BadFish523

Getting a lot of mixed results in search. Now that I got a tonneau cover I'm going to need some lights in the bed. My question is how would all of you wire them in? Tie into the factory bed light? Add a switch in the cab or bed? Magnetic switch on the tailgate? I like the idea of the magnetic switch on the tailgate. Lets hear it!

ReaperHWK

I wired mine to the factory lighting circuit. It goes on the same time as the cargo light and when you put the dimmer slider switch to on. I did not have to wire in any additional switches, I just use the dimmer on the dash to control it.

BadFish523

I forgot about the dimmer switch turning on the lights. Duh! Well that may be the way I go unless someone can give me something better. Reaper did you tie into the cargo wires? Did you find them in the door sill?

ReaperHWK

I didn't use the cargo light wire on the truck, I think I used the door sill or went directly to the dimmer switch in the dash. It has been awhile so don't quite remember.

M0RRIS

I tried searching a couple of my older posts and a couple that helped me. All of which are in the 09-14 section. There's one thread that's 800 pages, "best modifications under $50". A bunch have posted there cus the lights are, surprise surprise. Under $50. There's also a DIY thread strictly about this topic.

Anyways, I put my switch in the bed in one of the holes for the bed extended (no plans for one). I tapped into the 7pin trailer harness's hot wire. This allowed me to turn on the lights only when the ignition was on. It's only downfall.

The dedicated thread someone started suggested creating a relay jumper out of two male connectors and a small piece of wire (2"). This allowed me to have power whenever with out turning on my truck. The downside to this is if you tow a trailer that has power like a battery for a travel trailer, it can drain your trucks battery. I don't so I just leave it connected.

The 09-14 trucks had a relay in the glovebox to install for the 7pin. I'm 99% sure you have to install it.


I really wish I could have found those threads and posts. For some reason vbulletin crashed or wouldn't let me view the site unless I downloaded the update. I updated my iPhone and bam, i can post and see this site again.

BadFish523

Thanks Morris

M0RRIS

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/led-bedlights-143928/

Here's the thread, I'm looking for my posts. The original poster used Photobucket and now they are extortioning the interwebs.

My pics were linked and uploaded from my phone.

Page 97 is the start of my posts.

BadFish523

Thanks. I started reading some. I'll read more into it later.

Trio

This is one application where the simple solution may be the better solution. If it were me I would opt for this and just keep it back there :

BadFish523

I want something mounted in there and wired in. No batteries, it keeping it charged. Plus I can always have both!