Bed Lights

Hey all, wanted to possibly install some bed lights in the back of my truck. My truck did not come with oem bed lights. I also have a roll up tonneau, so I can’t exactly see in there when it’s dark, or even during the day sometimes, plus I think it would be a nice touch. Do they make any good oem style bed lights i can wire in? I’m assuming I would have to cut for that. Or would I be able to use a waterproof outdoor LED light strip and wire it to the cargo light somehow so it comes on every time the cargo light is on? Or maybe even a switch for every time the bed is opened. I’m just looking into some lighting options for the bed, and wanted to hear some of your guys’ input. Thanks

 

Found this for your install.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-light-installation.497710/

 

@mattgecko show the man some light!

 

Get yourself some bed lights from Matt Gecko - https://mattgeckoleds.com/shop/ols/...th-bed-mounted-switch-toyota-tacoma-2005-2021

I installed these in my 2019 and they work perfectly.

 

I think I'm going to order the kit from Matt Gecko. I need to decide which light color, cool or warm. I also read that it's easier to tap into the tow hitch wires rather than running directly from the battery. If I tap into the tow hitch wires, will that be an always hot circuit, meaning can I activate the LED's if the truck is running or not?

 

I have the Matt Gecko kit and I love it. I don't think the hitch wiring is always hot, but someone correct me if I am wrong. His kit comes with the wiring all assembled so it is not hard to run all the way to the battery - just takes some time on your back and a lot of zip ties. It has its own fuse so I think that is the best way to wire this up. I installed the button by the bed outlet so it is tucked out of the way and in easy reach when standing at the tailgate. Here is what the warm color looks like:

 

Can you install the ones that are options on the tacoma? I did that on mine, and installed in the rear of the bed.

 

The OP could but, he has a pre 2020 3rd gen, and the wiring is not plug and play, right at the mount location, like the 2020 and later. he would have to run wires to the battery, or left footwell/fuse block area. I am surprised someone hasnt made an easy access plug and play harness for the older trucks. after toyota came out with their harness location, in 2020, I figured sooner or later, one of our resident guru's would make a break out harness for us. but, it hasnt happened to date. Ski