RE: New 2021 SR5 Sport Edition, Bed LED lights?

I am looking for a Tonneau cover and hear its dark inside when you open the bed tailgate. (of course, don't be silly). Anyway, I would like to have a light source in the bed. I am seeing LED lights you can insert and wire up. There are price ranges from 30 bucks on up depending where you look.

1) Do I really need these?

2) Can I use a motion sensing LED puck light (is it practical)?

3) If so for the LED lights, What are decent ones and can they be turned on and off with the Key Fob, etc.

4) Would strip lights work better and is there a kit out there that can be turned on and off by the FOB, etc?

Thanks for the help!

 

They would help
You could use those if you want
The OEM ones that fit in your current bed light Bed location should suffice and work like your cargo light does

 

You can install flush mount VLED lights 2 or 4, just drill a 1.5" hole and tap off trailer harness or add a 4 pin harness and tap off that. Add a switch, any 5A will work and leaves amp room if you add more lights. They're 400 lumens each, plenty bright.

https://www.vleds.com/shop-products/puddle-lights/universal-puddle-light.html

 

I have the tundra bed lights witch are stock looking and do a ok job. I have them wire to a pin switch so when you open yhe tailgate they come on and off when closed.
But i also added a cheap $18 led light I think 16inches long .tucked under tonneau it really doesn’t get wet so not worried about water intrusion. That i have wired to my Switch-Pro

 

I like that idea

 

I don't know if you can add the oem ones if they were not pre install, but if you can I would go that route.
I just got my Tacoma and the other night when I went to open the bed with the cover on I was actually really surprised with how brightly it was lit from the oem light kit.

 

I just purchased the OEM bed lights for $70 on my 2020 SR5. The truck just has plastic pop outs that need to be removed and the wiring is already behind the tail lights. Just needed to pop in the OEM bed lights and connect the wires. Maybe 10 mins worth of work.

 

To answer question #1… I personally don’t need bed lights…I’ve had Bakflip covers on my Tacoma and my Ram before it for 8+ years now and there was never a situation where a flashlight wasn’t enough. Might not be the same for you but I’ve never found it to be that much of an issue.

 

Just finished installing these oem knock-offs. They seem like a sweet option at less than half the cost of oem. I’ll try to remember to post an update in few months to let y’all know how they’re holding up!

To answer your first question “need” might be a stretch, but then again at under $30 they seem like a no-brainer.

FEXON LED Bed Light/Lighting Kit...

$27 LED Bed Light/Lighting Kit for 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 & Newer Toyota Tacoma Bed Type Replacement PT857-35200

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NV56PBF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

I got the OEM bed lights for my 21 TRD OR and they took about 15 minutes to install. They cost $47 from https://parts.springhilltoyota.com/ I ordered the tail gate remote lock as well which put me over $75 so I got free shipping.

 

I recently installed these myself. I'm more than satisfied with the illumination. They appear to be well built and the installation was a piece of cake. Everything fit precisely. Oh, and the price is right!

 

Who else has added two more in corners oem style?!