[Jpuras27]

Does anyone here have Custom lighting in their truck bed? Thinking about adding lights under the bed rails. whats everyones input?

 

[FrEaK_aCcIdEnT]

A few members have done this. You can either search for it or @rshadd will find this and reply.

 

[hmmbagodden]

This is my set-up:

http://www.355nation.net/forum/showpost.php?p=1861025

 

[rshadd]

I used some waterproof white LED strips and mounted them under the bed rails. I ran 12v power from the battery and control the lights with a tilt switch in the tailgate.

Here's a short video of the mercury tilt switch...

Here's a picture of the mercury tilt switch installed inside the tailgate near the handle. It's just spliced into the positive wire that feeds the LED's.

The LED's come on when the switch is level (i.e. tailgate open) and turn off when the tailgate is closed.

A hood pin type contact switch could also be used instead of a mercury switch. I prefer the tilt switch since it's hidden and it doesn't require any drilling to mount it, since it held in place with some double sided tape.

Work's great and simple to install.

 

[hmmbagodden]

Thanks for posting the switch that you used -- I didn't realize you had this on your truck. As you said, hidden, and ingenious.

I got something like this: https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...h-power-led-waterproof-light-bar-fixture/680/

They've changed their products up since I installed them -- but that's more or less what I put in there.

 

[Jpuras27]

That's awesome! Is there a way to power the lights without running the power to the car battery? Like a battery/power source in the bed, activated by a switch? I'm not very electrical savy.

 

[crazyeyez]

Only power source in the bed would be the tail lights, and they'd have to be on to power the bed lights.

 

[hmmbagodden]

Since I put a fuse panel in I ran cable to the battery.

 

[CUZICAN]

I used a white under body led kit, it was the cheapest way I found to do it, used a small toggle switch hidden under the bed rail to turn them on and off.

 

[CUZICAN]

Pics can be seen in my build thread.


http://www.355nation.net/forum/projects-build/56686-cuzicans-colorado.html

 

[gator_rado]

I ran a power wire to my bed and installed 2 18" led strips. one on the inside of the toolbox, and 1 on the bottom lip of the toolbox shining in the bed. Hooked up a normally closed momentary push button where when u open the toolbox, the lights come on, and close to turn them off. I also put a small toggle switch on the outside so I can turn them on without opening the box.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[rgemmell]

Here is my bed light setup, pretty simple, I think I might add a second light on the other side, easy if don't have two tie downs.

I replaced one of the rubber stoppers with a switch and mounted a 2"x6" LED backup light.

 

[FrEaK_aCcIdEnT]

That's slick as owl chit!

 

[Iarado]

Here is my bed light setup, pretty simple, I think I might add a second light on the other side, easy if don't have two tie downs.

I replaced one of the rubber stoppers with a switch and mounted a 2"x6" LED backup light.

Nice
You should write that up as a how to and submit.

http://www.355nation.net/forum/how-submissions/16581-how-submit-your-own-355nation-how.html

 

[Rick_crew]

I used some waterproof white LED strips and mounted them under the bed rails. I ran 12v power from the battery and control the lights with a tilt switch in the tailgate...

You're predictable....
pro-grade all the way.

:salute:

.