Dark Cargo Area

[Shaffer9]

Anybody else feel like the cargo area doesn't have enough lighting at night? I have a couple Rigid A-series sitting around that I was thinking about using. Let me know if you have done something to address this yet.

 

[Adieu]

Idk what the deal is with 4th gens, but previous generations you could just swap a Chinese LED bulb into the dome light and it would be brighter than daytime in there

 

[Shaffer9]

It doesn't seem to be that simple on these 4th Gens but I could be wrong.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Anybody else feel like the cargo area doesn't have enough lighting at night? I have a couple Rigid A-series sitting around that I was thinking about using. Let me know if you have done something to address this yet.

I bought a new 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4 and quickly realized the rear cargo light was insufficient - especially in a very dark setting.

I previously had a Dodge Durango SLT 4x4, and it had additional lights in the rear hatch trim panel - which illuminated the area under the hatch when it was opened. That lighting was excellent.

The Expedition hatch lighting is okay - but because it is a truck, it should have more lighting for the cargo area and area below the opened hatch.

 

[Adieu]

I bought a new 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4 and quickly realized the rear cargo light was insufficient - especially in a very dark setting.

I previously had a Dodge Durango SLT 4x4, and it had additional lights in the rear hatch trim panel - which illuminated the area under the hatch when it was opened. That lighting was excellent.

The Expedition hatch lighting is okay - but because it is a truck, it should have more lighting for the cargo area and area below the opened hatch.

3rd gen Expedition and Navigator are easily updated to super bright rear dome lights

Use one of these:




PS just the rear one, front and midrow ceiling lamps use the same T10 lamps as license plate and top brakelight

 

[bushpilot]

HA! I put 5% tint over the factory tint and I STILL keep a full set of WeatherTech window shades in the rear windows & rear doors.

I can get a flashlight if I need it

 

[Shaffer9]

HA! I put 5% tint over the factory tint and I STILL keep a full set of WeatherTech window shades in the rear windows & rear doors.

I can get a flashlight if I need it

Thanks for the help.

 

[bushpilot]

Thanks for the help.

happy to help!

 

[AKentPhoto]

@bushpilot
Any chance you could start a thread with a quick review of the shades? With a couple pictures...? I used to wonder how weathertech had so much money to go racing. Now I see why.

@Shaffer9
I haven't spent a ton of time in the truck at night yet but I'll take your word for the lack of light. I was considering trying to squish a couple of these on the bottom of the rear hatch as work lights. They sell them with buttons built in or non switched... They are waterproof so not the cheapest option. I do like the size however.

https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/Rock-Light.asp

 

[Shaffer9]

@Shaffer9
I haven't spent a ton of time in the truck at night yet but I'll take your word for the lack of light. I was considering trying to squish a couple of these on the bottom of the rear hatch as work lights. They sell them with buttons built in or non switched... They are waterproof so not the cheapest option. I do like the size however.

https://www.bajadesigns.com/products/Rock-Light.asp

View attachment 36117[/QUOTE]
Yeah, for me when we start putting stuff back there, the light on the side gets covered up quickly. Baja designs is quality stuff. I've never seen those with the buttons built in, pretty smooth. I actually really like that option because you can turn it on just when you want the extra light.

 

[bushpilot]

@bushpilot
Any chance you could start a thread with a quick review of the shades? With a couple pictures...? I used to wonder how weathertech had so much money to go racing. Now I see why.

they have money because they create/design quality products and have a great reputation.
I dont personally like (or buy) their rubber mats...they sell tons of those too..

I have a post w/ pictures of the shades HERE

 

[carymccarr]

Frankly I was shocked at the amount of lighting in the back. Tailgate light, overhead light and side light. Tons of light IMO. This shot is at 10pm (right now). Pitch black outside.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shaffer9]

Frankly I was shocked at the amount of lighting in the back. Tailgate light, overhead light and side light. Tons of light IMO. This shot is at 10pm (right now). Pitch black outside.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mine is definitely not that bright, and it gets worse when we have stuff loaded up covering the side light. Navigators must have some high end bulbs!

 

[bushpilot]

I was in mine last night - I leave the window shades in the windows all the time (so it not getting light from the outside even during the day)....I have a black interior and I have a black quilt down over the carpet (dog protection)....no problem w/ lighting (even at night)

you could EASILY add a strip of 12v SMD/LEDs down the center or along the sides of the interior ceiling (pick up power from the existing 12v lighting)...add a switch and you can turn the strips on and off as you like.

you could easily hide them in the headliner too.
how many feet do you want...

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Strip-Lights-Pieces-White/dp/B00ARYTBFY

https://www.amazon.com/PryEU-Daylig...e+led&qid=1590181207&s=automotive&sr=1-6&th=1

 

[aggiegrad05]

Or something like this that plugs into the cigarette lighter back there and has a switch already. (Altho I don’t think that power is hot when the vehicle is completely off; you have to be on accessory power.)


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WW51NB2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_QxfYEb5PMRC84