Other work lamps similar to the Matador?

[DaveM]

I'm getting ready to build out a bed rack on my new DC Tacoma to hold my RTT and I'd like to mount a work light back there to help with backing up in dark places and as a general area work light and to illuminate the bed area. I need it to mount upside down under the rear cross bar of the rack and be able to swivel all around.

I already know about the Hella Matador lamps but I want to see if you guys have some suggestions for other similar lamps that might work.

thanks,
dave

[Uticon]

I have a Matador on my Jeeps rack and its come in handy more than once.
One issue i have with the Matador is that the switch on the back is not sealed.
I usually have it tilted over (lens up) while not in use and a few times i have tilted the light up to use it and water has drained out.
I should open the light up and put some blue-goo around the switch.
Just my $.02.

[Martyn]

We are looking at a new LED work light similar to the Matador. Right now we are investigating price and availability. The great thing about an LED work Lamp is the power requirements are low and the light output high. The Matador is 55 W I believe which requires a lot of power, heavy duty cables, and in some situations a relay.

As soon as I have more information available I'll let you know.

[DaveM]

We are looking at a new LED work light similar to the Matador. Right now we are investigating price and availability. The great thing about an LED work Lamp is the power requirements are low and the light output high. The Matador is 55 W I believe which requires a lot of power, heavy duty cables, and in some situations a relay.

As soon as I have more information available I'll let you know.

That would be great, thanks. LEDs would be nice, and to be honest I don't need this thing to throw huge light all over the place, just illuminate the bed or right around the tailgate for backing up and camp work.

I like the Matador but it's a bit tall and I've heard negative stuff about the switches (like above and also from Scot I think, switches fell out or something). I was also hoping to find an all in one ball joint mount. I know I've seen a work light like that around here somewhere but can't find it now.

[Monkeyboy]

There may not be a number of "Central Tractor" stores in the SF bay area, but the most useful lamps that I have are the $15, glass lensed, rubber covered implement lamps.

They've got 55 watt H3 (?) bulbs, throw a good wide beam, oh, and did I mention that they're cheap

I don't feel too badly if they get whacked on a tree, with a rock, etc.

YMMV,

(the other) Keith

[Sloan]

Hella has a version of that "tractor" light that if you go to 4WParts is only $7.

[Fifthpro]

I have the Land Rover (Proudly bolted onto my Jeep!)work lamp offered on ExpeditionExchange.com - 55w and so far has not let me down. I was looking for something that I could easly adjust and move around. This on comes with a swivel joint mounting bracket, wiring harness, etc..

[ntsqd]

I've used the implement lights (sealed beam variety) for "Malibu Lighting". Draw is pretty high for times when the engine isn't running.

I have a rectangular Bosch clear fog light off something Europeon in the junkyard for an under bed back-up light. Used a relay tapped into the power wire at the rear isolated stud and triggered that by the reverse lights. My yota's rear bumper has an amber fog/dust light inset into it and I have supplemented the Bosch with it at times.

[StumpXJ]

That sticker is awesome... so much better than the "flip me over one"

~James

[Gear]

I have had good luck with this backup light purchased from Off-Road Warehouse.(www.offroadwarehouse.com) A quick search of there online catalog did not show the light but I know they have several in stock at the stores. Price point is $29.95. You can get the light in clear, amber and even blue(used in baja for a rear warning light). The bulb is easily changed. I down sized one of them to 35 watts at one time. Light output is good. Amber light makes a great warning light in fog or high dust driving. The low profile makes it great for racks. The light is sold by itself so you will need to make a wiring harness using a relay.