Get This Look: Grey Truck, 12 Volt Light Strings
We love getting real-world feedback like this — especially when our lights end up doing something fun and unexpected, like lighting up a company vehicle for an event.
“Used this lights on the outside of a company vehicle for a socially distanced Christmas event. They lit up great, and I'm very grateful to have found 12v accessory plug string lights. They're hard to come by! One of the connectors fell loose once during my drive, but other than that, worked perfect and were nice and bright. Would LOVE more colors so we can continue to do things like this. Trying to find pink, red, purple, on white wire for Valentine's day, can't seem to find them anywhere! Would love a color expansion! :)”
— Marissa in Bowling GreenWhy we love this idea
Decorating vehicles is one of those “instant joy” projects — and 12-volt accessory plug lights make it simple because it’s truly plug-and-play. No inverter, no complicated setup — just a clean, low-voltage solution that looks great and installs fast.
Project sizing
This setup was based on an order that included 15 sets of 12-volt LED string lights. When you’re planning your own layout, keep these numbers in mind:
- Lit length per set: ~9.5 feet
- Power lead included: 15-foot adapter cord per set
- Planning tip: Measure the outline of your vehicle first, then add a little extra for routing and clean edges.
Installation tips (vehicle-friendly)
- Test first (always): Before committing to any tape or adhesive, test it on an out-of-the-way spot to make sure it won’t affect the finish — especially on newer paint, wraps, or ceramic coatings.
- Painter’s tape: Great for quick placement on smooth surfaces and areas that don’t take direct wind force. (Avoid high-heat areas like near exhaust.)
- Zip ties: Your best friend for grilles, roof racks, bumpers, bed rails, and anywhere you can safely “loop and lock.”
- Glue dots / removable mounting dots: Handy for windows and other smooth surfaces. Use sparingly, and remove slowly to avoid residue.
- Protect edges: If a wire crosses a sharp seam, add a tiny buffer (a small piece of tape or a soft tie point) so vibration doesn’t rub the insulation over time.
Keeping connectors secure on the road
Marissa mentioned one connector loosening during the drive — that can happen with vibration and airflow. A couple simple fixes:
- Strain relief: Add a zip tie near the connection point so the connector isn’t carrying the pulling force.
- Anchor the plug: Secure the plug end to a stable point (grille/rail) so it can’t bounce.
- Route thoughtfully: Keep connectors out of direct wind when possible (tuck slightly behind a trim edge).
Pin and save for later!
And yes — we’re listening on the color expansion request. 😊 If you’d love to see additional colors (especially for holiday-to-holiday projects like Valentine’s Day), you’re not alone.
Safety note (quick but important)
- Never cover headlights, taillights, or turn signals. Make sure all required lights remain fully visible from every angle.
- Keep cords clear of heat and moving parts. Avoid exhaust components, engine bays, suspension parts, and anything that gets hot or moves while driving.
- Secure loose ends. Any dangling cord can flap in the wind — anchor it so it can’t shift or rub while driving.
- Check local rules. Regulations around decorative vehicle lighting vary by location, especially for colors like red or blue.
- Do a quick test drive. After installation, take a short drive, pull over, and double-check that everything stayed secure.
