Multiple switches on bed light mod?

So after owning my truck for a month I got my first mod done (back-up camera stand along switch) and have officially been bit by the bug. Next on the list is bed lights in the cubby holes, however I wanted to switch them both in the cab, and in the bed. Has anyone done this or have any information on what kind of wiring set-up that would be.

I would be looking for two switches that operate independantly of each other, so their would not technically be an on or off for either switch, basically the same idea of a house light that has two switches on each side of the room that control the same light.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

so are you looking to do a 3-way switch or just two switches that operate independently of each other?

 

I guess it would just be a 3-way switch idea, which means I could just hook the switches and lights up in series with everything grounded properly and I should be good to go, correct? It's been a few years since electronics classes.

And if I am correct with that, where would I hook up the relay to protect everything?

 

no hooking the switches in series wouldnt do what u want them to do. u might have to find some 12v 3 way switches? i dont know if they even make them or not. if they are in series both switches would have to be on to do anything.

 

you could manage it with two single pole double throw switches with on/off/on, only you would have to always make sure that either switch is never on its middle setting of nothing on.

what u really need is a single pole double throw with on/on. this is how a 3way switch in your house is operated
http://www.elecdirect.com/product/e660fb45-a819-441e-aef7-6e4ad08a7f48.aspx

thats the best thing ive found so far but im sure u want somethign that looks better. ut basicly this is what u will need

 

two 3 way switches would work well. One in the back cubby, one on the dash. I've been thinking of doing this.. but been too lazy BUT its doable, just not with the kit i have mentioned in the mod. Youd have to ditch the wiring harness it comes with and build your own

 

yah, thats true. But i think he'd want it more like how a room with two doors and two switches work.. (walk in one door, flip on.. walk out the other door, flip light off). So you'd want the switches, no matter what position, to be able to turn on or off the light. 3 way switches could do this

 

right. and a 3way switch is basicly a single pole double throw with on/on positons. with this type of switch it would be wired the exact same as how you would wire a threeway switch in a house. only rated at 12v instead of 120v

 

yeah, that's pretty much what ive come up with too, just need to raid all the local hobby and hardware stores to see if i can come up with a couple 12v 3ways...

also, still a little confused on where the relay would need to be wired in

 

to clarify what i'm asking, essentially im trying to do this with another light in series

 

what kind of lights are u using back there to need a relay? i dont have a relay on mine.

yea thats exaclty how it would look with an on/on switch

 

I guess I was under the assumption after reading Jefferson's Mod write up that it was necessary to protect the switch and not melt them down, maybe I am confused on the actualy purpose of the relay

 

well thats basically the case. however, lights dont generate enough power to really bother most switches anyway. Bigger items (generators, winches, so on) really should use a relay. However, if you can get a relay in there, its a great idea.

A relay really is a switch for the switch. You have your switch that turns on and off the relay. the relay then says "guy flipped the switch, time to turn on the lights (or whatever)". At that point youre not left with a switch that wasnt designed to take on a million volts and melt down.. thats switch is then only delivered a minuscule amount of power.. bad description.. but you get the idea

 

if anyone can decipher my crude microsoft paint image here, the black box is the battery, rectangles would be my 3 way switches, circles are my lights, obviously the fuse would go inline next to the battery... does this make sense, or am I going to burn my truck down?

yes im being paranoid, but I havnt even made a payment on it yet

 

damnit, now im just confusing myself, switches won't be grounded with a typical 12v switch, will they?

 

bingo thats the only place u went wrong other then that.. exactly how i would do it.

 

hook up your 12v fused source,then from the ground side of the fog lights connect two wires,one to go inside the cab with switched ground.the other wire is for the bed with switched ground,which ever switch grounds will make the lights come on.

 

woohoo, saturday project here I come

 

am i explaining it correctly?

 

I'm going to go off my drawing (minus the grounded switches, cuz i'm a moron). We'll see if this works out. I have to get the parts still, and it looks like the only decent looking ones are marine grade, which as far as i can tell just means expensive. I may be changing things depending on whether or not I go with a light-up switch, so basically I won't know till this weekend how it turns out. If it works out I'll probably write up a mini thread about the best way to deal with the dual switches