LED Bed Light Install Questions
#1
LED Bed Light Install Questions
This is my first attempt at a mod for a brand new 2016 F150 XLT SuperCrew, 4x4.
I've seen and read some great stuff on this forum and I'm trying to wrap my head around how actually I can accomplish this project. I got the idea from stuff I've seen here but I can't seem to find those posts anymore.
I'm trying to install LED Bed lights that will be activated by either a 3-Position Rocker Switch or by opening the tailgate.
To do that I plan on purchasing:
1. (Mounted in truck bed)
2. for the tailgate
3. (Red and Black)
4. In Line Fuse (7amp)
5. 6. Split Loom
7. Spade Connectors
Here is the Wiring Diagram that I worked up.
LED Bed Lighting Diagram
I have a couple of questions:
1. Is this diagram sound? I plan on running 14 or 12 gauge wire (In case I want to add anything else at the back) on a home run from the battery.
2. Is this will work, will I need to place diodes between 1a and the LED Lights and 3a and the LED Lights?
3. I am a little concerned because the description for the switch is On-OFF-AUTO, and I'm wondering if they expect the 3a connection to be a hot wire. Has anyone worked with this switch before?
4. Is there an easier was to accomplish this while still meeting my goals:
6. Any other suggestions? I'm all ears!
Once I get this done, I plan on adding Aux. Reverse lights and possibly an Aux. 12v. Cig. Adapter for charging tools or plugging in an extra 12v Work Light in back.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I've seen and read some great stuff on this forum and I'm trying to wrap my head around how actually I can accomplish this project. I got the idea from stuff I've seen here but I can't seem to find those posts anymore.
I'm trying to install LED Bed lights that will be activated by either a 3-Position Rocker Switch or by opening the tailgate.
To do that I plan on purchasing:
1. (Mounted in truck bed)
2. for the tailgate
3. (Red and Black)
4. In Line Fuse (7amp)
5. 6. Split Loom
7. Spade Connectors
Here is the Wiring Diagram that I worked up.
LED Bed Lighting Diagram
I have a couple of questions:
1. Is this diagram sound? I plan on running 14 or 12 gauge wire (In case I want to add anything else at the back) on a home run from the battery.
2. Is this will work, will I need to place diodes between 1a and the LED Lights and 3a and the LED Lights?
3. I am a little concerned because the description for the switch is On-OFF-AUTO, and I'm wondering if they expect the 3a connection to be a hot wire. Has anyone worked with this switch before?
4. Is there an easier was to accomplish this while still meeting my goals:
-Have constant power to the Bed Lights when the key is not in the ignition and the truck if off
-Have Switch mounted in truck bed
-Have the Bed Lights come on automatically when I open the tailgate (Down position on the switch)
-Have the Bed Lights come on when I flip the switch (Up position on switch)
-Have the Bed Lights turn off if I remove my tailgate (Middle position on switch)
5. What size fuse should I use? 5amp or 7amp?-Have Switch mounted in truck bed
-Have the Bed Lights come on automatically when I open the tailgate (Down position on the switch)
-Have the Bed Lights come on when I flip the switch (Up position on switch)
-Have the Bed Lights turn off if I remove my tailgate (Middle position on switch)
6. Any other suggestions? I'm all ears!
Once I get this done, I plan on adding Aux. Reverse lights and possibly an Aux. 12v. Cig. Adapter for charging tools or plugging in an extra 12v Work Light in back.
Thanks in advance for your help!
#3
I didn't plan on using a relay because I didn't think it was necessary due to the low draw of the LED lights.
It probably would be easier to wire a non-lighted 3-position switch. I like the lighted switch option so I will be able to find the switch easily in the back of the bed when I have the tonneau cover on.
The Rigid Industries switch should be able to do what I need (I assume) because it's designed for relatively the same function. I believe it's typically used with Aux. Reverse lights (Rigid Duallies) to the the following functions:
1. Aux. Reverse Lights ON (Manual)
2. Aux Reverse Lights OFF
3. Aux. Reverse Lights ON (Automatic) w/ Stock Reverse Lights
It probably would be easier to wire a non-lighted 3-position switch. I like the lighted switch option so I will be able to find the switch easily in the back of the bed when I have the tonneau cover on.
The Rigid Industries switch should be able to do what I need (I assume) because it's designed for relatively the same function. I believe it's typically used with Aux. Reverse lights (Rigid Duallies) to the the following functions:
1. Aux. Reverse Lights ON (Manual)
2. Aux Reverse Lights OFF
3. Aux. Reverse Lights ON (Automatic) w/ Stock Reverse Lights
#4
Here is a pic of the switch I wanted to use.
Rigid Three Position Lighted Cherry Rocker Switch
This was a diagram that I found for using it with a relay, but I can't wrap my head around the wiring for my function. Any suggestions?
Rigid Three Position Lighted Cherry Rocker Switch
This was a diagram that I found for using it with a relay, but I can't wrap my head around the wiring for my function. Any suggestions?