LED Bed Lighting Setups

Just curious how people set up their own bed lighting. Build your own or Kit?

I bought parts and wired my own with a magnetic switch so it automatically kicks on when I open the tail gate. Whats the slickest way you've seen/done?

 

Pic?

 

built my own kit.
Used a led strip attached to a long piece of flat stock with holes in it. The flat stock is drilled to match the mounting holes for the cap's windows.
Controlled by a switch in the upper left corner. This allows me to turn on the lights while the door is closed(camping) or leave them off when opening the door.
I'd guess I have less than $50 into it.

 

The pricey-ness of kits was the deciding factor for me. While the potential for electrical gremlins is a bit daunting, doing it yourself for fairly cheap is easier than people think.

 

My neighbor bought these as a Christmas gift on Amazon. They are a 4 led flat pod . 4 squares per side.

Removed the cubby boxes(‘17 had 1 on each side ) to access the backside of the bed.

Unscrewed the rail system so it was loose but not removed.
Tucked excess wires behind the rail system and used the screws in the track system as my guide to position mount the lights
Riveted in place.https://youtu.be/MJIyop-qexQ

Ran it up to the cab and wired it in to the door switch . It can turn on with the doors open or use the switch to turn lights on.

Awesome lights for the price.
A shot with the tonneau on

 

I looked into the kits. They still require you connecting wires and such so potential for gremlins still exist.
The bug plus of a kit is you get everything you need, and can't forget 1 small piece.

The LEDs I used

WenTop Waterproof Led Strip Lights SMD 3528 16.4 Ft (5M) 300leds 60leds/m White Flexible Tape Lighting Tape Lights in DC Jack for Boats, Bathroom, Mirror, Ceiling - Not Include Power Supply

WenTop Waterproof Led Strip...
Connectors

$10 LightingWill 10pcs Pack Strip Wire Solderless Snap Down 2Pin Conductor LED Strip Connector for 8mm Wide 3528 2835 Single Color Flex LED Strips

LightingWill 10pcs Pack Strip...

 

I did my own.

 

I purchased a set of 5 LED strips from AliExpress on the cheap. Mounted them on both sides of the bed. I then got one of those magnetic switches used for overhead garage doors to turn them on automatically when the bed cover is raised. Since nothing is attached to the cover with the exception of the magnet it can still easily be removed if need be. I already had power running to the bed for a air compressor that is used for air horns, loud ass train horns. Magnetic switch can be seen in the picture.

Lots of light now.

 

Posting to see all of your creativeness.

 

^^^ THIS! did it about a year ago and it's been every so useful!

 

Do you have your switch mounted in the bed? If you do, do you see disadvantage mounting in the bed versus mounting inside the truck?

 

I think a bed mounted switch is much better then cab. I go into the bed a decent amount without coming from the cab so saves me that effort. If I was to camp in the bed I'd like the switch to be handy.

 

i mounted my switch in my truck, next to where the outlet is. most of the time when i need/want the light i'm at the tailgate, so it's very convenient there. I thought about splicing init to my cargo light switch inside, and glad i didn't. much easier to open my gate, hit the light, do what i need to do then turn it off and never open the cab. the cargo light is completely useless IMHO

 

I install a car alarm security push pin, so when I open the tailgate, the light will automatic turn on, when I close the tailgate it will turn off.

 

I also have Matt's lighting kit with the switch in the bed. I find it most useful there as when you need to turn it on, you have access to do so right there when you're at the tail vs setting your stuff down and going inside the truck to turn it on. I also opted not to do the automatic turn on when you open the tailgate as I didn't want my lights to be on if I have to carry something with the tailgate down, especially if its night time. Or if I'm camping, I leave the tailgate down a lot so I didn't wanna have to worry about that as well. A manual button worked best for me.

 

How I did mine:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-lights.600377/

 

Instead of the push pin that can get caught corroded or broken you might look on Amazon for a magnetic one. That’s what I did and it doesn’t work off of a mechanical thing that can wear out

 

Pics don't show up but interested to see how you wired everything.

 

Tinker...