Installed Defender 3d's LED cargo light a couple weeks ago. Easy install and adds much needed light to otherwise dim cargo area. In fact, a little too bright and shines significant light into the rest of the cabin, when you may not really need or want it. It comes on when the other interior cabin lights come on.

So, I did my own little mod and installed a switch to give me the option to turn if off. Found some cheap switches on Amzn, and decided to drill the hole for install into that little panel that has the hook and mount for the cargo cover. That way if I screwed it up, I haven't messed up my rear panel, just the small piece which I could replace.

Fished the wires through, snapped everything back into place and voiala!
Also installed Powerful UK's rear recovery hooks and a set of mudflaps.

 

Nice job. Switch is a great idea. I thought I knew how to find things on the internet, but Defender 3D continues to elude me. Do you have a link?

 

https://defender3d.co.uk

Powerful UK sells them too.

 

Can you put a link for the switch? I also think the light is AWESOME but a bit bright at times. Did you just use butt connectors to the switch? I have a bunch of heat shrinks I'll likely use.

Finally, any tips, tricks, or suggestions in pulling that trim out?

 

Amzn Switch. ($6 and you get 5 of them with little pigtail wires)

To remove that small trim panel, you tilt the hook down to about 45 degrees then pull it upward and outward. That reveals a torx screw that you remove. Using a pry tool on the side of the panel toward the front of vehicle, it then pops out. I used a 3/4"drill bit that was just about perfect (I think the switch technically calls for a 20mm hole). Drilled the panel first, then put it back on and drilled the plastic panel behind with a matching hole. I simply tapped into the Defender 3d wire behind the lower LED light (just like when originally installing). Then used a long rigid plastic cable tie to fish the new switch wires behind that panel up to my new hole, then connected to the switch. Used heat shrinks to seal the connections.

 

Here’s a video from P-UK that details installation. Looks like a snap. It’s almost 9 minutes long, but a lot of that time is prattle about why you might want an additional light in back — like a person doesn’t know if he does or not! You can scroll forward till he starts doing something, then it’s very quick.

Powerful U.K. Installation Video

 

Thanks, Doc. I just ordered the light and a little tray that sits in front of the cupholders from 3D, and the switch on Amazon. Appreciate the tips.

 

The light is simply a must have and well made. Great!!

 

I have mine, plus the on/off switch, but haven’t bothered to install it yet. I guess because it’s solving a problem I haven’t had, namely not enough light in the back. But you know me — see a shiny new mod and order it. No choice in the matter.

 

@drcoop -This is great, exactly what I am going to do when my cargo light arrives (en route now from Defender3d).... Btw an unrelated question about your setup. I see you have the fan switch for rear air there, but no vent in the C pillar. I've now seen this in several 5 seat Defenders. What does that control?