Introduction: Truck Bed Lights
This instructable will show you the process of how to install truck bed lighting for easy visibility of your bed's contents at night. Its also is a great way to enhance the look of your truck as it creates a blue glow coming from the bed.
You will need-
*12v strip of water-proof LEDs (available on ebay or amazon)
*Phillips head screw driver (or the tools needed to remove your taillights)
*Wire splicer (to connect two wires) or a (2) 3M T-Taps
*Adhesive (if LEDs to not have it already applied)
Step 1: Apply the Lights
Choose a location so they will provide lighting where you need it most. I mounted 2, one on the inside left and the other on the right. This way both sides of my bed are illuminated.
I then ran the wires underneath my bedliner to the end of the bed near my tailgate.
Step 2: Connect the Wires to the Running Lights
After you have the tail light off of your truck you can follow these steps-
First you must find which wires complete the running light circuit, this can be done by looking online for your trucks specifications. Or check the user manual, or ask an electrician to have a look.
After those wires are located you need to add the wires we ran from the LEDs to the circuit in parallel. This can be done by connecting each side to one from the running lights as seen in the picture using a 3M T-Tap. The T-Tap essentially splices both wires and presses them together to form a connection.
Repeat all these steps for the other side using the other tail light.
Before you install the tail lights again test the LEDs to ensure they get power. After you have confirmed they perform the way you want, re-install the tail lights.
Step 3: Light Up Your Bed!
Turn those lights on and enjoy the new visibility, or go for a drive at night with that new glow coming from your bed.

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5 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
Maaan. Looks like a wiring diagram might help a little bit....looks cool though! I bet this is really handy.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
The wiring honestly wasn't hard. If you disconnect the wire harness to the tail light and take a current sensor to the connections you can see which ones are getting power that you would aslo like the LEDs to connect to. Hope this helps you and others out. Thanks for commenting and please vote for me if you like my setup.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I was thinking in terms of making it as easy as possible for folks who might not be as well-versed in wiring harnesses, but you're right. It does look really easy. I do like your setup. Voted!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
That is a good point, next time I'll include a diagram of some sort. Hopefully no one has a hard time.
9 years ago on Introduction
I was just thinking about doing something like this the other day, but had no idea how to do it. It looks really easy! Thanks!