Hardkorr 5m Stick-On White Flexible LED Tape Light

Most high quality 12V flexible LED strips feature an IP65 or IP67 rating, which makes them highly weather resistant and suitable for exterior mounting. These strips are encased in a protective silicone or polymer sleeve that shields the internal cells from rain, humidity, and outback dust.

If you are mounting lights in exposed areas like the underside of an awning or along a roof rack, choosing a strip with a higher IP67 rating is a smart move. This level of protection allows the gear to handle heavy downpours and temporary immersion during river crossings. To maintain this protection, you must properly seal any points where you have cut or joined the strip using silicone end caps.

Check out our LED Lighting Accessories to find the right sealing components and mounting hardware for your exterior setup.

Mount these lights by using the integrated high bond adhesive backing or by fixing them with mechanical mounting clips. For the adhesive to work correctly, you must thoroughly clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol to remove any grease, wax, or red dust.

On surfaces that face high heat or constant vibration, such as the inside of a 4WD canopy, adding a few drops of specialized adhesive or using small silicone mounting brackets provides a more permanent fix. This prevents the strip from sagging over time. If you are mounting to a fabric surface like a tent or awning, some travelers choose to use adhesive backed Velcro for a removable setup.

Explore our LED Lighting Accessories to find specialized clips and mounting gear for a professional finish.

Yes, you can cut flexible LED strips to your required length using the designated cut marks usually spaced every three to five LEDs. These marks are clearly indicated by a pair of copper pads on the circuit board. Cutting elsewhere will break the internal circuit and cause a section of the strip to stop working.

Joining sections together can be done using solderless clip on connectors or by soldering wires directly to the copper pads. This modularity is a major advantage for custom builds, as it allows you to wrap light around corners or bridge gaps between storage drawers. If you are using these joins in a wet environment, you should apply a small amount of silicone sealant and heat shrink to keep the connection watertight.

Connect your LED strips by hard wiring them into a fused accessory circuit or by using a standard 12V cigarette or Anderson plug. Because LED strips use very little current, you can often run several metres of lighting off a single small fuse. You must verify the polarity before completing the connection, as LEDs will not illuminate if the positive and negative wires are swapped.

Integrating a dimmer or a dedicated switch into the line allows you to manage the brightness and turn the lights off when they are not needed. This is a practical move for preserving your battery levels during long off grid stays. For a tidy and professional install, many travelers route their lighting through a centralized control point in their cabin or canopy.

Browse our 12V Switch Panels to find a control hub for your build, or see our high capacity AGM Deep Cycle Batteries to power your next adventure.