Liftgate Light Installed - Easy DIY

[4x4PriusRunner]

Hi guys, new to the group. I recently found a versatile and easy solution to not having enough light at the tailgate area. I'm sure this isn't new but I thought I'd share since others I shared it to found it helpful:

Magnetic work light + metal plate phone magnet = detachable liftgate light!

It rotates too so you can change the angle of the light. No drilling or modifications needed. Just adhesive backing on the metal plates. Easily reversible.

There are many options out there for mounts and lights, but there's the links I used:

Magnets:
https://a.co/d/0chzvBtJ

Work light:
https://a.co/d/0cVZf8tn

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[levonosa]

I love this idea! I just ordered the magnets and light from amazon, I'm going to install it this weekend. I do a lot of car camping in the mountain west and this will help a lot because my TRD Offroad's OEM trunk lighting is *super* dim.

 

[4x4PriusRunner]

I love this idea! I just ordered the magnets and light from amazon, I'm going to install it this weekend. I do a lot of car camping in the mountain west and this will help a lot because my TRD Offroad's OEM trunk lighting is *super* dim.

I'm glad it helps! I'm in the same boat as you. I couldn't find any info about retrofitting OEM+ lights there so I figured I give this a shot.

 

[gydooya]

Hi guys, new to the group. I recently found a versatile and easy solution to not having enough light at the tailgate area. I'm sure this isn't new but I thought I'd share since others I shared it to found it helpful:

Magnetic work light + metal plate phone magnet = detachable liftgate light!

It rotates too so you can change the angle of the light. No drilling or modifications needed. Just adhesive backing on the metal plates. Easily reversible.

There are many options out there for mounts and lights, but there's the links I used:

Magnets:
https://a.co/d/0chzvBtJ

Work light:
https://a.co/d/0cVZf8tn

Nice I did this to the engine bay

 

[4x4PriusRunner]

Nice I did this to the engine bay

That's awesome. Is the switch weatherproof?

 

[gydooya]

That's awesome. Is the switch weatherproof?

Yes. I did a whole DYI write up here: Engine bay lighting mod (DIY how-to writeup) for your viewing pleasure

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'll join in, I've been fiddling around with hatch lighting for quite some time now and I came across these little LEDs that are rechargeable.

They're small and bright and I got them on Temu website which I no longer used cuz they tried to screw me on shipping for some other items. But a lot of places sell them.

A little Velcro on the bottom and you can attach them to your headliner they're pretty much out of the way. Pictures attached self-explanatory. I only show one but I purchased three. But one is pretty bright..

Anyway not trying to put a cloud over your idea which is far superior than mine.

I only use mine for loading and unloading crap at night.

But for camping your idea is much better as I'm thinking that could be placed anywhere around the body panels.

 

[MikeD]

Hi guys, new to the group. I recently found a versatile and easy solution to not having enough light at the tailgate area. I'm sure this isn't new but I thought I'd share since others I shared it to found it helpful:
Magnetic work light + metal plate phone magnet = detachable liftgate light!

Really disappointed that the 6G4R does not come with hatch lights except TrailHunter (and no evidence that the part is available or can be integrated into other trim's hatches.)
So... I posted a similar solution as one of my very early posts to this forum.
Idea is the same, your specific execution is better: MikeD Lighting Solution Hack for Hatch

 

[4x4PriusRunner]

I'll join in, I've been fiddling around with hatch lighting for quite some time now and I came across these little LEDs that are rechargeable.

They're small and bright and I got them on Temu website which I no longer used cuz they tried to screw me on shipping for some other items. But a lot of places sell them.

A little Velcro on the bottom and you can attach them to your headliner they're pretty much out of the way. Pictures attached self-explanatory. I only show one but I purchased three. But one is pretty bright..

Anyway not trying to put a cloud over your idea which is far superior than mine.

I only use mine for loading and unloading crap at night.

But for camping your idea is much better as I'm thinking that could be placed anywhere around the body panels.

I like this idea

 

[levonosa]

I installed the magnet stickers + lightbar (which is quite nice quality), I don't have a powered lift gate, and the lightbar fell off after I closed it a bit hard. I'm considering doubling up the magnet stickers!

 

[Woodsmith]

Really disappointed that the 6G4R does not come with hatch lights except TrailHunter (and no evidence that the part is available or can be integrated into other trim's hatches.)
So... I posted a similar solution as one of my very early posts to this forum.
Idea is the same, your specific execution is better: MikeD Lighting Solution Hack for Hatch

 

[Woodsmith]

My 2026 Limited has the lift gate lights but they are woefully weak. I use magnetic strip lights in our travel trailer but never thought of using them in my 4R. This is a great idea.

 

[MikeD]

My 2026 Limited has the lift gate lights but they are woefully weak. I use magnetic strip lights in our travel trailer but never thought of using them in my 4R. This is a great idea.

Yep - I misspoke: Looks like "LED liftgate light" is standard on TH, and optional on Limited, Platinum and PRO. I knew I should have checked before posting:>)
Still wish I could add them to my ORP - even if dim with stock bulbs, you might be able to replace with something brighter since they must be replaceable.
But I'm glad I got the rechargeable strip light - I use it all the time - sometimes for the tailgate area but often elsewhere (it works great when I'm under the vehicle doing oil change, installing skids, etc, etc.)

 

[gydooya]

Yep - I misspoke: Looks like "LED liftgate light" is standard on TH, and optional on Limited, Platinum and PRO. I knew I should have checked before posting:>)
Still wish I could add them to my ORP - even if dim with stock bulbs, you might be able to replace with something brighter since they must be replaceable.
But I'm glad I got the rechargeable strip light - I use it all the time - sometimes for the tailgate area but often elsewhere (it works great when I'm under the vehicle doing oil change, installing skids, etc, etc.)

Yep - I misspoke: Looks like "LED liftgate light" is standard on TH, and optional on Limited, Platinum and PRO. I knew I should have checked before posting:>)
Still wish I could add them to my ORP - even if dim with stock bulbs, you might be able to replace with something brighter since they must be replaceable.
But I'm glad I got the rechargeable strip light - I use it all the time - sometimes for the tailgate area but often elsewhere (it works great when I'm under the vehicle doing oil change, installing skids, etc, etc.)

If you could buy the light from Toyota you could always tie into the other lights when the door opens. Also I did this for engine bay. And for my next trick I’m going to figure out how to add the OEM compressor to my truck. I have narrow down the wires and clip I need I just need to figure out what to do with my trim panel

 

[Woodsmith]

I was able to upgrade the lift gate lights on my 5th gen 4R but these appear to be non-upgradable. The ones I use in my travel trailer are motion activated so when I open a cabinet door, they come on. I'm going to try one on the liftgate now.

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