How hook up 12v ribbon LED lights in RV - All About Circuits Forum

I have just wired my wife's kitchen with 12V ribbon LED lights.
You have to use a 12v transformer to hook up to house wiring.
So I get the great idea to try this on the RV I am building
So I take a left over 12 inch section hook up a connector and pop the hood and touch to the battery terminals and.......nothin

So what am I missing? I'd love to order these 16 foot rolls cheap from Amazon rather than pay some automotive site $60 for something already wired. I'm sure it's something easy and inexpensive. I just don't know what it is

Source: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=79859

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