What is the suggest best way to retrofit inside the bed lights using factory switches (probably for the light by the third brake light)? I'm having a cap installed that has one light, but am considering adding the factory side lights.
Any comments on this kit? https://www.starkey-products.com/For...2018-2019-2020
Other suggestions?
Thanks as always.

 

Another possibility is to add a string of LED lights under the bed rails, which in some cases is more useful and better-protected. I have and like Ford's bed lights, but if the bed is loaded up with gear, those lights are buried and not providing much help until you pull a few items out.

 

How and where did you get to power for the string LEDs?

 

I used that same Starkey kit, if your truck has the factory hitch assist light in the tailgate then the kit gets it's power source from that, if not then power wires need to be run to the thier brake light. Since mine got the plug and play power source from the tailgate light, the two spade connectors can be used to power strip lights in the bed, or lighting for the inside of a topper. My box is 6.5' so if your box is coming up short you would have to bend the front most light on each side and stick it to the front of the box and only have 3 on each side rail.

I put these strip light in my bed on on each side.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/a....htm?exp=false

 

Thanks David, those look easy enough. Just got a new topper today, so might go that route. And I do have the tailgate light, so good news there too. Thanks again.

 

This was taken at night, I have a Tonneau cover not a topper. The Starkey Bed Light kit in my opinion was not enough light, I assume the factory Ford Bed Lights are similar. I added the Menards string LEDs 4 on each side. You can see the results in the photo.

 

Lights up the entire bed nicely.

 

That came out very nice.
How do you switch them on and off, locally or at the dash?
Thanks again.

 

They turn on with the factory lighting. So when the unlock on the remote is hit and the third brake light comes on, they come on timed the factory Ford kit has some switch on a bed side but the Starkey kit does not. There is some way to turn them on for like 10 minutes before they time out but I have not done that, I just hit the open button again on my remote.

 

Thanks for all your help David.