I felt this in my soul. Thank you for putting it into words for me.
2 Likes
I have not installed the exact Matt gecko kit. But I have Matt gecko bed lights and under hood lights in my truck and both were very straight forward and easy to install. Hardest part is running the wire from your truck bed or wherever you install the switch to the engine bay.
But Matt includes everything you need to install. And usually extras of everything just in case.
I would recommend installing some sort of fuse block to protect all your electrical and your truck.
And if you live In Utah I would be more than willing to help install anything electrical for you.
1 Like
Howdy, quick question… is anyone running wireless, usb rechargeable lights similar to these found on amazon?
Unbeknownst to me, I too have the electrical competency of a Labrador… (thanks for pointing it out @DannyEnder) Trying to understand if there’s a down side to them… plug and play, no wires, mounts with magnets, motion sensor option, usb rechargeable…
Cheers,
AD
1 Like
@Camper1088 i have an older version of these that i was given, they are kinda neat, but are not built for the outdoors so keep that in mind, perhaps keeping them protected (ie wrapped up) in the cab whilst driving off road - etc. the idea is cool - put some good magnetic tape in spots you may want lighting
1 Like
I have been running one of these for my lighting. Small, dimmable, and has both hooks to hang it and magnets so I can place it wherever is best on the space frame. https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/remoji-BD620719_cfg.html
3 Likes
Thanks for the input, simply trying to stop the bleeding… My camper accessory total, is quickly approaching the cost of the camper itself (1st world problem). I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job prioritized the accessories… and lights just keep falling to the bottom of the list.
I currently have a 4 light set from Goal Zero that I used in my bag RTT… The light setups in this string are impressive and I applaud the effort but just don’t see them being a “need” for me. https://www.goalzero.com/shop/lights/light-life-mini-4-pack-shades/
Nokero lights are pretty cool too.
I’m loving the cairn xl from Lander. As recommended by someone else on the forum.
I stuck a magnet mount on the lamp and some metal plates that I glued in a few spots in the camper. Super easy to just move the lantern from spot to spot in the camper or outside.
Is it flashy or super cool? No, but a lot cheaper than many other options
2 Likes
@Camper1088 yeah to be honest i usually use my head lamp and only occasionally use a mpowerd solar lamp, i find they are useful and easy to throw on the windshield to charge…
1 Like
I’m also ok with a headlamp and little magnetic rechargeable, but I clicked through to that website and got an add for 40% off for black friday. If you needed an extra kick.
2 Likes
I just bought a 3 pack of the luminoodle click and have one in camper and one on the back panel. Cheap and work great
3 Likes
Danny, I installed the Matt Gecko kit on my own. I’m not fast, so I dedicated a Saturday to it. I have not noticed any issues with wiring it to my battery, but I think it is a good idea to have some sort of fuse block…I just went with the inline fuse Matt supplied. No dimmer for me–either they’re on or I’m going to sleep. For me, I will work on my home electrical, but I always hire a plumber.
Installed Matt’s lighting package as well. Initially I installed as he described, pretty easy, just take your time and don’t over think it. We novices are too concerned with blowing up our rig when we add a new floor matt! (I know I do anyway).
I later modified the top install by soldering his two leads together up front and only run a single cable back to a touch dimmer. I went with the touch dimmer b/c I like the blue ring of light for nighttime access.
On the bottom is was a stock install with the exception of the dimmer I installed. I used the rotary dimmer as I wanted something a bit beefier for when I have gloves on hunting.
1 Like
Looks sweet! I’m using mine less in the winter. Might update this in the spring.
Happy New Year!
1 Like
Used cable ties, commercial cable wrap mesh heat shrink cable wrap, iadhesive zip ties - all available at a commercial electric distributor and probably most hardware stores. There are probably more elegant solutions, but this is working and wearing great so far…
1 Like
Awesome thank you that helps on the adhesive zip tie base, that’s pretty clean actually and good to know.
1 Like
We ended up doing a set of three of these in the truck bed - easy to charge every one in a while with USB, and the remote and a red option is nice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083LJM55C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Then we did one of these with a magnet mounting option in the top of the tent, and it holds well to the frame in the GFC truck bed when the top is closed:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VBHN8M6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We decided that running power for lights didn’t balance with our desires to keep the Gladiator and GFC simple, after having a campervan that was home like, this truck was never going to compete, so why try 
2 Likes
Love this. I’m also looking to connect LED strips directly to a fuse block like you did. Most of the LED strips I see online have a AC wall plug or a 12v cigarette lighter adapter. Did you just snip that off and wire it directly to your fuse block? Or but lights that were meant to be direct-wired? And do you have a link?
Hey all,
I am going to order Matt Gecko’s LED kit for my Tundra. Seems simple and a product that a lot of people are stoked on. Its not super critical but does anyone have any experience adding a dimmer switch to Matt’s light system? I’m sure there’s a youtube video out there explaining it somewhere but figured I’d start with the forum first.
Thanks in advance!