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Under rail LED bed lights

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Richie85, Sep 14, 2010.

  1. Sep 14, 2010 at 11:00 PM
    #1
    Richie85

    Richie85 [OP] Member

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    Hello everyone. Just bought a 2002 Tacoma DC with a hard Tonneau. I'm really itching to put in some under rail LEDs that will come on when the cover is lifted. Anyone done something similar? recommendations? Thanks for the help.
     
  2. Sep 15, 2010 at 12:19 AM
    #2
    Manlaan

    Manlaan Well-Known Member

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    See Signature
    Something like http://www.oznium.com/smd-bar or any of the water proof ones http://www.oznium.com/flexible-led-strips should work. As far as the switch, something like http://www.oznium.com/pin-switch will work. Probably easiest to hook the switch up to the tailgate since you'll have a bit more play when its closed. There's even a few pics on their site of people that have done it. (look at the beefy led strip action shots for someones actual truck bed)

    Pretty easy setup overall, and since the leds really dont use much power, I wouldn't even bother with a relay. Just run all the grounds to the back end of the switch and when its open, it'll complete the circuit and turn on the lights.

    I'm not sure I'd put an automatic switch in my truck like that though. Although the leds really dont use that much power, I think an in cab switch would still be the better solution to best avoid a dead battery, although if you forget to turn it off (and dont run a lighted switch), that might still be a problem.
     
  3. Sep 15, 2010 at 12:34 AM
    #3
    Hawaiitaco

    Hawaiitaco Well-Known Member

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    Blue Sea Fuse Box, led bed lights and ground lights
    I'm in the process of doing the same thing..and also doing ground lights... here are some of the threads im using as reference...

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/4323-bed-lights-w-pics.html

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods-18.html#post297835

    Suggestions for LEDs.:

    http://www.vminnovations.com/product_275/Underbody_4_Piece_LED_Light_Kit_White_.html

    I actually bought: http://www.amazon.com/LEDGLOW-White...7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1284535647&sr=1-27

    They look great so far...im running them to a spdt rocker so that it will run either with the dimming domelight or on whenever i want..when i finish ill take some pics.... search around..there are some great posts and people that are very helpful...ie. borderbrat and pierced tiger
     
  4. Sep 15, 2010 at 8:22 PM
    #4
    Richie85

    Richie85 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the info. I wasn't even thinking about using the "rope" or "tape" LEDs, but I'm thinking that they might be the way to go now. anybody have any other opinions or options? thanks again guys.
     
  5. Sep 15, 2010 at 9:03 PM
    #5
    pittim

    pittim mittip backwards

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    i'd do the rope led's with a rocker switch hidden up under the rails.
     
  6. Sep 16, 2010 at 4:36 PM
    #6
    Richie85

    Richie85 [OP] Member

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    I'm thinking about doing the rocker switch switch the more I think about it. What's the best kind of rope or tape LED out there in your guys opinion? its a DC bed so I'd need about 10 feet
     
  7. Sep 16, 2010 at 9:21 PM
    #7
    pittim

    pittim mittip backwards

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    if you put 2 of the 20 in piranha bars on each side i think you'll have more than enough light. just have it so the gaps are even...so one from 7"-27" and 34"-54" back from the front.
     
  8. Sep 17, 2010 at 8:00 PM
    #8
    Richie85

    Richie85 [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the info...you guys are great. Should I get the mounting kits that Piranha sells or is there a better way to mount them?
     
  9. Mar 9, 2014 at 10:49 AM
    #9
    grumeazy

    grumeazy Member

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    Thanks for the idea and write up. Just did mine today.
     
  10. Apr 2, 2015 at 11:30 AM
    #10
    dani144

    dani144 Member

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    iv done these over the winter they are led strips and i put the light switch by the tail gate ran power of the rear lights cost me a total of 20$ and about 2 hours of work

    IMG_2693.jpg
     
  11. Apr 2, 2015 at 12:14 PM
    #11
    stikle

    stikle Well-Known Member

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    Eh, see my Build Thread sig link. Too many mods to list.
    Take a look here...
     

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