I installed a soft tonneau cover about a month ago. I noticed right away that it was almost impossible to see what is in the bed at night (factory lights next to 3rd brake light were blocked by tonneau cover). I read many posts about installing 12v lighting in the bed, but I wanted a simpler solution.

I'd been looking for a battery powered light I could velcro back there, and just turn it on and off as needed. I found something even better. It's a Coleman brand "Tent Light" designed to attach to the inside top of your tent using magnets. I bought it for $9 at the Andrew's AFB Exchange, but Wallyword/Target probably carries it also. It comes with a steel plate, and is designed to be mounted to the tent by holding the plate on the outside, and sandwiching the tent materal between the plate and magnets on the light (sounds complicated, but it's not). It's powered by 4 AA batteries and is plenty bright. It works perfectly on my FX4!

The light is oval-shaped (about 3.5"x6.5") with strong magnets which hold it to the inside bed of my truck. It fits perfectly between the side of the bed and the lip formed next to the tailgate so it is very easy to reach. (sorry I don't have any pictures, my digital camera is MIA). The magnets are plenty strong enough to hold it in place, even through the Line-X bedliner I have. The light is not advertised to be water proof, but I think it could handle a light rain. If I caulked all the joints, it probably could handle a soaking. It's under the tonneau cover anyway, so unless I remove the cover, its good to go.

Just thought I'd share...

 

Hey thanks for the tip! I have the same problem with my bedcover which raises up and blocks the light.

Time to do a little shoppin'

Scott