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Constant Power for Bed Lights

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by a_hol, Oct 19, 2018.

  1. Oct 19, 2018 at 3:56 PM
    #1
    a_hol

    a_hol [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Long Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Sport DCLB
    First time poster here so be easy on me. Truck is a 2016 TRD Sport.

    I'm looking to install some waterproof LED strips under the bed rails on my Tacoma and was curious if there is anywhere in the bed where I can find constant power when the truck is completely off. I'm trying to avoid having to get in the cab to click the power button on and whatnot.

    I'm running a roof top tent on a RCI bed rack so I want the ability to flip a switch at the back of the bed for light under the tent at any point with the convenience of not having to fiddle with something in the cab in order to do so. Ideally I would be mounting the switch in one of the storage compartments or near the plug outlet in the bed. Any ideas on where to tap into constant power?

    Apologies if there's already a thread out there about this. Still learning my way around the forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. Oct 19, 2018 at 5:32 PM
    #2
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

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    Destin
    Tuscaloosa, AL
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    No constant power in the bed unfortunately.

    Depending on any future electrical projects you foresee, Here's my recommendation

    I would buy a 40-50 foot roll of 4awg welding cable (Temco is a good brand on Amazon)
    Cut it in half and do two runs from the battery to wherever you think is a good dry spot in the bed
    Use this for the positive and negative to the battery for a Blue Seas 12 circuit fuse block.

    Now you have 12 fused connections and 12 good ground points for any electrical connections you need. Bed lights, lights in the tent, small fans, etc.
    Or do 8awg wire and the 6 circuit. But I'm a fan of doing more than I think I'll need. The cost isn't enough to make up for it.
     
  3. Oct 22, 2018 at 1:40 PM
    #3
    a_hol

    a_hol [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2016 TRD Sport DCLB
    Appreciate the input. I assumed it would probably need to be done this way, just figured I'd make sure first. Thanks again.
     
  4. Oct 22, 2018 at 1:59 PM
    #4
    cuda2k

    cuda2k Well-Known Member

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    Jon
    Allen, TX
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    BRM 15 TRD Off Road 4wd
    LVL8 MK6 wheels,SOS Sliders,Smked 3rd Brake,Gibson Exhaust
    Aux fux box, wire heavy gauge off the battery, 5 fuses with relay, 5 more just fused, all of them constant on. Ran one to the back of the truck for my bed LED (eventually to be upgraded/improved), others are switched in the cab for front lights, aux reverse, CB, etc.
     
  5. Oct 22, 2018 at 2:06 PM
    #5
    Onehugenut55

    Onehugenut55 Well-Known Member

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  6. Oct 24, 2018 at 11:33 AM
    #6
    dualstroke

    dualstroke Well-Known Member

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    I often camp in the back and could use more light. Thanks for the link
     

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