About 5 weeks now with my 2017 Touring CX-5 and loving it. One of the few things that have found disappointing is the cargo area illumination. Guess not alone given Big Sur cargo area LED panel kit reviewed here https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123862821-Big-Sur-Auto-Cargo-Area-LED-Panel-Kit
As well as a couple of very nicely documented mods:
As understand the Big Sur kit only fits models up to 2016, and given my CX-5 <1,500 miles and thus not ready to rip the gate or side trims, have been tinkering with the idea of enhancing the cargo area lightning at a low price and with the less effort possible. I just wrapped up a couple of hours installing a LED strip affixed to the bottom part of the tonneau cover I already had, powered via USB from the 2nd row center module (included with preferred package) and happy with what I'm seeing.
Parts:
Pictures:
I realize not 100% ideal as won't lit up automatically upon opening the lift gate and need to remember to unplug the strip from the rest of the car if removing the cover or folding the center seat. But for less than $20 and a couple of hours work, I'm satisfied with the outcome. And yes, better remember to turn strip off when done, or could drain car's battery.
As well as a couple of very nicely documented mods:
- Deepfriedsushi https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123838940-How-To-Install-LED-Strips-in-CX5-Cargo-Area
- ddtigger1https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123861319-Cargo-Illumination-LED
As understand the Big Sur kit only fits models up to 2016, and given my CX-5 <1,500 miles and thus not ready to rip the gate or side trims, have been tinkering with the idea of enhancing the cargo area lightning at a low price and with the less effort possible. I just wrapped up a couple of hours installing a LED strip affixed to the bottom part of the tonneau cover I already had, powered via USB from the 2nd row center module (included with preferred package) and happy with what I'm seeing.
Parts:
- Minger USB LED Strip Night Light with switch control 4.9 ft $12.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 Extension Cable - A-Male to A-Female 3.3 ft $4.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
Pictures:
- LED strip, not installed & off
- LED strip, not installed, bundled and on
- Cargo area with LEDs off
- Cargo area with lift gate LED on (replaced standard bulb by LED, one of my very first attempts to enhance lightning)
- Cargo area with LED strip on
I realize not 100% ideal as won't lit up automatically upon opening the lift gate and need to remember to unplug the strip from the rest of the car if removing the cover or folding the center seat. But for less than $20 and a couple of hours work, I'm satisfied with the outcome. And yes, better remember to turn strip off when done, or could drain car's battery.
