how to wire bed lamps:

i almost did that, and i know it would work.. but i will be using mine mostly when coming back from surfing and the tail gate would be up. Also, i decided against it because i want total control over when it would be on and off. If i was loading anything into the truck with tailgate up, id want to be able to switch it on or off.

 

That's why I love my wireless remote! I can turn them on inside the cab to check on cargo or my dog, turn them on as I approach the truck, turn them off from inside the house after unloading, etc.

So, seriously, a $20 wireless controller from Autozone would be great for a lot of people it seems.

Sure, it's nice to have the light come on when you drop the tailgate, but then you need to drill a hole, run the wires, etc for a pin switch when you could just push a button on a remote as you step out. Then push another button after you've unloaded and click the lock button on the toyota remote. No extra wiring, no need to install switches at both ends of the truck, on/off whenever you need within 50ft of the truck or more.... Seems like a win-win situation to me.

 

Do you keep it on your key ring or is it attached to the truck?

 

One on each key so my wife can use them when she takes the spare key. Although with the controller box for my LED's there's also a physical switch in the center console if I need it, but I never use it.

The lights I have under the truck it's nice to be able to turn them on before I get to the so I can see where the mud, water, or dog crap are before trying to step into the truck.

 

Can u take a picture of the remotes on the keyring, the guy at my Autozone was clueless.

 

I'm not using one from Autozone. I used one on my car for neons years ago so I know about them and how they work, but now I'm using what came with the lights I put on the truck.

It was a box with 1 remote for about $20 in the switch/electrical section.

Here's something similar. Looks like Auotzone discontinued the model I had.
http://www.autobarn.net/plsw29.html

A little bit more, but you can control 4 things with it so if you add more lights or whatever.

Another one:
http://www.oznium.com/remote-switch

 

I loved this idea so much i took it on step further making the lights able to pivot to the rear to shine light out the back.[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

 

AH thats damn rad!

 

I finally got around to installing my bed lights.





Switch I got from a local auto parts store and it fits pretty damn good.

 

Looks good! and you used the same lights i did! One bummer about those lights - the mounting hardware gets kinda rusty around the screws..

BUT enjoy. Its very useful

 

i've been wanting to do a mod like this..i going to have to check into this...its seems easy im also novice to electrical...but im preety sure i can figure it out and get help...i like your sr5 cali stickers by the way..were can i get something like that?

 

Yes the lights were cheap and that what made me get em, thanks for the heads up on the rust issue.

 

Good stuff here guys. Been schemin on what to do with that wasted space & may just have to go with some version of this.

 

yah, someone used the lights out of a big rig and sunk them into the bed sides. I know thats not using the pockets, but it was a really cool idea. Others used more of a square style light that looked more stock, which i think looks cleaner than the elchepo's i found. BUT this is just a guide to move you through the process.

I like mine and they work awesomely

 

what is the nut size for the ground bolt located behind the little cubbies?

 

I went to ace hardware and, with the cubbies removed, tried a bunch till it worked. I found a 10mm bolt that threaded correctly.. but i couldn't tell you the width of the bolt.. sorry. But any hardware store should allow you to try a few till you find one that works. it took a total of 10 mins to locate one and buy up 3 (in case one dissapears!)

 

Hey JEFF, that's pretty awesome! I wondered why we didn't have any bed lights and/or if we can install them also. I got into an accident in my truck (not my fault while i was driving straight and some kid came out of a parking lot and hit me, if you didn't hear at the meet) anywho, well my rental car was an 2009 Nissan Frontier and there was a button in the inside of the cab that I can press for the bed light to come on.

I'll keep this in mind...

 

Thanks! Its pretty simple really, lemme know if you want help with it.. it should have been a stock option just like the frontier! BUT we can make that happen.

 

Well folks I finally got around to performing my version of the modification AND writing up a detailed procedure...It was finished last month and made two fishing voyages to the Catskills and was a BIG hit!

I've attached a detailed procedure along with some final pics of it in action. I like the way it turned out and that I have full control over the on/off, infinite angle adjustment of the LED light pods due to the mounting procedure I used and they are up and out of the way of any bed items. It also has "nightvision" for those times I am night fishing or running "covert" operations and wish NOT to loose my "night sight".

So without further adieu here it is...
"Pistol Pete's Bed light mod with Recon Bed light kit"
hope you enjoy it and it sparks some interesting ideas of your own! I've seen some good ones in this thread