How to Install LED Strip Lights

LED strip lights, also called tape or ribbon lights, are a common option for improving the appearance and usability of automobiles. In today's world of car customization, learning how to install LED strip lights is an additional skill that you can equip yourself with.

Installing LED ribbon or tape lights is a relatively easy and satisfying DIY project. Whether you want to enhance visibility for off-road excursions or add a little ambiance to the inside of your vehicle, you can easily install these illuminating strips.

Midwest Aftermarket walks you through how to install LED strip lights in your truck or pickup. Learn wiring them correctly for best results in this tutorial.

Select the Proper LED Ribbon Lighting

Choosing the right ribbon lights for your truck before beginning the installation procedure is crucial. Consider elements like length, color, brightness, and waterproofing.

To ensure lifetime and durability, use premium waterproof LED strips, especially for automobiles.

Organize the Installation

Spend some time planning the installation before you begin adhering LED strips to the inside of your truck. Choose the location of the lights so that the desired effect is achieved. Typical places include:

  • Behind the seats
  • Beside the footwells
  • Beneath the dashboard

To guarantee a neat and polished installation, think about how you'll power the lights and where you'll route the wiring.

Get the Surface Ready

Use rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the locations where you intend to attach the LED strips. This will help you get rid of any residue, oil, or dirt.

This step is critical for establishing appropriate bonding and keeping the strips from peeling over time.

Put the LED Tape Light in Place

Gently remove the adhesive backing from the LED strips. Press them firmly into the cleaned areas. If you are placing many strips in tandem, take your time to guarantee straight and level placement. Do not bend or crimp the strips to keep them intact and avoid damage.

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How to Wire LED Strip Lights?

It's time to connect the LED strips for electricity now that they are installed. This is a fundamental approach to wiring your truck with striped lights:

Find a Power Supply

Choose a power supply appropriate for your LED striped lights. It might connect to the battery directly or to the truck's fuse box or cigarette lighter socket. Verify that the power supply can support the LED strips' voltage and current requirements.

Link the Wires

Trim the power cable of the LED strip to the required length, allowing sufficient slack to reach the selected power source. After stripping the wires' ends, solder or use electrical connectors to attach them to the power supply, ensuring the polarity is correct (+/-).

Install a Switch (Optional)

Install a switch to operate the LED strip lights separately for convenience. This way, you may manage them independently of the truck's factory lighting settings, turning them on and off as required.

Testing and Debugging

Test the LED tape lights before completing the installation to ensure they are operating properly. Check that nothing is loose, and quickly fix any flickering, dull areas or loose connections. Once the results meet your expectations, clean up the installation and fasten any loose wires for a professional appearance.

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The Bottom Line

Learning how to install LED strip lights inside your truck or pickup may change the interior ambiance and function for a minimal amount of time and work. You may take advantage of improved illumination for many years if you follow our instructions and use caution when installing it. So why hold off? With personalized LED striped lights, you can brighten your vehicle and make a statement right now!