The Best Lighting & Electrical Upgrades for Trays and Canopies
Whether you’re heading to a site before sunrise, setting up camp in the dark, or just grabbing gear after a late day, having the right lighting and power setup in your tray or canopy makes a big difference.
It’s one of those things — once it’s done properly, you don’t think about it again. Everything just works. No torches, no digging around, no dead batteries.
This guide covers the lighting and electrical upgrades we actually recommend, based on what we install every day.
Interior Canopy Lighting That Actually Works
If your canopy is still relying on a handheld torch, it’s worth fixing that first.
A proper lighting setup turns your canopy from a storage box into something you can actually use — early mornings, late nights, doesn’t matter.
LED Strip Lighting (The Go-To Option)
Most setups we build run LED strip lighting, and for good reason. It’s low-profile, spreads light evenly, and doesn’t take up usable space.
Our Dimmable Dual Colour LED Strip Lighting are designed for exactly this:
- Bright white when you need full visibility
- Amber mode when you don’t want harsh light bouncing around at night
- Dimmable so you can adjust depending on what you’re doing
It’s one of the simplest upgrades, but you notice it straight away — especially when you’re not digging through tools in the dark anymore.
Exterior Lighting That Makes Life Easier
Once the inside is sorted, exterior lighting is the next step.
This isn’t about overdoing it — just placing lights where they actually help.
- Rear work lights make loading and unloading easier
- Side scene lights give you usable light at camp or on site
- Reverse lighting helps when you’re backing in without visibility
Done properly, it makes the whole setup safer and more practical.
If you’re planning a full build, it’s worth looking at how lighting ties in with your full so everything works together cleanly.
Power Systems – The Backbone of the Setup
Lighting is only part of it. Without a solid 12V system behind it, things fall apart pretty quickly.
Dual Battery Setups
If you’re running a fridge, lights, or any accessories, a dual battery system is a must.
Something like our Behind The Seat Power Systems or Under Bonnet Dual Battery gives you:
- Reliable power without draining your starter battery
- A clean, organised install
- Plug-and-play options that don’t turn into a wiring nightmare
Solar & Off-Grid Power
If you’re doing longer trips or want to stay off-grid, solar becomes worth it pretty quickly.
Adding something like our Elevate Automotive 200W 80V Solar Panel – High Voltage Monocrystalline keeps your system topped up without needing to drive.
It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference, especially paired with lithium systems.
Charging & 12V Access
Having power is one thing — accessing it easily is another.
Inside most canopy setups we build, you’ll find:
- 12V outlets
- USB charging points
It just makes everything easier — phones, tools, compressors, whatever you’re running.
Wiring & Installation – Don’t Cut Corners
This is where a lot of setups go wrong.
Even good gear won’t perform properly if the install is rushed or messy.
The basics:
- Run wiring cleanly and protected
- Use proper connectors, fuses, and circuit protection
- Keep everything serviceable and easy to access
- Don’t overcomplicate it
A clean install always lasts longer and is easier to troubleshoot if needed.
Why It Matters
Lighting and electrical aren’t just add-ons — they change how you use your setup.
You’ll notice:
- Faster access to gear
- Safer working conditions at night
- Less frustration day-to-day
- A setup that actually works when you need it
Whether it’s for touring, trade, or general use, getting this right makes everything easier.
Build It Properly the First Time
At Elevate, everything we do is built around real-world use — not just what looks good.
From Dual Led Lighting Strips through to full power systems, trays, and canopy setups, it’s all designed to work together cleanly and reliably.
👉 If you’re building out a setup or upgrading what you’ve got, check out the range here:
https://elevateauto.com.au/
Or get in touch — we can help you put together a system that actually suits how you use your vehicle.
