Bed lights

So i got some auxbeam led strips for bed lights. It came with a cheesy switch but i want to use a push button that will turn on the lights when i open the tailgate. I also want to run another push button inside the bed, so i can turn off the lights when the tailgate is open. Im not an electrician, but i dont see any problem running two switches in series. It will be powered independently directly from the battery. So to the point of this post, finding a push button for inside the bed is simple enough. I am searching for a push button release that can be installed in the tailgate jam, such that the power is switched on when the tailgate is open. Does anyone have any ideas on where i can find a push button that works well, and operates reverse of a normal push button switch. IE : when depressed, power is on and when pressed, power is off. Any links would be appreciated

 

Also consider using a magnetic proximity switch like those used for door/window sensors for alarm systems. These are nice because they do not require absolute contact.

 

Toyota (and every auto manufacturer) have the switch you want. Use a door light switch, (door pin switch). But as above a magnetic / reed switch might be a better option as you won’t have to drill holes or deal with corrosion on the backside of the switch.

 

Magnetic switch as mentioned above will be the best choice. 10 years in the boating industry and I have seen maybe two of those switches fail. They are used on our boat line for the rod boxes, and work great.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the idea. I will look into it