down in your van it could give the LED lamps a bit of trouble if you connect them straight to the battery

 

[telectrix]

if you want them on with the key out, just find the permanent 12V on back of the ignition switch. fit a 1A or 2A in line fuse and then go to your switch then the LEDs

 

[DPG]

I think LED lights need to have a steady 12 volt regulated supply with the power going up and down in your van it could give the LED lamps a bit of trouble if you connect them straight to the battery

It's a fair point, but the ones I've seen on ebay all seem to state OK for car battery use, so I'm guessing they've err'd on the side of caution when they've picked the limiting resistor(s). Daz

 

[GLENNSPARK]

You could always go for the colour-changing ones. And convert one of your tool boxes to a bass box Daz

hmm...popular with your neighbours are you?

 

[DPG]

hmm...popular with your neighbours are you?

Don't know - I can't hear what they're saying to me Daz

 

[telectrix]

that reminds me. got to get a decent speaker array for my van. them nissan crap in the doors can't compete with 2.3L diesel between the seats.

 

[Flanders]

I Guess they probable make them for cars now. It was a few year back when LED were first out and people were looking at putting them in boats and caravans and I was told about this issue

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Don't know - I can't hear what they're saying to me Daz

well...perhaps if you turned it down....

 

[DPG]

That was kind of the joke yes. Daz

 

[GLENNSPARK]

That was kind of the joke yes. Daz

hmm....

 

[Eddiesparks]

Cheers for all good replies. It seems the wiring from memory for existing rear lights has a brown and red wire. If not mistaken is the red a permanent live (even if the key's out) & is the brown an earth?

 

[dan86]

Plenty of 12V LED replacement interior light bulbs as well, but not sure how bright they would be.

they are excellent.my suggestion would be to get standard fittings from a scrappy and stick in led bulbs. you won't be disappointed.
word of warning if you get led tape style lights- VERY thin wire on them and a right pita to work with.

 

[dan86]

standard bulbs

led replacements