Bed lights - custom install

I've seen and looked into the 'Tundra' bed lights several times but they never checked all the boxes for me. I wanted something a bit different and on a switch that was located in the bed with the lights. I sourced all of this from Amazon and it's actually cheaper than the 'OEM' version.

Lights ($20) : You can get different colors and they are waterproof. They are in an aluminum housing, they are legit.

$13 2 Pods LED Rock Lights, Ampper Waterproof LED Neon Underglow Light for Car Truck ATV UTV SUV Offroad Boat Underbody Glow Trail Rig Lamp (White)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0T8DT5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Flush mount button switch ($9) : IP65 waterproof, feels solid, and has small footprint

$10 APIELE 16mm Latching Push Button Switch 12V DC On Off Black Shell with LED Angel Eye Head for 0.63" Mounting Hole with Wire Socket Plug Self-Locking (Red/Black Shell)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RLP1TVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wires ($13) : 12 gauge is overkill for this but that's my style

$18 GS Power 12 Gauge Stranded Flexible Copper Clad Aluminum CCA Primary Automotive Wire for Car Stereo Amplifier 12Volt Trailer Harness Hookup Wiring. 50 ft Red & 50 feet Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W6S8NC9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1



The lights have a removable rubber backing so it's easy to make your own template with it.



1/4 inch holes



There's already a ground on the drivers side above the rear shock - I used this. This was a good opportunity to use some emery cloth to clean up the ground point, also used dielectric grease when bolting the grounds back to the frame.



Do yourself (and future owners) a favor and take your time running wires. With some patience and zip ties you can cleanly follow the factory wiring harness. I used some 1/2 inch wire loom on parts of the run (25ft roll on Amazon is about 15 bucks)



Terminated at the fuse block. I need to get a smaller fuse for the lights, the smallest I had was a 10 amp and these lights (pair) only draw 18 watts



Lights \ switch installed.



Yeah, they are bright and light up the bed



While you're running wires you might as well run and additional one for future needs. I wanted a 12v plug back there so I installed that as well ($10 bucks on amazon).

Don't install\hole saw where I did. My OCD got the best of me by keeping it centered, however, there is a vertical bed support (fiberglass) right in this spot. Not a big deal but I'd rather not drill through that.


Lessons learned :

It will be easier to have a helper when bolting the lights in. The bolts for the lights are just long enough but require pressure to be applied to 'squeeze' the rubber backing enough to start the nut on the backside of the bed.

Before installing the lights I'd solder longer leads onto the wires. It was tough (but doable) to solder them up between the bed and the truck body.

 

Nice attention to detail!

Is that the switch next to your driver's side light?

I take it that's not a stock fuse block?

 

Looks great.

 

Thanks! Yes, the switch is beside that light.

Right, not the stock fuse block. It’s a blue sea fuse block on a ‘blank’ power tray

 

Great mod and much needed. I always thought BD flush mount bed lights would be cool, except the price.

 

Good mod. My F350 had this feature... Can't do without it now

Thanks for the info on the switch, I like it. Oddly enough I had the same LEDs laying around from another project

 

I've been looking for a fuse box like that. Where did you get it?

 

Here you go

Blue Sea Systems 5046 Fuse Block...

$23 Blue Sea Systems 5046 ST Blade Fuse Block Compact 8 Circuit with Cover

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV1MTF0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Thanks. Ordered the 4 position one.

 

Should've got this one:
https://www.bluesea.com/products/5056/ST-Blade_Water-Resistant_Fuse_Block

 

oooh that looks nice!

 

The engine fuse/relay box has more "sealing" worthiness in keeping the elements out than what the OP and many other continue to use/imitate.

 

Nice write-up.
Because nobody mentioned it (you guys focusing on electrons today), I will say this makes me happy OP.

 

That's overkill. I'm looking at mounting the 4 fuse one inside the truck.

 

Great Job!!! Love those lights, those are the ones I used for my rock lights.

 

You didn't mention that BEFORE...

 

Sorry