Tacoma Bed Lighting

All -

We were just allocated our 2019 Taco AC OR with factory tonneau cover. Delivery is due late December.

In sorting through the accessories with our dealer I noticed an option for bed lights which seems like a good idea for a dark night - but they are $199 plus another $200 for installation (hard wired). That just seems like too much for a couple of lights (that I would think might be prone to damage).

My questions:

1. Do you find (especially with a tonneau cover) that bed lighting is or would be useful?
2. What aftermarket accessory lights have folks tried and with what success?

I am currently leaning towards a battery operated LED unit or two for $20-40 each.

 

The ones that come with them are dim and basically useless. Made mine for less than $50. Hardwired to an overhead switch in one of the sunglasses cubby:

 

I just installed these, they are a great kit and Matt provides excellent service/solutions:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-waterproof-under-bed-rail-led-lights-3rd-gen.391380/
@mattgecko

 

Yep, can confirm, I have these for my 2nd gen and it's a huge difference maker for me under my topper. Ideally you'd install them when it's warmer out though, so the adhesive has a better shot of sticking to the rails.

 

Made my own but its similar to Matt's solution.

 

Thanks all. Great info. After I posted this, I realized I should have searched past threads but you guys made it easy. Looks like there are certainly better and lower cost options than the Toyota accessory. Once I get my rig I'll get serious about doing something about bed lighting.

 

I have a the kit from Matt too under an OEM cover and it works great. Wiring the kit is pretty easy, and if you message Matt, he'll likely send you the instructions so you can see how involved.