I think it would be cleaner, easier and more practical to tap off the the starter battery, put a switch in the dash and put a flood light on all 4 corners of the bumpers.
No need to do anything on the roof.
Can run all the wiring under the van.

 

That was my other idea, but I was thinking that roof mounted lighting would have better coverage and less likely to get damaged. Any suggestion for good bumper mounted lights?

 

I haven't shopped specifically for that application, but I know from adding LED work lights to the tractor that there's a bazillion aftermarket lights and applications out there. I remember seeing a lot of truck guys finding lights that they flush mounted right into the rear bumper. And the promaster has fog light recesses in the front bumper.
You're right about having the lights up high, but seeing how everything is finished, the only thing I can think that wouldn't be a pain is run the wiring under the van and mounting them low.

 

Can you get into the panels where the brake light access is and get into the area above the rear doors where the factor backup camera is?

 

Do you have an upfitter plug, that would be a good place to tap 12v and could mount the switch on the B-pillard. We mounted a very bright awning light above the backup camera on its housing. Also you can bring in wires thru that housing and run along the back.

 

IMO a totally separate system would just end up being a pain in the rear, and in reality far more difficult than just running another wire. Are you looking to run the light for the front or the rear of the van? LED lights take very little power so in the front you can tap into your chassis battery easily, or even feed off of the running lights. IN the rear many vans have power in the rear columns at the 12v accessory outlet, or again feed off the running lights up top (Just add a small switch).

For outside LED flood light I used two different models, one I'd highly recommend and the other's just "ok".

The top one I used for up front (On both sides) and is what I would use again for all of them if I had to do it again. The light actually wraps all the way around the front of the van from this location!

Amazon.com: Kaper II L16-0209 Black LED Surface Mount Utility Flood Light, 1 Pack

Amazon.com: Kaper II L16-0209 Black LED Surface Mount Utility Flood Light, 1 Pack

www.amazon.com

The bottom one I used in the rear and I brought it through the back up camera housing, but it's powered by my house batteries. It's adjustable up and down and I chose this one so I can point it over my boat in the back. It's okay, but I don't think I would use it again as I've never actually needed to turn it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A6TNWHW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The top one I used for up front (On both sides)

I like those.
Did they come individual for $25 ea,
or is it a set of 2 for $25?

 

^^^ I think that's each, but I purchased them a few years ago so the ad may be different now. I'll try and get some pictures tonight of the throw, it's quite impressive for such a small light.

 

Jonny R.
Do you run the Kaper 2 with 12v?

 

I ran single 12v positive wires to them from my fused switch panel in the rear of my van. The negative connections grounded to the sheet metal. The lights supposedly work on any DC voltage between 10-30v, and I've had zero issues with them in the two years I've had them.

 

I put extra-bright LEDs in the PMs back up lights and carry a couple strong LED flash lights, including one with a magnet mount and swivel head. That combination has done the trick so far.

 

Mag mount lights might be a good alternative -- modern LED lights use so little power that I'd be fine with having something that used NiMH AAs.

 

I like the mag mount idea for what you're trying to do. way less work and easier to maintain.

 

What would be super cool is a battery operated, high output LED spot light that could mount to a roof rack, with a wireless on/off remote.