Tapping into bed lights

Greetings all, 1st post. I tried the search function and could not find the info I'm looking for. If you have a link please post it.

I just installed a Body Armor Pro rear bumper, and want to install LED pod in the pre-cut section of the bumper. The goal for me is to somehow tie in to the factory bed lights so I can control the pods with the bed light switch. I want to be able to use them to light up a camp sight at night, but also have the ability to keep them off unless I switch them on. I wanted to wire them in this way for convenience as I typically camp out of the bed of my truck. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

 

How much experience do u have with relays?

 

Not a lot, ive never done much wiring beyond an add a fuse.

 

I agree with Skydvrr, using a relay and just getting the “switch” from the bed lights would be a good way to go. The new lights probably need their own power. But if you’re going through all that trouble I would just put them on their own toggle switch.

 

So I'm assuming run the wiring harness along the frame rail up to the engine bay, tap into the battery, and run a switch through the firewall to a mount in the cab?

 

That’s what I would do.

 

What's the best/easiest switch solution? I'm wanting as clean of an install look as possible. I will be adding a front bumper/light bar combo in the future, so a setup that allows multiple switches to be installed would be preferable.

 

3rd GEN Added Lamps to Cargo SW

 

Lots and lots of info available on here about wiring, relays, switch spots, grounds etcetcetc. Imo, the best way to do it, is to do it right. And the right way can only be answered by you. So do tons of research until you're comfortable with tackling it and can fully wrap your head around it. A step by step walkthrough will be a hindrance in the long run, imo, (trouble shooting, imperfect set-up etc). Also, I'm just a dummy on the internet, so my opinion doesn't really matter.

 

How much light do you need? (wrap around or strategically placed)
Switch at the dash, bed or both?
It's own circuit or tied to another? (cab illumination)
Dim motel room or night tennis court bright?

 

I can turn wrenches all day long, and read blueprints, (I'm a CNC programmer/machinist) but the electrical stuff boggles my mind. Lol! I do appreciate the replies from all of you, there is a lot of knowledge on this site!

 

Just want to add 2 LED pods in the rear bumper, but don't want them tied in with the reverse lights.
Never thought about a switch in the bed, that is intriguing.

 

See, from title it went from Bed to bumper...

 

The bed light switch is tied to the Cargo Lamp circuit, so using a very low amp LED lights would work fine for ya. @daveeasa sells a T connector to the OEM bed light connector.

 

Thanks, will look into this.

 

This thread specifically.

I can do with relay if you plan to draw more juice than the circuit should have. I think Caribe said it's 7.5 amp but not sure I trust my memory on that.

 

I used the attached instructions to tap to the trucks wiring when i installed some aftermarket strip lights in my bed. Just be aware what your current draw is on your particular lights so you dont blow fuses or fry any wires or switch. I had mine installed for years and haven’t had any issues but YMMV. Use at your own risk.

http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/00016-35087inst.pdf

 

Bumper lamps...he has bed lights already

 

I thought i read he wanted to use his factory bedlight switch. This allowed me to use the factory bedlight switch for my added bedlights. Of course you are the wiring guru i would have suggested he ask!