how to wire bed lamps:

It truly is super easy, and ive used them a few times now. SO damn useful. I hate the lights i bought, so soon i'll switch them out with what you guys have.. but besides that, its a great install =) Shoulda been stock!

 

Thanks man I just need time to install the damn lights. Maybe this weekend, but we shall see.

 

I like your write up and information. I plan to use it as a guide.

However, I am going to install a strip of LED lights instead. I am going to secure them under and along the bed rails. I would also like to be able to turn them on in the cab OR from inside one of the cubbies.

Here's what I'm thinking of:
http://shopper.cnet.com/vehicle-lighting/900802-putco-pure-led/4414-19247_9-65279356.html

OR

$106 Recon 26417 4' Universal LED Bed Rail Light Kit (2 Piece Set)

http://www.amazon.com/Recon-26417-Universal-Light-Piece/dp/B000KL3ZCE

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/4838-cheap-free-mods-2.html#post45850

 

yeah, those are cool. I was thinking with this mod to hide it in the pockets and make it cheap enough for you to do in a weekend and not spend a bunch. BUT those lights would be VERY cool.. i can just see it now, with bed rug, and camper top and you'd have your own little pimp room.

 

Thanks PT! I did read your walk-through and will be using some of your tips as well. I may even buy the same kit.
BTW, your link to the product is no longer valid. May want to update that.

I will mostly use it when loading or unloading things in the dark. I usually disrobe from my snowboarding gear while standing in my truck and need a little light to do it. I don't want overly bright lights that can be seen across a parking lot. I like to be discrete

My only fear is damaging the LED strips when hauling or loading/unloading (mulch, stone, block, lumber, etc).

I like your thinking, unholy! Set them to strobe and get rockin' '

 

AND a bed mat and camper top = pimpage room! Or a disco ball... this could get good! (I'll update the link right now!)

 

Vminnovations keeps changing their site, but if you search www.vminnovations.com there's only 1 type of white LED kit.

Mine are just as thick as the tie down rails so being mounted just below they are fairly well protected. I like the fact I have 2 wireless remotes so I can turn them on or off whenever, where ever, and I don't have to fumble around for a switch (or two) somewhere in the dark.

 

Need 2 single pole double throw switches, I found this on wikipedia.


Multiway switching

Multiway switching is a method of connecting switches in groups so that any switch can be used to connect or disconnect the load. This is most commonly done with lighting.

[edit] Two locations

1. First method
2. Second method
3. Labelling of switch terminals


Switching a load on or off from two locations (for instance, turning a light on or off from either end of a flight of stairs) requires two SPDT switches. There are two basic methods of wiring to achieve this, and another not recommended.
In the first method, mains is fed into the common terminal of one of the switches; the switches are then connected through the L1 and L2 terminals (swapping the L1 and L2 terminals will just make the switches work the other way round), and finally a feed to the light is taken from the common of the second switch. A connects to B or C, D connects to B or C; the light is on if A connects to D, i.e. if A and D both connect to B or both connect to C.
The second method is to join the three terminals of one switch to the corresponding terminals on the other switch and take the incoming supply and the wire out to the light to the L1 and L2 terminals. Through one switch A connects to B or C, through the other also to B or C; the light is on if B connects to C, i.e. if A connects to B with one switch and to C with the other.
Wiring needed in addition to the mains network (not including protective earths):
First method:

• double wire between both switches
• single wire from one switch to the mains
• single wire from the other switch to the load
• single wire from the load to the mains

Second method:

• triple wire between both switches
• single wire from any position between the two switches, to the mains
• single wire from any position between the two switches, to the load
• single wire from the load to the mains

If the mains and the load are connected to the system of switches at one of them, then in both methods we need three wires between the two switches. In the first method one of the three wires just has to pass through the switch, which tends to be less convenient than being connected. When multiple wires come to a terminal they can often all be put directly in the terminal. When wires need to be joined without going to a terminal a crimped joint, piece of terminal block, wirenut or similar device must be used and the bulk of this may require use of a deeper backbox.

Using the first method, there are four possible combinations of switch positions: two with the light on and two with the light off. N.B. This diagram uses the American electrical wiring name from the table above.
Off On

 

I need to run a hot wire from the inside driver side fusebox to the pickup bed front side pocket, what do I need to remove to get a 12V wire all the way there?

 

I went a different route with lights,I did not want to give up any space and saw this on another site and they work great.Wired direct off the battery,used a standard toggle and a simple relay from Napa took a bit of time but to see in the bed is well worth it.

 

Wow thats really cool, where did you get the lights?

 

I got them at Napa,There standard big rig lights you can find them at most any auto parts store.

 

Finished installing mine, I used the other type that Harbor Freight sells for $10.00, I think they look more Stock.
Close Up:

Garage Lights On:

Garage Lights Off:

 

awesome. post a picture!

 

Pics added, Thanks unholycumulus!!

 

oooo how dare you make your install cleaner than mine!!




haha! Youre welcome, Glad it worked out!!

 

I just wired them up to a switch in the dash for now, more secure that way.